GET IN THE HOLIDAY MOOOD
Don’t miss out on this year’s holiday ornament featuring Trinity, the Scottish Highland cow. Each year the Zoological Society picks an animal to feature as an ornament, and this year, for the first time, we are honoring one of the animals inside the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm.
Trinity is 13 years old and came to the Milwaukee County Zoo in 2015. You can see Trinity in her habitat with Carnation, the Belted Galloway cow. Highland cows have horns that are used to help them forage for food during the winter and uniquely shaggy coats to keep them warm in the cold climates.
This year’s ornament showcases Trinity’s long hair and horns. Local artist Andy Schumann handcrafts each year’s ornament in clay before turning the mold into a beautiful pewter ornament. This is the 33rd ornament in the Society’s collection. Each ornament is $16 including tax, shipping and handling. Visit zoosociety.org/ornaments for a look at available options.
DEC 1-24 26-31
MEMBERANDA
Zoo hours: Nov. 1-Feb. 28: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends. Closed on Nov. 28, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Zoological Society office hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Society Office holiday hours:
The Zoological Society offices will be closed on Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving, on Dec. 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Years. The office will remain open from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on December 24. Visit us online at zoopass.com anytime.
Payment information at Zoo admission gates: The Milwaukee County Zoo staff does not accept checks for Zoo Pass purchases or renewal payments at the Zoo’s admission gates. Please contact our office, at 414-258-2333, if you would like to schedule a time to pick up or purchase a Zoo Pass or Sponsor an Animal gift package.
Tax-deductible portions for the Zoo Pass categories are:
• Individual (Basic: $95, Plus: $111)
• Individual +1 or Couple (Basic: $110, Plus: $125)
Individual +2, Family and Single Adult Family (Basic: $120, Plus: $140)
• Family +1 (Basic $135, Plus: $149)
• Family +2 (Basic: $146, Plus: $158)
Family +3 (Basic: $162, Plus: $176)
• Affiliate (Basic: $194, Plus: $197)
• Benefactor (Basic: $258, Plus: $260)
A gift Zoo Pass is fully tax deductible for the donor.
Reciprocal Zoos and Aquariums: We update our list of zoos and aquariums that offer reduced or free admission to our members with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums each year. We only reciprocate with AZA-accredited facilities and reserve the right to not reciprocate with zoos and aquariums located within close proximity of the Milwaukee County Zoo. Please be sure to contact the Zoo you plan to visit to confirm reciprocity.
Moving? Please call us when you change your address or name. The call saves us money because when the post office returns your mail with a forwarding address, we pay twice for mailing: to the old address and the new. If you’ve changed your address on your identification, replacement Zoo Pass cards may be purchased with the new information for $5.
A FOREST OF COMMUNITY CHEER
Fantastic Forest Sponsored by Hawks Landscape 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
For many people, there are two things that come to mind when thinking of the holidays: tradition and coming together. Those ideas are shared by the Zoological Society, as we have our tradition of bringing the community together to create a Fantastic Forest. This event allows local youth groups to handmake animal-themed ornaments and then use them to decorate trees inside the Zoo. Around 70 youth groups from throughout the community will help bring holiday cheer to the Zoo this season through their creative ornaments.
The trees will be located inside the U.S. Bank Gathering Place throughout December, serving as the perfect starting point for the Zoo’s holiday light display across the park. You could go from seeing your favorite animals as small, handcrafted ornaments inside, to then seeing them as larger than life light displays outside. The Fantastic Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for local youth to learn more about animals, unleash their creativity, showcase their work and bring the community together.
Limited spaces are still available. If you are interested in signing up your youth group or learning more about the Fantastic Forest, visit zoosociety.org/ trim-a-tree.
