November-December 2025 Wild Things

Z O O L O G I C A L

S O C I E T Y

O F

M I L W A U K E E

NOV/DEC 2025

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A Dazzling Holiday Display

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A Colorful Primate Masterpiece

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Spring Zoo Class Brochure Inside

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A Legacy of Caring

HAVE A WILD 26-30 ENDING TO 2025 DEC

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. 27, 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. 27 for Thanksgiving, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The office will remain open from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 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)

Family +2 (Basic: $146, Plus: $158)

Individual +1 or Couple (Basic: $110, Plus: $125)

Family +3 (Basic: $162, Plus: $176)

Individual +2, Family or Single Adult Family (Basic: $120, Plus: $140)

Affiliate (Basic: $194, Plus: $197)

Family +1 (Basic: $135, Plus: $149)

Benefactor (Basic: $258, Plus: $260)

A gift Zoo Pass is fully tax deductible for the donor.

Frosty Free Week Sponsored by Generac

Looking for some post-holiday family fun that’s easy on the wallet? Take a trip to the Zoo and enjoy Frosty Free Week! For five days in a row, the gates are open for one final holiday gift — free admission* for all to come enjoy the Zoo and see their favorite animals. (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 Japanese macaques, the Bactrian camels and the snow leopards.

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 AZAaccredited 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.

WILD THINGS

Issue No. 175, Nov.-Dec. 2025 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: Amber DuChateau

Cover Photos: All photos by Carolyn Lewis

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Printed on recycled paper.

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

AN ENCHANTED 1-31 FOREST AT THE ZOO DEC

Fantastic Forest

Sponsored by Hawks Landscape

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And one of the most beloved holiday traditions at the Zoological Society is to bring together our community to create a Fantastic Forest. This event invites local youth groups to handmake animalthemed ornaments and then use them to decorate trees inside the Zoo. Around 60 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 nighttime 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 available. If you are interested in signing up your youth group or learning more about the Fantastic Forest, go to zoosociety.org/TrimATree.

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A DAZZLING HOLIDAY DISPLAY Wild Lights

Cheers!

Presented by We Energies Foundation Nov. 21-22, 28-29, Dec. 3-6, 10, 12-13, 18-20, 22-23, 26-31 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Every day inside the Zoo, guests are fascinated by the bright and colorful animals that they see as they walk through the wooded paths. On select nights in November and December, a different kind of brightness takes over with dazzling holiday light displays for guests. Take a wild walk around the Zoo and enjoy the spectacle of 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).

Dec. 11 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

The Zoo is always a perfect place for the family to have a day of fun. But on Dec. 11, 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.

(Member discount does not apply to Cheers! nights.)

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 bright and member ID. Discount must be applied at time of purchase.

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Tickets are on sale now at milwaukeezoo.org.

Drive-thru Nights Nov. 23, Dec. 7, 14, 21 5:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Back once again this winter are Drive-thru Nights! Avoid the cold and enjoy the lights from the comfort of your vehicle. These designated nights are just for vehicles, but nter at 106th St. there will be chances 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.

Bluemound Rd.

Service Access Only

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1. Polar Point

Wild Lights Zones

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Modern Woodmen Otter Passage

Sponsored by Prairie

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Farms Dairy #3

Badger

8. Swans-a Swimming

Brown Bear

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Rhinos returning in 2025!

Landmark Landing

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Birds Observation Deck

4. FantaSEA

6. Winter Woodland

Family Restroom

Caribou

3. Jungle Bells

Flamingo Room

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2. Flamingle Lot All the Way #1

Elephant

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Elephants in Action Pavilion

Honey Bee Exhibit

Tembo Trail

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10. #4 Vibrance 11. ButterFLIGHT

Impala Plains Impala & Ostrich

Bongo, Guineafowl &

African Grey-crowned Forest Cranes Savanna Walk

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HIP HIP HIPPO! A ZOO PASS IS THE BEST GIFT TO BESTOW! Looking for the perfect gift that will make your loved one Happy as a hippo?

Look no further than a Zoo Pass! Whether it’s a gift you give someone or ask for, a Zoo Pass lasts for 12 months! And when you buy a new gift, you’ll get a plush-toy hippo.

