CALENDAR ISSUE
2026 Each year, the Milwaukee County Zoo and Zoological Society of Milwaukee bring our community together with exciting events, attractions and learning opportunities for all ages. None of it would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
EVENTS
A YEAR IN REVIEW
As we look back on 2026, we celebrate the special moments that made the year unforgettable and the sponsors whose gifts of $2,500 or more helped make them happen.
We are grateful for their partnership.
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1 Family Free Days
JAN.-MARCH, OCT.-DEC.
Sponsored by Tri City National Bank and FOX6
One of the wildest ways to spend a Saturday is at the Zoo! The first Saturdays in the months of October 2025-March 2026, more than 42,000 guests received free admission. Photo by Joel Miller
2 Samson Stomp JAN. 18
Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy
Excited runners and walkers joined us for the 45th annual Samson Stomp 5K! Runners and walkers from ages 3 to 91 came out to support the over 2,400 animals in the Zoo’s care.
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Photo by Joel Miller
3 Puttin’ on the Ritz JAN. 22
Presented by Bridgewood Advisors
Three cheers for a great night at the 29th annual Puttin’ on the Ritz event! An incredible 454 guests raised more than $293,600 in support of the Zoological Society.
Writer and Editor Carolyn Lewis
Graphic Designer Lindsay Campbell
Printer
Walsworth - Ripon
Volume 47, Issue 2 All photos by Carolyn Lewis, unless otherwise noted. On the cover: Amur Tiger Photo by: Carolyn Lewis
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Alive is published by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County, 10005 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226-4383. Subscription is by membership only. Call 414-258-2333 for information or go to zoosociety.org.
4 Egg Day
4
APRIL 4
Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles
Hogs, harbor seals, hyenas and more all joined in on the Egg Day celebrations!
5 Mother’s Day MAY 10
Sponsored by Peoples State Bank
The Zoo is a great place to swing by to celebrate Mom and Grandma. All mothers got in for free! Photo by Michael Grennell
6 Celebrate Diversity
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MAY 16
Presented by Meijer
This unique event highlighted nature’s diversity and focused on increasing connection to both nature and community for all guests who visited. Photo by Joel Miller
7 Powerful Pollinators MAY 20-OCT. 4
Presented by Meijer
What was all the buzz about? Guests were thrilled by the world of pollinators at the Zoo’s Summer Exhibit, discovering animatronic bees, butterflies and more. Photo by Joel Miller
8 Nights in June
7
JUNE 2-4
Sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.®
Only Zoo Pass members get nights like these! Live music, food trucks and free admission to Powerful Pollinators was enjoyed by 14,625 members over three evenings in June.
9 Senior Safari JUNE 16
Presented by Network Health
It’s always a great day to explore the Zoo during Senior Safari! Music, fitness activities and animal chats were enjoyed by guests aged 60 and older. Photo by Joel Miller
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0 Father’s Day JUNE 21
Sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy
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A sweet summer tradition! Father’s Day at the Zoo means all dads and grandpas get free admission.
- Zoo Ball JUNE 27
Co-chaired by Betsy and Jim Olson & Kaye and Mark Kass
What an enchanting night to be together and help raise money for a noble cause! Zoo Ball had 554 guests enjoy a delicious dinner, lively music and iconic animal experiences at the Zoo. We were able to raise $780,000 to support the Society’s mission to Conserve, Educate and Support the Milwaukee County Zoo — and it was all thanks to our Guardians of the Wild Realm!
= $4 on the 4th JULY 4
Presented by Meijer
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The Zoo celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States with $4 on the 4th giving more than 7,500 guests discounted admission. It was a great day to explore the animals at the Zoo native to our country, complete with a Sea to Shining Sea digital scavenger hunt! Photo by Michael Grennell
qKids Nights JULY 13 & 14
Sponsored by Lifeway Kefir
Summer nights just for members, filled with some of Milwaukee’s favorite food vendors, live entertainment and, of course, Zoo animals!
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w Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament JULY 27
Presented by GRAEF
This popular charity golf tournament raised more than $134,000 for the Zoological Society and welcomed 144 golfers to Ozaukee Country Club in Mequon for a day on the green. The 2026 tournament marked a special milestone as we celebrated 10 years of partnership with GRAEF.
e Snooze at the Zoo
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AUG. 13-16
Sponsored by Educators Credit Union
Snooze at the Zoo welcomed 1,363 campers for a memorable weekend of family fun. Campers enjoyed event T-shirts, crafts, activities and, of course, the opportunity to camp at the Zoo!