A WILD WINTER WONDERLAND
Wild Lights
Presented by We Energies Foundation Nov. 30, Dec. 4, 6-7, 11, 13-14, 18-23, 26-31
5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Starting Nov. 30, the winter nights will feature a different type of bright and colorful display that dazzles guests. The one-mile walk includes several themed zones that will bring joy and wonder to the hearts of young and old alike. Enjoy a winter woodland ride on the North Shore Bank Safari Train or pick your favorite animal to ride on the Penzeys Carousel (weather depending).
Cheers!
Sponsored by North Shore Bank Dec 5 & 12
5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Wild Lights Drive Thru Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Back once again this winter Wild Lights Drive Thru! Enjoy a cozy drive through the Zoo and enjoy the lights from the comfort of your vehicle. These designated nights are just for vehicles, but there will be opportunities for you to pull over and buy a snack or beverage. And don’t forget to enjoy the holiday music while you drive through the Zoo! Admission is per vehicle, not number of passengers.
BUY ONLINE TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY! Prices vary depending on the night you attend. Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members receive a 20% discount online with the code holiday and member ID. Discount must be applied at time of purchase.
Tickets are on sale now at milwaukeezoo.org
The Zoo is always a perfect place for the family to have a day of fun. But on these dates, adults ages 21 and older will have the chance to spend a nice night out together at this special version of Wild Lights. In addition to the glimmering light displays around the Zoo, there will be specialty cocktails and food for sale, along with entertainment. These two nights are only for adults 21 and older. (Member discount does not apply to Cheers! nights.)
Wild Lights Zones
ANIMALS WANT GIFTS TOO
When you’re making your holiday lists and checking them twice, there’s someone you should not forget about — your favorite Zoo animals! Yes, even animals need gifts this holiday season, and you can find the perfect gift by checking out the Giving Tree inside the U.S. Bank Gathering Place this December. The Giving Tree is decorated with paper ornaments featuring animal enrichment items requested by zookeepers. Enrichment helps enhance all aspects of the animals’ wellbeing by specifically addressing the needs of each species, ranging from behavioral or
environmental needs to physical and psychological needs and more. Along with specific ideas, other gift options include gift cards so the zookeepers can get what the animals need year-round.
COME CHILL OUT AT THE ZOO
Frosty Free Week
Sponsored by Generac
Give your wallet a post-holiday break and take a trip to the Zoo during Frosty Free Week! For five days in a row, the gates will be open to all visitors with a special holiday gift — free admission for everyone! (Parking, concession, and attraction fees still apply.)
This is the Zoo’s way of giving a special holiday “thank you” to all of the wonderful members of our community for their patronage throughout the year. Enjoy this opportunity to walk around the Zoo and see your favorite feathery, scaly, slimy or furry animals. And be sure to say, “Hi!” to some of the Zoo’s cold-weather lovers like the Harbor Seals, the snow leopards and the Amur tigers.
CELEBRATING THE SOCIETY’S SUPPORTERS
On Sept. 26, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee brought together some of its most generous supporters for a night of celebration and appreciation. Members of the Platypus and Serengeti Circles, capital campaign donors, Board members and County leaders gathered to celebrate major milestones and each other. In addition to an entertaining evening to thank all the guests, the Society handed out awards to some worthy recipients.
Derek Tyus, the Society’s current board chair, was awarded the Emu Egg — the Society’s highest honor — for his important work since joining the board in 2017.
Meijer was honored with the Loxodonta africana Award for being a long-time sponsor of A La Carte and Zoo Expeditions, as well as supporting the Society’s fall and spring educational classes.
The Jerome J. and Dorothy H. Holz Family Foundation was presented with the Panthera leo Award as thanks for being a major supporter of the Society and the Zoo for almost three decades, including their support of our two most recent capital campaigns.
Molson Coors received the Pan paniscus Award in recognition of their decades-long generous support, including a matching grant for the recent Annual Appeals that have funded programs like Pat Gives Back.
