ALL ABOARD A YEAR OF FUN
Back by popular demand, we are hosting a Golden Ticket contest for the North Shore Bank Safari Train. Thanks to North Shore Bank, the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society, one lucky winner will get a ticket good for free rides every time the train is running through May 2026. Because we don’t want you to ride alone, the winner will get three more tickets for their family members. This Golden Ticket will be good for a train ride during regular Zoo hours but also during special events like Nights in June, sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier S.C., Kids Nights and Boo at the Zoo, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy.
If you are a Zoo Pass member and would like to enter this contest, go to zoosociety.org/GoldenTicket.
JUNE
3-5
MEMBER
ANDA
We value your relationship with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. The Society does not sell member/donor information to third parties but may share limited information with the Milwaukee County Zoo for the purpose of confirming membership status.
Zoological Society office hours:
Now through May 23, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
May 24-Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Zoo hours:
Now through May 23, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
May 24-Sept. 1, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Note:
The Zoo’s admission gates and walk-in gate close 45 minutes prior to the posted Zoo closing time. The animal buildings close 15 minutes before posted Zoo closing hours.
Company picnics: For members visiting the Zoo with a company picnic, Zoo Pass members’ free admission or free parking benefits do not apply.
Problems renewing or transacting online If you experience any difficulties transacting a Zoo Pass renewal or animal sponsorship online, please contact us at 414-258-2333 so we can assist with your transaction. Our staff is available seven days a week.
Reciprocal zoos and aquariums: 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 prior to your travels.
Zoo admission Please remember to have your Zoo Pass and identification ready when you arrive at the Zoo’s admission gates. If you’ve lost your card, replacement cards may be purchased for $5. Zoo Pass admission is valid for regular daytime Zoo hours and some events.
Who can use member cards? The person(s) named on the Zoo Pass is the owner of the card, and benefits are not transferable to anyone else. We need to have the number of minor children/grandchildren in your household reflected in your membership records for the Zoo’s admission gates. Foster children are covered on your membership. Day-care providers for children: Your Zoo Pass membership does not cover children for whom you provide baby-sitting or day-care services. The Society and the Zoo retain the right to invalidate any membership being used inappropriately.
THINGS Issue No. 172, May-June, 2025
SUMMER NIGHTS OF DELIGHT
Members-Only Nights in June
Sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.
5-8:30 p.m.
It’s three exclusive nights of fun, food and live entertainment for Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members! Dance along to great music—brought to you by North Shore Bank—with performances by Our House, Kid Boogie Down, and the Doug Syme Duo. Then, satisfy your cravings with a favorite snack or try something new from a variety of food trucks spread throughout the Zoo. Plus, food trucks will donate 15% of their proceeds to the Sponsor an Animal program! This is also the perfect opportunity to check out the Zoo’s special summer exhibit, Exploration Dinosaur, presented by Meijer. Zoo Pass members receive free admission to the exhibit from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This event is only for Society members and their minor children and/or grandchildren covered on their membership. Admission is free, while regular parking fees still apply (Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members park for free).
Wild Things is a membership newsletter published by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee five times a year.
Editor & Writer: Michael Grennell
Contributing Writer: Carolyn Lewis
Designer: Lindsay Campbell
Photos taken by Carolyn Lewis or Michael Grennell, unless otherwise noted.
Contact the Zoological Society at: 10005 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone: 414-258-2333 Web: zoosociety.org
Contact the Milwaukee County Zoo at: 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226 Phone: 414-771-3040 Web: milwaukeezoo.org
A DAY OUT FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
Senior Safari
Sponsored by St. Camillus Life Plan Community
9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Zoo is not just for the children, but also for the children at heart! For one day only, the Zoo is offering free admission* to guests ages 60 and older. It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air and the sights and sounds of the Zoo, while also saving some money. Also make sure to say hello to some of the Zoo’s senior residents, like Tommy and Alex the orangutans, Happy the hippopotamus and Onassis the Giant Amazon River turtle. Special activities and experiences will be offered as well!