Why is a Zoo Pass the best gift?

You get free regular admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo for 12 months. A family pass can pay 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 2026 summer exhibit. New Zoo Passes come with 4 coupons.

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Other benefits include:

• Discounted or free admission to 150 zoos and aquariums

• Discounts and priority registration for certain events and all Zoo Classes/Camps • Access to members-only events

• Plus, Zoo Pass gift purchases are tax deductible!

STOMP INTO THE SEASON

There are few things that bring joy quite like coming home for the holidays.

This year guests will get to experience a “Zoo-coming” as the Eastern black rhinos make their return to their newly renovated habitat! The Zoological Society picks a different animal each year to feature as an ornament, and this holiday season we are celebrating the Eastern black rhinos as the 34th ornament in our collection.

The new habitat space for the rhinos will provide guests with an even closer look at these massive mammals than they’ve ever had before. Combining the former rhino and elephant habitats together, this new area provides a spacious outdoor area for the rhinos to roam around during the warm summer months. And when the cooler temperatures come in the winter, guests will still be able to say hello to the rhinos thanks to a brand-new indoor habitat space. Plus, guests will also be able to see the rhinos’ indoor neighbor, Happy the hippopotamus, in his own separate habitat space. This renovated space will give guests closer access than ever before to these animals, and provide the rhinos that will call it home with the best possible care.

Local artist Andy Schumann handcrafts each year’s ornament in clay before turning the mold into a beautiful pewter ornament. Each ornament is $16 including tax, shipping and handling. Visit zoosociety.org/ornaments for a look at available options.

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SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER AT THE ZOO W

hen 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 out the perfect gift to get 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 animal’s 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.

Photo by Olga Kornienko

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DEC

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Family Free Days

THERE’S SNOW PLACE LIKE THE ZOO

9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Tri City National Bank; Media Sponsor: 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 back at the Zoo, as everyone will receive free admission to the Zoo on the first Saturday of November and December (Parking, concession and attraction fees still apply*). Come make memories with the people you love surrounded by the animals you adore!

*Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members get free parking.

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A COLORFUL PRIMATE MASTERPIECE

When you visit the Zoo’s orangutans, Tommy and Alex, there are many different behaviors that you might observe them doing. Maybe you’ll see them eating some tasty foods, or climbing around their habitat space or even hiding under a blanket. But if you’re really lucky, you might get to see an artistic masterpiece being created!

According to Primates and Small Mammals curator Trish Khan, the Zoo has been giving chalk to the orangutans for over 25 years as an enrichment activity. Khan says that some orangutans have not been very interested in the chalk, but others have

really seemed to engage with it and create some colorful artwork on their habitat floor.

By giving the orangutans the chalk to use, it provides a creative avenue for them to utilize their complex brains.

Khan says that the chalk and other enrichment activities for Tommy and Alex offer them opportunities for exploration, food motivation, sensory stimulation and object manipulation.

So the next time you walk past Alex and Tommy, make sure to keep a sharp eye out for a “wild” masterpiece!

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GET TO KNOW …

THE SNOW LEOPARDS

Different animals at the Zoo prefer different types of weather. When it gets to the colder and snowy months of winter, some animals like to stay indoors where it’s warm. But others like to roam around in the snow — like the snow leopards!

These big cats love it where it’s cold and snowy, as their natural range stretches across the mountains of central Asia from Russia in the north to India in the south, and from China in the east to Uzbekistan in the west. With large fur-covered paws and white fur with black spots, snow leopards are perfectly adapted to traverse and blend in with the snowy landscape as they hunt for wild goats and sheep.

The Zoo is currently home to two snow leopards: Choto and Orya. They may look very similar at first glance, but here is how you can tell them apart!

Notched in left ear

Pink heartshaped nose

ORYA

Born: May 3, 2014; arrived Aug. 2016 from Zurich, Switzerland

Physical Characteristics: Orya has blue-gray eyes and a notch in her left ear. She also has a darker nose, and the spot pattern above her eyes resembles an upside down “V”.