Photo by Olga Kornienko
Photos by Garrett Hopkins
A ZOO PASS IS THE G.O.A.T. OF GIFTS
Feeling the pressure to get that perfect gift? We think a Zoo Pass is the greatest Gift Of All Time! Whether it’s a gift you give someone or one you ask for, a Zoo Pass lasts for 12 months! And when you buy a new gift, you’ll get a plush-toy goat.
Why is a Zoo Pass the G.O.A.T.?
You get free regular admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo for 12 months. A family pass pays for itself after two visits! That’s a lot of value.
Want to ride the train or carousel? We have you covered. A Zoo Pass comes with coupons electronically loaded onto your card and can be used for the North Shore Bank Safari Train, Penzeys Carousel or the Zoo’s 2025 summer exhibit. New Zoo Passes come with 4 coupons.
Other benefits include:
• Discounted or free admission to 150 zoos and aquariums
• Discounts and priority registration for certain events and all Zoo Classes/Camps
• Invitations to members-only events
• Plus, Zoo Pass gift purchases are tax deductible!
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PENGUIN PARENTS
Prepare to meet the perfect penguin pair! This winter, you can sponsor two of the Zoo’s beloved Humboldt penguins — Houdini and Anke — with our limited-time animal sponsorship offer.
Houdini (who can be identified by a gray band on his right wing) is 22 years old and was born and raised right here at the Zoo!
can often see him as an ambassador penguin at special events. Houdini’s mate, Anke (identified by a gray band on her left wing), is 28 years old and came a long way before reaching Milwaukee. She was originally from Germany, and she came to Milwaukee from the Portland Zoo. Anke and Houdini have had one chick together, Mariano, and have been excellent foster parents by helping raise Anchovy, Daisy, River and Sulley!
Nyeri the new female bongo calf was named after a town in Africa in the mountains where bongo are still found, and the ‘Ny’ naming is similar to her mother’s, Nyota!
HELLO, MY NAME IS …
What Zoo animals’ names do you know? Maybe you know Tommy or Alex the orangutans, or perhaps the elephants, Brittany, Ruth and Belle. If you look closely at the Milwaukee County Zoo, you might notice that some habitats feature interpretive signage revealing an animal’s name. Naming animals is a key part of fostering empathy. “Framing an animal as an individual allows for repeated connections, helping visitors notice new behaviors about them and build empathy,” says Kelsey Raffel, interpretive content manager at the Zoological Society.
Zookeepers witness the unique personalities of their animals during training, downtime or enrichment. While guests may not always consider an animal’s personality, knowing their name can change that perspective, offering insights into both the species and the individual. Many animal care teams may have input when it comes to animals who need naming, which can lead to some endearing naming stories. Here are some you may not know:
Dash the red panda got his name because his paperwork from another zoo only had dashes in the name section.
Dr. Erin Curry (red panda) is named after the Cincinnati Zoo staff scientist who tracked her birth, and Dr. Lily Parkinson, her first cub, was named after a Zoo vet who was here at the time!
Kashtan, an Amur tiger, was named after the Russian word for ‘chestnut.’ Sheri Robb-Guay, area supervisor for Big Cat Country, mentions that “Everyone loves Kash — it’s impossible not to! I feel like everyone knows his name. They’ll [guests] often ask about an animal’s name, and then want to know their story, background and personality.”
All the cows at the Zoo know and respond to their names! One of the calves born this summer is named Archie which is a popular name in the Isle of Jersey, where Jersey cattle come from.
As the Zoo plans for future habitats, like the renovated Humboldt penguin habitat, Raffel recalls how colorcoded wing bands help guests identify individual penguins. “Naming gives people an opportunity to spend time and observe animals more closely, seeing behaviors they might miss if they viewed them as a group.”.
The impala are named after spices: Basil, Ginger, Paprika and a few more!
Names can even disarm perceptions. Melissa Spreda, supervisor at the Aquatic & Reptile Center, notes, “It’s disarming to name them something unexpected, making potentially scary animals more approachable.”