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r A La Carte at the Zoo AUG. 20-23
Presented by Meijer
40 years of food, music and wild memories! A La Carte at the Zoo celebrated four decades of Milwaukee’s favorite summer tradition with more than 30 local restaurants, live entertainment across six stages and incredible animals from around the world. With something for everyone, over 49,000 guests made memories at this iconic Milwaukee event.
t Ride on the Wild Side SEPT. 20
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Before the Zoo opened, 627 participants zoomed through the Zoo on bicycles and tricycles. New this year were Animal Teams with upgraded, colorful T-shirts to celebrate the completion of Adventure Africa! Photo by Michael Grennell
y Boo at the Zoo
OCT. 16-17 & 23-24
Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy
Wicked family-friendly nights at the Zoo! Boo at the Zoo is like no other Halloween event with trick-or-treat trails, live pumpkin-carving, light shows and animals.
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u Fantastic Forest DEC. 1-31
Sponsored by Hawks Landscape
A holiday stroll through dazzling, donated trees fantastically decorated by Milwaukee-area youth in the Zoological Society’s Trim-A-Tree project.
i Wild Lights
NOV. 21-DEC. 31
Presented by We Energies Foundation
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The 2025 holiday season came to life under the lights! This glowing, immersive event welcomed more than 48,000 guests who enjoyed the festive displays, sparkling atmosphere and seasonal fun throughout its run. Some even brought their four-legged friends to Dogs After Dark, a special evening with tickets just for dogs! Wild Lights will return to dazzle guests in 2026. Photo by Joel Miller
o Frosty Free Week DEC. 26-30
Sponsored by Generac
The 2025 holiday season started to calm down; we welcomed over 15,500 guests to the Zoo for five days of free admission for everyone – the perfect post-holiday treat.
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Regular concession and attraction rates apply.
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EDUCATION p Kohl’s Wild Theater
[ Summer Zoo Camps
We can make a difference! Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, Kohl’s Wild Theater performed at the Zoo and connected with more than 30,000 guests throughout the summer — either through our brand-new, larger-than-life butterfly puppet or engaging, at-habitat educational games.
Summer Zoo Camps brought exceptional animal, environmental and science-based learning opportunities to children, adults and families all summer long.
In partnership with Kohl’s Cares
Alternating between two stages due to construction, KWT welcomed 9,848 guests to free, 15-minute, high-energy shows focused on protecting wildlife and wild places. A brand-new show, “A Rhino’s Role,” debuted to celebrate the return of black rhinos to the Zoo. After the shows, many guests stopped by the Education Station to learn how they can help protect rhinos and other endangered animals.
Sponsored by Penzeys
From toddlers discovering the world of bees, to elementary-age campers exploring animal superpowers, to tweens designing wildlife habitats, campers learned through fun, hands-on experiences. Our programs continue to grow, expanding to include teen programs, family classes and even classes inspired by video games to engage young learners through interests they already love. Our expert education team knows how to share our mission with learners of all ages — helping them develop empathy for wildlife.
Kohl’s Wild Theater brought conservation-themed shows out into our community with a thrilling outreach season from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026. The season reached more than 9,505 people through school visits and community events across southeastern Wisconsin.
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ATTRACTIONS/ VISITOR SERVICES ] Zoo Terrace
Sponsored by Generac
\ Carousel Sponsored by Penzeys
a Safari Train
Sponsored by North Shore Bank Photo by Joel Miller
s Stroller &
Wagon Rentals Sponsored by Wilderness Resort Photo by Joel Miller
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d Flamingo Patio Sponsored by Horicon Bank
f Otter Passage
Sponsored by Modern Woodmen Photo by Joel Miller
g Landmark Landing
Sponsored by Landmark Credit Union
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Additional opportunities to sponsor other Zoo and Zoological Society events, attractions and programs are available. Contact Anne Jedrzejczak, Sponsorship Manager, at annej@zoosociety.org or call 414-918-6185 for more information.
7
18
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
25
17
Samson Stomp**
24
26
19
12
5
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
11
10
31
4
Fine spirits, boxing, gourmet food, auctions, raffles and a casino after-party await at Puttin’ on the Ritz!
MONDAY
3
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
January 2027
27
20
13
6
Photo by Joel Miller
Dress up or dress warm for one of three timed races at the annual Samson Stomp. Run the 5K, 2-mile or 1-mile. Animal costumes welcome!
WEDNESDAY
28
Puttin’ on the Ritz*
21
14
7
THURSDAY
30
23
16
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
29
22
15
8
9
Family Free Day**
Zoo and Society closed
2
New Year’s Day
SATURDAY
1
FRIDAY
Last year, the Milwaukee County Zoo welcomed three scimitar-horned oryx calves: Zaman, Yashi and Yaji! Born with brown coats that lighten with age, these calves are already growing impressive horns — up to 36 inches long for both males and females. Photo by Michael Grennell
Summer Zoo Camp has something for every age, from 0–14! Choose from a few days to weeklong camps, with A.M. or P.M. care addons. Summer is roarsome at Zoo Camp!