*Parking fees still apply with the exception of Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members, who get free parking.
JULY 6 JUNE 17
SALUTING OUR VETERANS
Military & Veterans Family Day
Sponsored by WaterStone Bank
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
To thank our heroes, the Milwaukee County Zoo is happy to host Military & Veterans Family Day. All military service members, veterans and their immediate families can enjoy free admission and parking on July 6. Tickets are required and must be acquired through local County Veterans Service Offices (CVSO) are limited to 10 per family.*
During the event, service members can browse the vendors and expo tables inside the U.S. Bank Gathering Place. Then, head outside and explore the Zoo and see your favorite animals in their habitats.
*Free admission is not available at the Zoo gates. Guests must get their tickets in advance through a CVSO.
GIVE PROPS TO YOUR POPS!
Father’s Day at the Zoo
Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Growing up — and even to this day — it always seems like dads can do anything. So for the dads and grandpas that can do anything, Father’s Day at the Zoo is a great way to show your appreciation for them. All dads and grandpas will receive free admission* to the Zoo, so you can take them to visit the special summer exhibit, Exploration Dinosaur, presented by Meijer, and also have them stop by to see some of the Zoo’s resident dads, like Jack the Humboldt penguin, Kota the Japanese macaque and Stan the Bactrian camel.
*Parking fees still apply with the exception of Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members who get free parking. (Regular attraction fees still apply.)
JUNE 15 May 17
BEAUTY
IN DIFFERENCES
Celebrate Diversity
Sponsored by Meijer 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
When you hear the word diversity, you may think of the human race. But diversity also plays a huge role in our natural world! This day at the Zoo will highlight nature’s diversity and focus on increasing our connection to both nature and community. Everything from insects to reptiles to fish to mammals to birds work together in order to make the environment thrive.
Guests will get the chance to explore a section of the Zoo’s forest to try and spot wild animals and learn about identifying different plants. Discover differences in animals and how they are all unique, and then browse what local vendors have to offer in the sustainability market.
This event is free for Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members.
Photo credit: Kevin Mcintosh
MOTHERHOOD IS WILD
Mother’s Day at the Zoo
Sponsored by Peoples State Bank
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
We love our moms — they’re always there for us, filling our lives with love and care. At Mother’s Day at the Zoo, all moms and grandmas will get free admission* — making it the perfect way to spend time with your mom. Walk around and say hello to some of the other moms at the Zoo, like Ronnie the grizzly bear, Marlee the giraffe and Nyota the bongo.
*Parking fees still apply with the exception of Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members who get free parking.
Mother’s Day is almost here! Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate your amazing mom? Give her a tote-ally awesome gift with a limited-time animal sponsorship of Nyota, the mama Eastern bongo, and her daughter, Nyeri!
A $50 sponsorship of Nyota and Nyeri comes with a new, special offering — a stylish tote bag featuring a bongo mom and baby. Along with the tote bag, the package includes a colorful fact sheet about Eastern bongos, an invitation to an event for animal sponsors*, a year’s subscription to Wild Things newsletter and Alive magazine and more. Upgrade your sponsorship to the $100 level to receive a photo of Nyota and Nyeri and two Zoo attraction
Order by May 2 to guarantee delivery in time for Mother’s Day. To place an order, visit zoosociety.org/SponsorAnimal or call 414-258-2333.
*Animal Safari is a behind-the-scenes event for animal sponsors. The tours are predetermined and may not be related to the animal you sponsor.
HELP THE POLLINATORS WITH SLOW MOW MAY
M
ay is a time of renewal in our gardens and yards, and this year, we invite you to take part in Slow Mow May! This conservation initiative encourages us to slow down our mowing and yard work throughout the month of May to help create healthier habitats for pollinators.
How can I help?
There are some easy, impactful actions you can take to nurture pollinators in your yard:
Reduce mowing and yard cleanup in May: Allowing flowers to bloom provides essential nectar sources, while also giving overwintering pollinators more time to emerge. Check out our “When to Mow” guide and Slow Mow May map to learn about local ordinances in your community.