Even fish have names, like Yellow the Arapaima, named after his training target. For example, a timber rattlesnake named Old Man is the oldest snake in the building.
LEAVE THE LEAVES
During the spring, you may have helped support key pollinators by participating in No Mow May. Now during the late fall and winter, these pollinators can use your support again. The Leave the Leaves initiative aims to help key pollinators by allowing the natural cover and protection to stay in place for pollinators to survive through the winter months. Here’s how you can help!
• Leave the leaves where they fall: Don’t rake up the leaves in your yard! By allowing them to remain in place, you are providing critically important shelter for pollinators — like fire flies and bumble bees — while they overwinter. Plus, allowing the leaves to decay in place helps form a natural mulch that can suppress weeds and amend your soil to support water retention.
• Move leaves into garden beds: Still
• Monitor storm drains in your road: Make sure leaves don’t clog the storm drains on your road. When leaves block up storm drains, that can lead to runoff and pollute our waterways.
• Spread the word: Tell your friends and family about the benefits of leaving the leaves. Along with supporting key pollinators and reinvigorating your yard, leaving the leaves also helps reduce greenhouse gases. When leaves are raked up and placed in bags, they will not have enough oxygen to decompose and will contribute to the release of methane.
THE ZOO IS FOR THE TREES TOO
The Zoo is well known for being the home to a wide-ranging and colorful menagerie of animals. But what you may not know is that the Zoo is home to an equally diverse population of trees!
According to Ryan Fenley, Zoo forestry supervisor, this summer the Zoo began placing signs along the walking paths that will help guests identify some of the unique trees around them. So far five signs have been planted around the Zoo, with plans for more to be placed in the future.
• Ginkgo (native to eastern Asia) — Located near the Humboldt penguin habitat.
The black square signs display the name of the tree as well as an image of what its leaves look like.
“Not all trees with signs are native to Wisconsin. Often trees are selected for their attractive features like fall color or peeling bark,” Fenley said. “However, even if these trees are non-native, they have proven to be able to survive in Wisconsin’s climate.”
So, if you keep a careful eye out, you might see these trees around the Zoo:
• Sugar Maple (native to northeastern and midwestern United States) — Located along path between Aquatic & Reptile Center and North American badger habitat.
• Northern Red Oak (native to eastern and parts of midwestern United States) — Located along the path north of Northwestern Mutual Family Farm.
• Tricolor European Beech (native to central and southern Europe) — Located outside Peck Welcome Center.
• Sweet Gum (native to southeastern United States) — located between North Shore Bank Safari Train station and Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center.
STAYING HAPPY THROUGH CONSTRUCTION
Work is well underway at the Zoo on Phase III of Adventure Africa, where a brand new outdoor rhino habitat and indoor habitat for rhinos and hippos are set to open in Fall 2025. As the construction has been progressing, guests were still able to visit the Zoo’s beloved hippos — Patti and Happy — while they were outdoors during the summer months.
Zookeepers always have a watchful eye on the animals and during construction it’s no different. Joan Stasica, giraffe/ hippo area supervisor, says the zookeepers had a solid plan to provide enrichment and distractions for the hippos, and most importantly developed a consistent routine that has helped mitigate any stress that they may have. Along with this work, there are also other staff and volunteers that have been closely monitoring and observing
the hippos to keep an eye on how the construction could affect them. Despite the heavy machinery and construction teams near their space, the hippos and other nearby animals seem fairly unphased.
Once the project is completed next year, Stasica said she is looking forward to seeing how the hippos will enjoy the new indoor habitat that will provide them with more space and a new pool, while also allowing guests to visit them year round.
The renovated habitat for the Humboldt penguins is almost here! They have been living behind-thescenes since construction began on their habitat back in the spring, but they are scheduled to return to public viewing early this winter. Get ready to welcome back the Humboldt penguins and see their exciting improved habitat!
We know you’re excited about our classes, and we want to make your child’s educational experience rewarding. Please read and familiarize yourself with the important information and policies on the last page.