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
28
24
22
21
23
17
Presidents’ Day
16
15
Valentine’s Day
10
Summer Zoo Camp Member Registration*
3
WEDNESDAY
14
9
2
TUESDAY
Ash Wednesday
8
1
MONDAY
Ramadan begins at sundown
7
SUNDAY
February 2027
25
18
Hearts & Tails*
11
4
THURSDAY
27
20
13
Lunar New Year
Family Free Day**
6
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
Photo by Joel Miller
The Luzon bleedingheart dove gets its name from the vivid red patch on its breast
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19
12
5
FRIDAY
Chameleons don’t change color to match their background! Their special skin cells relax or tighten to alter light, which changes the color of their skin to help them communicate or hide from predators. Photo by Carolyn Lewis
29
30
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
Easter
28
Purim begins at sundown
31
24
Holi
23
22
Palm Sunday
17
10
3
WEDNESDAY
21
16
Eid al-Fitr begins at sundown
9
2
TUESDAY
St. Patrick’s Day
15
14
MONDAY
Daylight Saving Time begins
8
1
7
SUNDAY
March 2027
25
18
11
4
THURSDAY
Egg Day**
27
20
13
Family Free Day**
6
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
Hop aboard the North Shore Bank Safari Train that transforms into the Bunny Egg-xpress!
Good Friday
26
19
12
5
FRIDAY
Look closely at my hands! Spider monkeys don’t have thumbs like most primates, but their long fingers help them grip branches and swing through the trees with ease. Photo by Carolyn Lewis
MONDAY
TUESDAY
12
19
26
11
18
25
27
20
13
6
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
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This Earth Day, discover how every action can make a difference. Our vision is a world where wildlife and people thrive.
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SUNDAY
April 2027
29
Earth Day
28
22
Passover begins at sundown
Tax Day
15
8
April Fools’ Day
1
THURSDAY
21
14
7
WEDNESDAY
Party for the Planet**
24
17
10
3
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
30
23
16
9
2
FRIDAY
A tortoise’s shell is made of keratin, the same material as our fingernails! And just like we can feel touch on our nails, tortoises can feel through their shells. Photo by Carolyn Lewis
30
24
17
31
Memorial Day
25
18
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
23
Eid al-Adha begins at sundown
16
11
26
19
12
Mother’s Day**
10
5
WEDNESDAY
9
4
Theater with a purpose! Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, Wild Theater performs inside the Zoo.
TUESDAY
Cinco de Mayo
3
MONDAY
Orthodox Easter
2
SUNDAY
May 2027
27
20
13
6
Bring your mama bear to the Zoo — she gets in free on Mother’s Day!
THURSDAY
Summer season starts, including free Wild Theater performances*
29
22
15
8
1
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
28
21
14
7
FRIDAY
Hippos range in weight from 2,200 pounds to 9,900 pounds, with males being significantly larger than females. Their head and body length can reach about 13 feet, and they can stand up to 5 feet tall. Photo by Carolyn Lewis
28
21
29
22
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates. #Zoo Camp Open House is from 1-4 p.m. on June 5 and 2-5 p.m. on June 10
27
Father’s Day**
20
Senior Safari**
Flag Day
Ashura begins at sundown
15
14
13
8
1
TUESDAY
7
Dress up, dine, dance and support wildlife and wild places at Zoo Ball, the Society’s largest fundraiser!
MONDAY
30
23
16
9
2
WEDNESDAY
24
17
Zoo Camp Open House#
10
3
THURSDAY
Zoo Ball*
26
Juneteenth
19
12
Zoo Camp Open House#
Scouting at the Zoo**
5
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
Members-only nights feature live music, food trucks and free admission to the Zoo’s summer exhibit — stay tuned for June dates!
25
18
11
4
FRIDAY
Our Zoo is home to Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers! Of the six tiger subspecies, each is adapted to life in a different habitat. Photo by Joel Miller
6
SUNDAY
June 2027
19
26
18
25
27
20
13
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament*
12
6
Members-only nights let you enjoy the Zoo after hours — and make the most of summer’s best days. Stay tuned for July dates!
Get ready to fall in love with learning at the Zoo. Fall Zoo Class member registration is in July.
5
TUESDAY
Photo by Carolyn Lewis
MONDAY
11
$4 on the Fourth**
Independence Day
4
SUNDAY
July 2027
28
Fall Zoo Class Member Registration*
21
14
7
WEDNESDAY
29
22
15
8
1
THURSDAY
31
24
17
10
3
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
30
23
16
9
2
FRIDAY
Think rhinos are slow and steady? Think again! Zuri, our Eastern black rhino, can reach speeds of up to 34 mph. The fastest human, Usain Bolt, topped out at 27 mph.