Limit or eliminate pesticides: Avoid using harmful chemicals that can hurt pollinators and other wildlife.
Plant native, pollinator-friendly plants: Choose plants that naturally attract pollinators. You can even consider low-mow grass species that require less maintenance and are great for pollinators. Examples include Dutch clover and violet lawns!
SUPPORT
AN ENDANGERED SPECIES!
Create a SLOW MOW ZONE: Designate areas in your yard where mowing is limited or avoided entirely.
Endangered Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee queens hibernate in our lawns and leaf piles over the winter — they emerge in late April and into May. The rustypatched bumble bee is an endangered pollinator that is found right in our backyards! Rusty-patched bumble bees can be identified by a subtle brownish-orange patch on their back. The major threats to the species include pesticides and disease, habitat loss and a changing climate.
Buzzing with excitement! The endangered rustypatched bumble bee was spotted right here on Zoo grounds last summer. We are so glad to be visited by this tiny but mighty species.
Participating in Slow Mow May helps to protect this species found right here in Southeastern Wisconsin.
We don’t need one perfect yard for pollinators — we need thousands of imperfect yards for pollinators!
To learn more, visit zoosociety.org/SlowMowMay
AROUND THE HORN
W
hen you hear the word, “antelope,” you might have a very specific image come to mind of what you think an antelope looks like. However, antelope is a much broader term than you might expect. Antelope generally refers to all members of the family Bovidae that do not fall under the category of sheep, cattle or goats. Because of the broadness of that term, there are many different species that are considered antelope, and they can each have very unique and distinct looks to them. At the Milwaukee County Zoo, there are six different antelope species: the Eastern bongo, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, common waterbuck, greater kudu and the scimitar-horned oryx.
Spot each species’ natural range!
The greater kudu have distinct horns compared to other antelope species. Their horns spiral as they grow in length. Did you know that you can roughly estimate a male kudu’s age based off their horn length and the number of spirals they have? As they grow, the kudu’s horns will gradually spiral until they reach about 6 years old where their horns will contain two and a half spirals. Hasani, the Zoo’s male kudu, is almost 8 years old and has the full two and a half spirals in his horns! A kudu’s horns will start to grow when they’re 6 months old and will continue to grow until they turn 12 years old.
Native to the lowland forests of Eastern Africa, the Eastern bongo are the largest forestdwelling antelope species. Weighing between 450 and 900 pounds, and measuring at 7 to 10 feet long, they are covered in chestnut brown fur with distinctive white stripes that help them blend in with their forest surroundings. Eastern bongos are critically endangered, but conservation breeding programs in zoos are one way in which work is being done to help the population in the wild. Nyota, one of the Zoo’s bongo, arrived here in 2024 from another zoo and gave birth to her daughter, Nyeri, soon after her arrival! Check out Page 6 to learn more about a limited-time offer animal sponsorship of Nyota and Nyeri.
In a much different habitat than what the bongo prefers, the scimitar-horned oryx roam the desert and semiarid grasslands of Chad in Northern Africa. Named after the curved swords that bear a striking resemblance to their horns, the oryx were declared Extinct in the wild in the 1990s due to overhunting and habitat loss. But thanks to a reintroduction program, the population is now slowly starting to rebuild in Chad. According to Danielle Faucett, winter quarters area supervisor, the oryx’s horns — which can grow up to 36 inches long — can be used to scratch their backs. If you notice black marks on their back or fur, that’s likely from their horns!
One of the most easy-going antelope species at the Zoo is the common waterbuck. Faucett says that the Zoo’s all-female herd tends to be less skittish than some of the other antelope species, and they can be seen casually roaming around the African Waterhole habitat and getting along with the other residents they share the yard with. In fact, one of the waterbucks, Natalie, likes to hang out with the kudu and sometimes tries to tag along with the kudu herd when zookeepers are trying to shift the animals to their indoor habitats. Waterbucks are easily distinguishable by their shaggy fur coats, which also contain an oily substance that helps to keep them dry.