STROLLER SAFARI
Age infant–2 with one adult
$20 Zoo Pass members
$30 non-members
Stroll through the Zoo on these guided tours designed specifically for one-on-one learning time for you and your child! Programs feature songs, puppets, stories and more. We recommend wearing close-toed shoes, warm clothing and bringing your stroller along. All classes begin in the atrium of the Conservation Education building. Tours take place outside rain or shine.
RED, BLUE & YELLOW, TOO
Discover the sounds and colors of birds at the Zoo’s bird building. From blackand-white penguins to blue-and-yellow starlings, there are so many colors to see! Hear the squawk of the rhinoceros hornbill and learn a finger-play to practice color recognition with your little “chick.”
8:45-9:45 a.m.
Feb. 7, 8, 9, 12, 20, 23
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Feb. 8, 9, 12, 23
STRIPES, SPOTS OR SOLIDS?
Let’s go exploring to find our feline friends! Visit the big cats (and one that is small) as we have some furry fun. Practice pattern recognition, read a tiger book and learn a lion lullaby you can sing with your little “cub.”
8:45-9:45 a.m.
10:15-11:15 a.m. Mar. 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19
Mar. 8, 14, 15, 16, 19
TRUNKS, TONGUES & TOES
Take a stroll as we visit some of the largest animals in the Zoo. Sing and rhyme as we learn about the long trunk of the elephant, the purple tongue of the giraffe and the huge toes of the hippo. Can you help your little “calf” find their nose, toes and tongue, too?
STROLLER SAFARI: SIBLING EDITION! NEW!
Special Stroller Safari sessions designed for families with children ages infant-5 attending together with a maximum of 2 adults per family. See class descriptions on this page.
RED, BLUE & YELLOW, TOO
COWS
AGE 2
$30 Zoo Pass members
$40 non-members with one adult
Get “moo-ving” to the Zoo to learn about our farm friend, the cow. Play with cow puppets and milk a pretend cow in our classroom barn. Then, make your own cow costume before we head over to the Zoo’s dairy barn to visit the cows.
8:45-9:45 a.m.
Jan. 23, 25, 26, 29 Feb. 2, 6, 14, 22
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Jan. 25, 26 Feb. 2, 22
ZOO CAROUSEL
One, two, three, four! Join us in our colorful classroom to practice counting. Read a counting book and make a crazy carousel animal you can pretend to ride. Then, “round and round and round we’ll go” as we take a ride on the Penzeys Carousel.
8:45-9:45 a.m.
Apr. 11, 12, 18, 23, 26, 27 May 1, 10
AGE 3
$37 Zoo Pass members
$47 non-members with one adult
LIONS ... ROAR!
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Apr. 12, 18, 26, 27 May 1, 10
Leap into our African savanna classroom to learn more about lions! Stalk and pounce like a lion in your lion costume. Then, prowl over to the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country to see the Zoo’s pride of lions.
8:45-10:15 a.m.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 7, 8, 13, 19, 21, 22, 23
Feb. 15 Apr. 13
8:45-9:45 a.m. OR 10:15-11:15 a.m.
TRUNKS, TONGUES & TOES
8:45-9:45 a.m. OR 10:15-11:15 a.m.
FURRY & FEATHERY FUN
Take a texture trek in search of mammals & birds. Find out where the Zoo’s feathery peacocks may sleep at night, what time of year the furry alpacas receive their haircuts, and how wild jaguars use their tails to catch a meal. Let’s practice animal classification for the very young in a fun and silly way!
8:45-9:45 a.m.
10:15-11:15 a.m.
May 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 15 May 3, 4, 9, 10, 15
Feb. 8, 19, 21, 22, 23
ENORMOUS ELEPHANTS
Have tons of fun learning about the Zoo’s largest animal, the elephant! Create an elephant costume with enormous ears, a long trunk and a fly-swatting tail. Practice moving like an elephant and then stomp over to see the Zoo’s elephant herd.