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
31
24
25
18
Zoo nights get s’more exciting at Snooze at the Zoo!
27
A La Carte at the Zoo**
26
20
A La Carte at the Zoo**
Snooze at the Zoo*
19
13
Snooze at the Zoo*
6
FRIDAY
12
5
THURSDAY
28
A La Carte at the Zoo**
21
Snooze at the Zoo*
14
7
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
Summer wouldn’t be complete without A La Carte at the Zoo. Enjoy local restaurants, national musical acts and the animals. Mark the calendar!
30
23
22
17
11
4
WEDNESDAY
29
16
15
10
3
TUESDAY
Animal Safari (for animal sponsors)*
9
8
MONDAY
Photo by Carolyn Lewis
A La Carte at the Zoo**
2
1
SUNDAY
August 2027 Both male and female Eastern bongos can have as many as 10–15 white stripes each. Nyeri the bongo’s stripes stand out against her chestnut-brown coat.
MONDAY
27
26
TUESDAY
28
21
14
7
Hop on your bike for Ride on the Wild Side! This adventurous morning bike ride benefits the Zoological Society.
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
20
13
Labor Day
6
19
Ride on the Wild Side*
12
5
SUNDAY
September 2027
29
22
15
8
1
WEDNESDAY
30
23
16
9
2
THURSDAY
25
18
11
4
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
The Zoo is home to Eastern black rhinos, a species that needs our help! Every Zoo visit supports animal conservation.
24
17
10
3
FRIDAY
Why is a giraffe’s neck so long? Scientists aren’t totally sure! It may help giraffes like Marlee reach tasty leaves high up in the trees or give them an extra advantage when keeping watch for danger. Photo by Joel Miller
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
18
25
Yom Kippur begins at sundown
17
24
26
19
12
5
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
31
11
10
Halloween
4
Sample your way through Zoo Brew with beer, food and sweets! It’s a fall event that’s wilder than all the rest.
MONDAY
3
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
October 2027
27
20
13
6
Boo! It’s Halloween time at the Zoo! Trickor-treating, dazzling lights and not-so-scary fun make Boo at the Zoo a family favorite to look forward to.**
WEDNESDAY
Photo by Joel Miller
28
21
Zoo Brew*
14
7
THURSDAY
30
23
16
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
29
22
15
8
9
Family Free Day**
at sundown
2
Rosh Hashanah begins
SATURDAY
1
FRIDAY
Big Cat Country zookeepers make specialized “blood popsicles,” or ice cakes, by freezing blood from the cats’ diet. The cold blocks and hidden meat encourage cheetahs to lick, nudge and investigate.
29
28
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates
30
24
22
21
23
17
16
15
10
3
WEDNESDAY
14
9
Día de los Muertos
Election Day
2
TUESDAY
Spring Zoo Class Member Registration*
8
1
MONDAY
Daylight Saving Time ends
7
SUNDAY
November 2027
We’re thankful every day for those protecting wildlife and wild places. Every action — big or small — helps create a brighter future for them all!
Zoo and Society closed
Thanksgiving
25
18
Veterans Day
11
4
THURSDAY
27
20
13
Family Free Day**
6
SATURDAY
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates
Get curious, get hands-on and discover the animal world with Zoo Classes this spring.
26
Wild Lights runs on select dates in November and December**
19
12
5
FRIDAY
Red pandas are built for treetop living! Their thick undercoat and fluffy guard hairs help keep them warm, while their tails help with balance as they climb trees. Photo by Carolyn Lewis
6
13
20
27
12
19
26
28
21
14
7
*Zoological Society of Milwaukee event: visit zoosociety.org for updates.
Kwanzaa
MONDAY
Your Zoo Pass membership includes discounts on tickets to festive Wild Lights evenings at the Zoo!
5
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
December 2027
29
22
15
30
23
16
9
Wild Lights runs on select dates**
8
2
Fantastic Forest begins*
THURSDAY
1
WEDNESDAY
Christmas Day Zoo and Society closed
Hanukkah begins at sundown
**Milwaukee County Zoo event: visit milwaukeezoo.org for updates.
Wild Lights and Fantastic Forest end
New Year’s Eve
31
25 Christmas Eve
18
11
Family Free Day**
4
SATURDAY
24
17
10
3
FRIDAY
Native to the savannas and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, you have likely seen a version of the red-billed hornbill before when watching movies! The character Zazu from “The Lion King” was modeled after the red-billed hornbill. Photo by Carolyn Lewis
2027 CALENDAR DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY
Zoological Society of Milwaukee 10005 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226-4383
PAID
Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 4073
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
Photo by Carolyn Lewis
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