At first glance, the Thomson’s gazelle and impala can both look very similar in shape and appearance. However, there are a few things that can tell them apart from each other. Impalas are larger in size (80-150 pounds) than gazelles (30-65 pounds), and impalas tend to have a solid, brown-colored fur coat, while gazelles have a large, horizontal black stripe along their sides. Another difference is that both the male and the female Thomson’s gazelle can grow horns, while only the male impala is able to grow horns.
Thomson’s Gazelle
Impala
VELVET JUNGLEA SUNSET SOIRÉE
When walking by the South America habitat, you might notice a very tapir today will give you a good idea of what they also looked like in prehistoric
the name on the tapir sign from “Baird’s tapir” to “Central American tapir.” Both names are widely accepted when talking about these animals, but out of respect for the people of the nations in Central America where this species is native, we’re now using the name that aligns with how they refer to these incredible animals!
BIG FISH, BIG CARE
The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to some impressively large fish. The California sheephead can weigh up to 36 pounds, while the arapaima can reach 200 pounds! In the Amazon River habitat, pacus and silver arowanas grow to about 3 feet long.
Just like any animal at the Zoo, if a fish isn’t feeling well, the animal care team is there to help. Zookeepers in the Aquatic & Reptile Center (ARC) check in on the fish every day by counting them and watching their behavior. If they notice something wrong with the fish, they may make a call to Dr. Christy Rettenmund, the Zoo’s senior staff veterinarian and her team at the Animal Health Center.
FIN-TASTIC
At the Milwaukee County Zoo, one of the most critical components of providing the best care for the animals is the Animal Health Center and its dedicated team. From elephants to dwarf mongooses, silver arowanas to cinereous vultures, the Zoo’s staff is prepared to work with a diverse range of animals. That’s why our 2025 Annual Appeal, Nurture Their Nature, is all about raising money to help the Zoo care for the animals.
One challenge the animal care team faces is that fish don’t breathe air. So, how do you help a large fish fall asleep without using anesthesia gas? “We place the fish in a special water bath with a dissolved sedative.” says Dr. Rettenmund. “Once the fish is relaxed, we can provide care like blood draws or minor surgeries.”
During procedures, the fish has a special hose gently running water with the dissolvable sedative over its gills to keep them asleep. To wake the fish up, the team has water without sedative nearby that they switch to. Sedated fish must be monitored closely while they are asleep in their water bath.
“They don’t have the same reflexes as a mammal, no blinking or jaw tension – it’s more challenging.” says Dr. Rettenmund. “Fish medicine is behind mammal medicine but these days we are doing a lot more.”
The Zoo’s veterinary team has done everything from surgery on a rockfish to treating a pacu with an eye issue. “The pacu is a huge fish!” says Dr. Rettenmund, and as such, it takes full collaboration with ARC zookeepers and the vet team to get this fish out of their habitat and into a space to safely provide care.
Zookeepers do give suggestions about water bath sizes, always thinking about how to keep the big fish calm and safe.
After the procedure, once the fish is awake, the zookeepers may keep them behind the scenes to monitor their health before returning them to the public floor habitats. From there, they will just keep swimming!
Meet Kara Hiebert
Kara Hiebert is the current zoological medicine resident at the Zoo, who is continuing her training through a joint program between the Milwaukee County Zoo and UW-Madison. Your gift to Nurture Their Nature helps fund Hiebert’s residency, allowing her to provide essential assistance at the Animal Health Center. Thanks to a generous matching gift from Miller Brewing Company, a portion of your donation will be matched! Today, your gift will go even further to support training veterinary professionals like Hiebert and supporting the animals they care for — both here at the Zoo and in the wild!
As a third-year resident, Hiebert has already gained valuable hands-on experience working with the Zoo’s diverse animals.