8:45-10:15 a.m.
Mar. 14, 15, 20, 22, 26 Apr. 4, 5
SEALS & SEA LIONS
Explore our ocean classroom to learn the differences between seals and sea lions. Create your own sea lion costume and hunt for fish in a kelp forest. Splash into the Zoo to learn how zookeepers work with the seals and then watch them in action!
Mar. 15, 20, 22, 26 Apr. 4, 5 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
“This is the best day ever!” – Class Participant
Apr. 25, 27
May 3, 4, 8, 14, 16 8:45-10:15 a.m.
AGES 4 & 5
$45 Zoo Pass members
$55 non-members child only or with one adult
Sign up your child for a child-only class or attend with your child in a with adult class.
GLOBETROTTING
Journey through the jungle, dive into the ocean and search the savanna as we learn about some amazing creatures that call these places home. Travel around the classroom in search of food for different animals and then create your own passport to collect animal stickers on our expedition through the Zoo!
Child Only
9:15-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 14, 15, 16 Feb. 14, 15 1-3:15 p.m.
JUNIOR VET
Enter our animal-hospital classroom with your favorite stuffed animal from home to practice the jobs of a veterinarian and create your own vet kit. Visit the Zoo’s Animal Health Center to peek into a real exam room and learn how animals are cared for at the Zoo.
Child Only
9:15-11:30 a.m.
Apr. 4, 5, 6 Apr. 4, 5, 6 1-3:15 p.m.
With an Adult
9:15-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30 Feb. 2, 5, 9
1-3:15 p.m.
Jan. 25, 26 Feb. 2, 9
ANIMAL BABIES
With an Adult
9:15-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 28
Mar. 2, 5, 8, 9, 13, 16, 21, 22
1-3:15 p.m.
Mar. 2, 8, 16, 22
Child Only
9:15-11:30 a.m.
1-3:15 p.m.
How big is a newborn koala? How tall is a baby giraffe? Find out these answers and more as we learn fun facts about animal babies and their families. Create an animal-baby memory game. Then head into the Zoo to see if we can spot any new arrivals May 2, 3, 4 May 2, 3
With an Adult
9:15-11:30 a.m.
Apr. 25, 26
May 9, 10 13, 17
1-3:15 p.m.
Apr. 26
May 9, 10, 17
AGES 6 & 7 AND 8 & 9
$55 non-members child only
$45 Zoo Pass members
ZOOKEEPER: BIG CATS
How do you care for a 400-pound cat? Verrrry carefully! Visit Big Cat Country to view these fantastic felines up close – and meet some of the smaller creatures that call these big cats neighbors. Get hands-on experience practicing care and enrichment for these majestic felines and learn what it takes to be a zookeeper for such powerful animals. This is the purr-fect class for anyone interested in cats or zookeeping!
Ages 6 & 7
9:15-11:45 a.m.
Jan. 26
Feb. 2, 8, 9
1–3:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 Feb. 8
ANIMALS OF THE AMAZON
SEEKING: Daring adventurers ready to explore the Amazon River and rainforest! Journey to see the Zoo’s anacondas, poison dart frogs and more. Then, discover animals that lurk in the water or make their home in the treetops. Learn how thousands of different species coexist to call the Amazon Rainforest home in one of the most diverse places on the planet!
Ages 8 & 9
9:15-11:45 a.m.
Feb. 15
1–3:30 p.m.
Feb. 9, 15
BARNYARD TALES
9:15-11:45 a.m.
Ages 6 & 7 Apr. 12, 26, 27 Apr. 13, 26 1–3:30 p.m.
March 2, 9, 15
9:15-11:45 a.m.
Giddy on over to meet the inhabitants of the Family Farm and learn the ins and outs of a farmer’s day. Join us to gain an understanding about the food we eat and why Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland. From the friendly dairy cows, the bustling chickens, to the working cats, this class is sure to be a-moo-zing! March 8, 15 1–3:30 p.m.