Personality: Big Cats area supervisor Sheri Robb-Guay describes Orya as “a true snow leopard” in that she tends to prefer to be by herself — much like snow leopards in their native range.

However, it’s that trait that makes working with Orya more rewarding for Robb-Guay: “I really like working with Orya because she makes you work for her trust. She has come such a long way since she arrived here and will readily come over to train with me.”

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CHOTO

[pronounced SHOW-TOE] Born: June 1, 2021; arrived July 2023 from Dakota Zoo, Bismarck, North Dakota

Physical Characteristics: Choto has amber-colored eyes and has a very long tail that is completely white at the bottom. He also has a pink nose that looks almost heart-shaped.

Personality: Robb-Guay says that Choto is more playful and adventurous at times, and he is also more vocal as he will usually greet the animal care team with a chuff — a friendly noise big cats make that sounds like a snort and is caused by breathing air out through their nose while keeping their mouths closed. “I like Choto because he is always curious as to what the keepers are doing in his habitat and it’s fun to watch him interact with the different enrichment we give him. His jumping acrobatic skills are very impressive.”

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12 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 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.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Feb. 12, 13, 14, 15, 20

Feb. 13, 14, 15, 20

Mar. 1

Mar. 1

STRIPES, SPOTS OR SOLIDS?

Let’s go exploring to find our feline friends!

Visit the big cats (and one that is small) as we focus on the patterns on their fur and the different sounds they make. Roar, chuff, hiss, purrrrrrrrrr. Read a tiger book, and learn a lion lullaby you can sing at naptime or bedtime with your little “cub.”

Yaaaaawn...

8:45-9:45 a.m.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Mar. 19, 20, 21, 27, 29 Apr. 11

Mar. 21, 27, 29 Apr. 11

TRUNKS, TONGUES & TOES

Take a stroll as we visit some of the largest animals at our Zoo. Sing and rhyme as we learn about the long trunk & tusks of the elephant, the purple tongue of the giraffe and the huge teeth & toes of the hippo. Help your little “calf” find their nose, toes, teeth & tongue, too.

8:45-9:45 a.m.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Apr. 16, 17, 18, 24, 25

Apr. 17, 18, 24, 25

May 1, 9

May 1, 9

STROLLER SAFARI: SIBLING EDITION! 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 Feb. 21 Mar. 15

8:45-9:45 a.m.

OR 10:15-11:15 a.m.

STRIPES, SPOTS OR SOLIDS? Mar. 28, Apr. 3, 12 Mar. 28, Apr. 12

8:45-9:45 a.m.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

TRUNKS, TONGUES, TOES & TEETH Apr. 26 May 2

8:45-9:45 a.m.

OR 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Photo by Carolyn Lewis

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AGE 2 with one adult

COWS

Join us for an “udderly” delightful morning as we 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 “moo-ve” over to the Zoo’s dairy barn to visit the cows!

$30 Zoo Pass members $40 non-members

ZOO CAROUSEL

One, two, three, four! Join us in our colorful classroom to practice counting and so much more! 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.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

8:45-9:45 a.m.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Feb. 19, 21, 27, 28 Mar. 1, 6, 14

Feb. 21, 27, 28

Apr. 23, 25 May 2, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

Apr. 25

Mar. 1, 6, 14

May 2, 8, 9, 15, 16

AGE 3 with one adult

LIONS ... ROAR!

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. Get ready for a roaring good time!

8:45-10:15 a.m.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Jan. 29, 30, 31

Jan. 30, 31

Feb. 1, 11, 14, 15

Feb. 1, 14, 15

$37 Zoo Pass members $47 non-members

SEALS & SEA LIONS

Explore the differences between seals and sea lions as we dive into some marine mammal fun! Create a sea lion costume and hunt for “fish” in our classroom kelp forest. Try your hand at clicker-training before we splash into the Zoo to discover how zookeepers use enrichment to help keep our seal colony happy and healthy!

8:45-10:15 a.m.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Apr. 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 24, 26

Apr. 10, 11, 12, 24

May 2, 16

May 2, 16

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 flyswatting tail. Practice moving like an elephant by stomping, swaying and trumpeting around the classroom.