“At the Milwaukee County Zoo, we have a diverse population of animals. This program gives me autonomy with oversight, so I have the support I need in complex cases.
I’m getting a feel for what it would be like when I go out and work at another zoo and be the one in charge.”
Any donation — large or small — goes a long way towards helping the Zoo care for the animals.
to learn more about how you can make a difference, and together, we can Nurture Their Nature.
Vet photos by MCZ
JULY 8-10
KIDS ROCK AT THE ZOO!
Members-Only Kids Nights
5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Summer break is the best time of the year for kids, and here at the Society we have three nights in July celebrating kids! Exclusive for Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members, enjoy one of three nights filled with with live entertainment from Main Street Song & Dance Troupe, Reilly and Kip’s Fun Show, and then try some tasty foods located throughout the Zoo. And as you walk around the Zoo, keep an eye out for Wild Willy’s juggling act and then take in a fun and educational performance from Kohl’s Wild Theater.
This event is only for Society members and their minor children and/or grandchildren covered on their membership. Admission is free, while regular parking fees still apply (Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members park for free).
JULY 21
FORE THE ANIMALS
Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament
Sponsored by GRAEF 10:30 a.m.
Get ready to tee off for a good cause! The annual Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament returns to the Ozaukee Country Club for a day of fun and fundraising. This highlyanticipated charity tournament — which last year raised over $141,000 to support the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and its mission — is one of the hottest tickets in town and sells out every year! Registration includes lunch, a round of golf with a cart, exciting course events, on-course refreshments and a gourmet station dinner to cap off the day. And make sure to plan on bidding on the Birdies & Eagles silent auction, featuring a variety of incredible items.
Contact specialevents@zoosociety.org with any questions about this event you won’t want to miss.
AUG 7-9
S’MORES,
Snooze at the Zoo
Sponsored by Educators Credit Union 5 p.m.
Prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars at the Milwaukee County Zoo! You, your family and friends are invited for an extraordinary camping experience at the Zoo. All you’ll need is a tent, pillow and sleeping bag — we’ve got you covered on the rest! We’ll provide a delicious dinner, breakfast, campfire entertainment and s’mores to enjoy under the night sky.
This event is designed for everyone, from avid campers to those who have never slept in a tent before. You’ll get the unique experience of sleeping near the animals and getting to hear some of their nighttime sounds. Not only will you create lasting memories, but your participation also supports the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education!
Member registration opens in May. Make sure to visit zoosociety.org/snooze for more information!
The Central American tapir is the largest native land mammal in Central America!
Page 11
HAPPENING WHAT’S
Save the date for our second membersonly event of the summer on July 8, 9 and 10. Invitations for Kids Nights will come in the mail.
May 11
Mother’s Day at the Zoo, sponsored by Peoples State Bank*
May 17
Celebrate Diversity sponsored by Meijer*
May 21 - Oct. 5
Special summer exhibit, Exploration Dinosaur, presented by Meijer.
May 24 - Sept. 1
Kohl’s Wild Theater’s summer season at the Zoo with free shows TuesdaySunday (closed Mondays)*
June 3
Summer Zoo Camps and Classes, sponsored by Penzeys, begin
June 3 - 5
Nights in June, a members-only evening event, sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.™*
June 15
Father’s Day at the Zoo, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy*
June 17
Senior Safari, sponsored by St. Camillus Life Plan Community
June 28
Zoo Ball, presented by M3 Insurance and Quad (pre-register)
July 4
$4 admission on the Fourth*
July 6
Military & Veterans Family Day, sponsored by WaterStone Bank*
July 8, 9, & 10
Kids Nights, a members-only evening event
July 21
Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament, sponsored by GRAEF (pre-register)
Aug. 7-9
Snooze at the Zoo, sponsored by Educators Credit Union (pre-register)
Aug. 14-17
A la Carte at the Zoo, presented by Meijer*
Aug. 23
Animal Safari, an event for animal sponsors
*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.