1–3:30 p.m.
Ages 8 & 9 Apr. 13
Mar. 8
Ages 6 & 7 Mar. 2
Ages 8 & 9
9:15-11:45 a.m.
Photo by Garrett Hopkins
Carolyn Lewis
SPRING BREAK CLASSES
AGES 6-9
$150 Member
STEAM STAYCATION CAMP
Join us during Spring Break for two fun-filled days where we will learn, create and imagine around the Zoo! Campers will use art and science to gain a deeper understanding of their favorite animals at the Zoo. This camp will be divided into 2 groups, generally by age. If you would like your child to be in the same group as another child, please email education@zoosociety.org with your request and we will do our best to accommodate.
Attention Homelearners!
AGES 6-10
$100 Zoo Pass members
$120 non-members child only
O.W.L.S.: OBSERVANT WILD LEARNER SQUAD!
Become a wild learner in our once-a-week, for 4-week series. Classes will develop curiosity, create empathy and encourage healthy social skills. With the same students each week, we’ll build community as we explore and learn together.
OWLS: OBSERVANT WILD LEARNER SQUAD | CONSERVATION CADETS
During Conservation Cadets, you’ll become a Wildlife Detective! In this exciting class, kids will explore conservation fieldwork right on Zoo grounds. Our young adventurers will set up camera traps, identify scat samples and examine footprints. Through hands-on activities and detective work, kids will discover the importance of conservation and how they can help protect wildlife! Choose the A.M. or P.M. session.
1-2:30 p.m.
AGE 10-14
$55 non-members child only
CONSERVATION CONUNDRUM
Heads I win, tails you lose! Let’s argue about conservation — not by yelling but by learning! We’ll examine a conservation topic, tour the Zoo for a fact-finding mission and debate to find a solution. Our conundrum this time is about pests; are chemical controls helping us or harming them?
#WhoIsBuggingWho?
9:15-11:45 a.m.
Mar. 16 Apr. 6
FAMILY CLASS
$45 Zoo Pass Members
ANIMAL TRAINING ANDENRICHMENT
Show me your foot, turn around, stand on one leg, stick out your tongue. Did you know many zoo animals can follow these directions when asked by zookeepers? These are not tricks to entertain; these are techniques to keep animals healthy and to enrich their lives. Go behind the scenes to learn the inside story about how we train our animals and what we do to keep them happy!
9:15-11:45 a.m.
Jan. 25 Feb. 16
$30 non-members all ages
$20 Zoo Pass members
While we welcome family members of all ages, the content of this class is intended for children ages 3-14. Minimum of two registrants required and must include one adult (18 years or older) and one child. Children under the age of 1 are free to attend and do not need to be registered.
ZOOPER SCIENCE!
Questions, hypotheses and experiments. Become scientists and pique your curiosity with science activities about the natural world and the animals that live in it! The result? A reaction of fun!
Feb. 22, 23
WHO LAID THAT EGG?
Piranha, penguin, python and platypus. What do these animals have in common? They all start out as eggs! Piece together clues to discover some of the world’s strangest egg-laying, or oviparous, animals. Egg-splore the Zoo, create s ome egg-cellent crafts, and join in on some egg-citing activities to learn how animals protect and care for their eggs!
BIRDING YOUR ZOO
$15 Zoo Pass members $25 non-members
Join us for feather-filled family fun at your Zoo! Did you know that “bird” is also a verb? Birding, or looking for birds, is a fantastic way to support conservation efforts in your community. Learn how to get started with birding as a family and join us on a simulated journey to Belize and back, experiencing the life of a migratory songbird who participates in our Wild Birds Program.
9:15-10:15
9:15-11:30 a.m. Jan. 25 Feb. 16, 22 1-3:15 p.m. May 17 May 17
Photo by Carolyn Lewis
Register Online at Zoosociety.org/spring
Member online registration begins November 6 at 9 a.m.