Then lumber over to the Elephant Care Center to see the Zoo’s elephant herd up close!

8:45-10:15 a.m.

“The best classes I have seen anywhere” – Parent/guardian

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Mar. 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 28, 29 Mar. 13, 14, 15, 20, 28, 29 Apr. 1

Photo by Carolyn Lewis

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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.

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. With an Adult

Child Only 9:15-11:30 a.m.

1-3:15 p.m.

Feb. 14, 15

Feb. 14

9:15-11:30 a.m.

1-3:15 p.m.

Jan. 30, 31

Jan. 31

Feb. 1, 6, 19, 21, 28 Mar. 1

ROMPING STOMPING RHINOS

How many horns on a rhino’s head?

Why do birds sit on a rhino’s back? Find out as you touch a real rhino horn and make your own, red-billed oxpecker bird. Create a set of rhino collector cards and a rhino costume. Charge into the Zoo to meet our rhinos!

Child Only 9:15-11:30 a.m.

Mar. 14, 15 1-3:15 p.m.

Mar. 14

With an Adult

Feb. 1, 6, 21, 28 Mar. 1

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: OTTERS, BEAVERS AND BEARS

Paddle down to our river classroom to learn about animals that live at the water’s edge. Gather sticks like a beaver, catch fish like a bear and slide on your belly like an otter! Then head into the Zoo in search of animals whose wild relatives call the river home.

9:15-11:30 a.m.

Child Only

Mar. 5, 6, 21, 28, 29

9:15-11:30 a.m.

9:15-11:30 a.m.

Apr. 2, 11

Apr. 25, 26

Apr. 17, 18

1-3:15 p.m.

1-3:15 p.m.

Mar. 21, 28, 29

Apr. 25

Apr. 11

With an Adult

May 2, 8, 9, 16 1-3:15 p.m.

Apr. 18 May 2, 9, 16

SAVE 10% ON OUR FRIDAY SERIES! CARE, STOMP, PADDLE SERIES child only

$120 Zoo Pass members $150 non-members

9:15-11:30 a.m.

1-3:15 p.m.

Feb. 13, Mar. 13, AND Apr. 24

Feb. 13, Mar. 13, AND Apr. 24

Bundle and save when you select this 3-half-day, 3 topic deal! Your child will make new friends while they enjoy learning about animals together each month.

This package features all of the fall CHILD-ONLY classes in one simple stop.

In February, meet your new friends and practice veterinary care with your own stuffy. In March you’ll create a rhino costume and romp over to the rhino habitat here at the Zoo. Finally, in April you will join your new friends on a river adventure to learn more about the animals that eat and play along riverbanks!

AGES 6 & 7 AND 8 & 9 child only

$45 Zoo Pass members $55 non-members

I HEART ANIMALS Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a heart-filled adventure into the animal kingdom!

Discover which animal has a heart the size of a grain of rice and which animal has a heart the size of a small car (hint: one is a blue whale and the other is a hummingbird)! Visit the Animal Health Center to learn how we check on the hearts of animals at the Zoo. And share why you “heart” an animal by making your own animal Valentine!

Ages 6 & 7

9:15-11:45 a.m.

1–3:30 p.m.

Jan. 31

Jan. 31

Feb. 1, 15

Feb. 1

Ages 8 & 9

9:15-11:45 a.m.

1–3:30 p.m.

Feb. 21

Feb. 15

PRIMATE EXPLORER What do monkeys and apes have in common? They are both primates!

Swing into action as you become a primatologist-in-training (aka a scientist who studies primates) and observe real monkeys and apes at the Zoo! Try balancing like a spider monkey, cracking “nuts” like a clever chimpanzee and uncovering other super cool secrets. Get ready to climb, play and go bananas while learning about some of our closest animal cousins!

Ages 6 & 7

9:15-11:45 a.m.

1–3:30 p.m.

March 1, 14, 15, 28

14, 15, 21

Ages 8 & 9

9:15-11:45 a.m.

1–3:30 p.m.

Mar. 21

Mar. 1

Photo by Carolyn Lewis

ANIMAL KINGDOM SHOWDOWN!

