Racine Zoo Celebrates 100th Anniversary

2023 is a big year for Racine Zoo—the Zoo is turning 100! Jacob Stoffel, Jr.'s dream for a zoo in Racine became a reality in 1923. President of the Park Commission and soon to be the Racine Zoological Society's first director, Stoffel gave the Zoo a start by presenting the Park Board with a pair of deer in February 1923 and three monkeys in March 1923 to be housed at Horlick Park (also known as Island Park). The fun began that summer as the Zoo opened to the public with lots of visitors! In August 1923, donations of funds and animals increased and the Zoo moved to Lakeview Park The Racine Zoological Society was then formed in 1924 as a financial support organization for the Zoo and the Zoo became a nonprofit. By 1925, the Zoo moved to its current location along the beautiful lakefront .

A primary building was needed as a winter shelter, so construction of the Vanishing Kingdom building began in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project

Completed in 1939, the structure still stands today. In the early 1990s, the Racine Zoological Society undertook a capital campaign to renovate the building

In 1984, the Kiwanis Memorial Amphitheatre was added to the Zoo's eastern perimeter The nationally recognized Animal Crackers Concert Series has provided entertainment from this unique lakeside venue since the summer of 1987.

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights, also known as the Wheary Lights, is a holiday light display held annually at Racine Zoo between midNovember and early January. Originally created in 1962 by George and Jessie Mae Wheary at their home in North Bay, the display moved to Monument Square in 1982 and has been held at the Zoo since 1985.

The Racine Zoo became an accredited member of the AAZPA (American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums), now known as AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums), in 1986. The Zoo is still accredited to this day and is held to the highest standards in the zoological field.

In honor of this monumental birthday celebration, Racine Zoo is looking back on 100 years of cherished moments Nostalgic memories come to mind, such as ice skating on the Zoo Pond or attending Safari Day Many guests recall visiting the Zoo with their parents at a young age and now bring their own children to the Zoo. The Zoo hosts longstanding events of over 30 years including the Animal Crackers Concert Series and the Car Show that are still taking place to this day . The Zoo has a long history in the Racine area and is considered a community treasure for many in southeastern Wisconsin The Racine Zoo has created a timeline of highlighted events on their website that shares a century of growth through the development of immersive exhibits, compelling guest experiences, and unyielding commitment to saving wildlife.

Beth Heidorn proudly serves as the Executive Director of The Racine Zoo. “It is with enormous pride that I serve as the Executive Director during this incredible milestone There has been so much accomplished over these many years in making the Racine Zoo what it is today, and I’m honored to be leading this tremendous organization. The Racine Zoo is fully committed to doing our part in continuing to provide the best care for our amazing animals, providing educational opportunities for the children and families of southeastern Wisconsin, and providing safe and fun activities, programs, and events for all ages!”

Racine Zoo encourages the community to share their fondest memories at the Zoo Photos and stories can be sent to info@racinezoo org with a date and description of media, if possible . These photos and stories may be featured on the Zoo’s centennial website, social media platforms, or around the grounds as the celebration continues throughout the year.

The Zoo will be celebrating all year long, but the biggest celebration will be from 10am to 10pm on Wednesday, July 5, around the same time the Zoo opened in 1923. The day will include a multitude of festivities for guests to enjoy and the community to be involved with. More information can be found at the Zoo’s website, racinezoo.org.

In addition to the Centennial Celebration, Racine Zoo will be busy hosting events all summer long. Monday, June 19 is the annual golf tournament, A Round for Rhinos Saturday, July 8 is Margarita Fest from 1pm to 4pm The Zoo’s 28th Annual Cigar Dinner is Thursday, July 20 from 5pm to 10pm . The 27th Annual Car, Truck, & Bike Show is taking place Sunday, August 20 from 10am to 5pm. Whiskers & Whiskey will be Saturday, August 26 from 6pm to 9pm. The 36th Annual Animal Crackers Concert Series will be July 12 with Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience, July 26 with Mindi Abair, August 9 with Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, and August 23 with Steely Dane with doors opening at 5:30pm and the shows starting at 7pm. And there are more! Visit the Zoo’s website to see the full list of upcoming events .

Whether you stop by for a visit with the penguins, to feed the giraffes, or to join the Zoo for one of their many events, there’s something for everyone at the Zoo!