Non-member registration begins November 13 at 9 a.m.
GENERAL CLASS POLICIES
• Participants must be the appropriate age for a given class and no unregistered children may attend (including siblings). Please call Education prior to registration with any requests for age exceptions.
• If your child is attending a child-only class, an adult (18 years or older) must check the child in and provide the following information: emergency phone number, allergies/medications and names of adults authorized for pickup.
• Only authorized adults with valid identification may pick up children.
• In addition, please do not meet or follow your child’s group into the Zoo, as this is a distraction to the educational experience.
ANTICIPATE ENTRANCE GATE LINES
The time required to enter the Zoo can vary greatly. Please plan to arrive early and check your confirmation email for entry instructions. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
CANCELLATIONS & REIMBURSEMENT
You Cancel – If you’re unable to attend class, call at least 3 days before the class date and we will try to reschedule your child for another available date this season. We do not issue refunds; however, you can offer your child’s class to a friend of the same age.
We Cancel – The Conservation Education Department reserves the right to cancel classes. We will attempt to reschedule, accommodate your child in another class or process a reimbursement. For weather-related cancellations, check our website, refer to local news stations or call 414-258-5058
IT’S THE SEASON FOR GIVING
Time is running out to support Pat’s Paws for a Cause! There’s only a month left to help make a difference this year. The holiday season is a time of giving, and one of the best ways to give back to the planet is through Pat’s Paws for a Cause.
Pat the Cat was a wild jaguar in Belize that was suspected of killing cattle on farms. He was taken in by the Belize Zoo as part of their human-jaguar conflict program. He was unable to be returned to the wild, so he was eventually brought to the Milwaukee County Zoo. Pat helped bring together MCZ and the Belize Zoo, which led to the creation of the Pat Gives Back program to help with on-theground conservation efforts in Belize.
By making a donation today, you will help in our efforts to save and protect jaguars and other wild animals in Belize, lead more conservation efforts in Belize to help humans and jaguars safely coexist, and train local zookeepers in Belize.
To learn more about the program and make a donation today, go to zoosociety.org/PatGivesBack.
At the annual Pat Gives Back Keeper Workshop, zookeepers at the Belize Zoo participated in a tapir training session to help build trust with the animals.
FREE FAMILY FUN
Family Free Days 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Tri City National Bank and FOX6
A trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo is a great way to spend any day. You know what’s even better? A free day at the Zoo! Family Free Days are some of the best days of the year, as everyone will receive free admission to the Zoo on the first Saturday of November and December (Parking, concession, and attraction fees still apply*). So, load up the car and come on down to the Zoo to see all your favorite furry, feathery, scaly and slimy animals. *Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members get free parking.
Humboldt penguins weigh 8-12 pounds.
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HAPPENING WHAT’S
Enjoy holiday lights while walking, driving or as an adult night out. Details on page 4.
Nov. 2
Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*
Nov. 6
Zoo Pass member registration for Spring Zoo Classes begins
Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Day, Zoo closed.
Nov. 30- Dec. 31; Closed Dec. 2,9,16,24,25
Wild Lights, presented by We Engergies Foundation (pre-register for a member discount)
Dec. 5 & 12
Cheers!, sponsored by North Shore Bank - 21+ night at Wild Lights
Dec. 1-31
Fantastic Forest, sponsored by Hawks Landscape
Dec. 7
Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*
Dec. 25
Christmas Day, Zoo closed.
Dec. 26-30
Frosty Free Week, sponsored by Generac*
Jan. 1
New Year’s Day, Zoo closed. Jan. 4
Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*
Jan. 19
Samson Stomp and Romp, sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy (pre-register)
*Zoo Pass members get free regular Zoo admission with their Zoo Pass. Those with Zoo Pass Plus also get free parking for one vehicle per membership per day. Platypus Circle members receive free admission and parking with their card.