Join us for a game of life in the animal kingdom! Learn why some of the players in this game hunt while others are hunted – and how they are all connected. Discover some sneaky tricks these animals have up their sleeves to change this balance and win the game!

From camouflage and armor to clever tricks and speedy escapes, you never know who will be crowned victorious!

Ages 6 & 7

9:15-11:45 a.m.

1–3:30 p.m.

Apr. 11, 12, 25

Apr. 11, 12

Ages 8 & 9

9:15-11:45 a.m.

1–3:30 p.m.

May 9

Apr. 25

15

16

n Attentrioners!

Homelea

AGES 6-10

child only

$100 Zoo Pass members $120 non-members

OWLS: 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: FROZEN FRONTIERS Discover the incredible ways animals survive and thrive in the coldest places on Earth! In this class, students will explore how creatures adapt to freezing temperatures, icy waters and snowy landscapes. From hibernation and migration to antifreeze blood and thick winter coats, we’ll uncover the secrets of winter survival across the animal kingdom. Choose the AM or PM session.

10-11:30 a.m.

1-2:30 p.m.

Feb. 19, 26 AND

Feb 19, 26 AND

Mar. 5, 12

Mar. 5, 12

Photo by Carolyn Lewis

SPRING BREAK CLASSES AGES 6-9

child only

$150 Member $180 non-members

SPRING BREAK: WILD VACATION

Join us for a fun-filled two day Zoo “Staycation” as we visit exotic vacation destinations around the Zoo! Practice your map skills as you navigate these adventures and meet animal friends along the way! Get your passports ready — you don’t want to miss this globe-trekking experience!

9:15 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mar. 31 AND Apr. 1 or Apr. 2 AND Apr. 3

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AGE 10-14

child only

$45 Zoo Pass Members $55 non-members

ZOO CAREERS: WILDLIFE GENETICS

Did you know that a blue whale’s closest living relative is a hippopotamus? Or that the small hyrax, an animal that looks like a rodent, is related to elephants? Solve the mystery about some of the most unbelievable animal relations at the Zoo and in the wild!

9:15-11:45 a.m.

Feb. 28 Mar. 21

FAMILY CLASS

all ages

$20 Zoo Pass members $30 non-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!

9:15-11:30 a.m.

1-3:15 p.m.

Feb. 1

Feb. 1, 28 Mar. 21

Try out a 1 -hour Family Class as part of your Zoo Day!

all ages

$15 Zoo Pass members $25 non-members

EARTH PROTECTOR

In Celebration of Earth Day on April 22, join us for this fun 1-hour family class.

Discover what makes our planet truly extraordinary, learn about some of the most incredible animals who call it home, and take a look at the important conservation work our Zoo team is leading. You’ll leave inspired — and with simple, impactful actions you can take to help protect our planet every day.

9:15-10:15 a.m.

10:45-11:45 a.m.

Apr. 18

Apr. 18

1 -2 p.m.

Apr. 18

Photo by Carolyn Lewis

Register Online for Priority Zoosociety.org/spring

Member online registration begins November 12 at 9 a.m.

Non-member registration begins November 19 at 9 a.m.

Check our FAQ by scanning the QR Code!

Call our staff with questions or concerns at 414-258-5058.

PLEASE READ! 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.

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HAPPY FILLY-DAYS!

Kick off the holiday festivities with your favorite feline — Filly the Jaguar! This year’s holiday limited-time offer sponsorship package is for the newest arrival at the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country.

Originally from Belize, Filly was rescued by the Belize Zoo in 2019 as part of the Human Jaguar Conflict Program and arrived here earlier this year. She has grown quite accustomed to her new surroundings, and during the warmer months could often be spotted perched up on top of the tower in the outdoor habitat.

A $50 sponsorship of Filly comes with an adorable plush-toy jaguar, a colorful fact sheet about jaguars, a Sponsor an Animal window decal, an invitation to a behind-the-scenes event for animal sponsors and more!

Upgrade your sponsorship to the $100 level to also receive a photo of Filly and two Zoo attraction tickets.

Visit zoosociety.org/sponsoranimal or call 414-258-2333 to place an order.

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A LEGACY OF CARING For 50 years, Zoo Pride has shown that when people care deeply for animals, they inspire others to do the same. You may see a Zoo Pride volunteer serving as an ambassador by greeting guests and sharing insights as they approach animal habitats. By teaching simple ways to care for wildlife, these volunteers help spark a passion that can grow into lifelong conservation.

So how do guests experience empathy in action? Jody Allen, Zoo Pride volunteer and empathy leader, explains: “Most people are really curious once you start talking about the animals. A lot of them have already seen shows or videos on their phones but hearing the animals’ own stories and uniqueness while they’re standing right there is something they can’t look up. When guests learn something about an animal, they start to feel connected.”

Join in our empathy practice at the Zoo and see what it’s like to care, connect and be just like Zoo Pride.

Each stop along this map activates your imagination and builds knowledge about the Zoo’s residents. Learn more animal stories from Zoo Pride volunteers during your next visit!

If you could copy one of our Aquatic & Reptile Center residents’ adaptations— sticky feet, venom, poison or gills— which would you pick?

Harbor seals use their whiskers to hunt in dark waters. How would you find food without using your hands?

Lions rest up to 20 hours a day! How much sleep helps you feel your best?

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Empathy in action!

Recently, Sue the African spurred tortoise needed a feeding tube placed at the AHC. A young guest watched the procedure and shared with a Zoo Pride volunteer that she also had a feeding port scar. With a big smile the guest said, “I’m good now, and I’m sure Sue will be fine too!”

Walk calmly around the peacocks, peahens and peachicks. They can feel nervous—just like you might!

Our primates help with their own check-ups! Bonobos even offer their thumbs for a blood pressure cuff—just like you do at the doctor.

Our rhinoceros hornbills love fruit, especially figs.

What’s your favorite fruit?

The Learning Zone area of the Animal Health Center (AHC) is open to guests.

Cows “moo” to share many feelings. If you had just one word, how would you show happiness, sadness or hunger?

Imagine drinking from a bubbler that’s too low. How would you sip without bending your knees?

That’s a giraffe’s challenge!

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HOW DO YOU DO, MAEVE THE CARIBOU?

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t’s been almost one year since Maeve the Caribou arrived at the Zoo, and in that time she has quickly made herself at home in her new surroundings. She also very quickly became close with the Zoo’s male caribou, Bean, and according to North America zookeeper Rob Prinsen, the two have been inseparable since meeting. “(Introducing Maeve and Bean) went quicker than planned,” Prinsen said.

“They showed us signs they wanted to be together and that they were both excited.

She came from a place with quite a few reindeer. They’ve been together ever since!”

Maeve came to MCZ from Alaska, and the animal care team quickly found out that she is easy to work with during trainings, and she also seems to be very curious and appears to enjoy interacting with the keepers. Prinsen said that she is already getting used to some of the easier training with the animal care team, and they are starting to work with her on more advanced trainings involving injections and other medical care.

The easiest way to tell which one is Maeve is by looking for the smaller of the two caribou. That’s because caribou’s coats can appear to change color over the

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course of the year. Prinsen says that after shedding their outer coat, caribou can appear darker in color. As their outer coat grows back, they begin to appear lighter in color.

That’s not the only color change — caribou can also change their eye color! During the summer months their eyes will turn to a brown color, while in the darker months of winter they can become light blue.

That change can help caribou see better in the darker environment during the winters in the northern hemisphere.

Their hooves can also change, as they can be softer during the summer and become harder and sharper in the winter to aid in walking on the ice and while and while digging for food under the snow.

All those adaptations mean that guests are able to see Maeve — and Bean too! — all year long. So make sure to visit Maeve and Bean when you come out to the Zoo this winter!

JAN

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A RINGSIDE GALA

Puttin’ on the Ritz At Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Presented by Bridgewood Advisors From opening cocktails to the final bell, Puttin’ on the Ritz is sure to be a knockout!

This formal fundraising event to support the Zoological Society of Milwaukee combines exquisite dining with elite athletes from the Wisconsin Local Boxing Committee for a night you won’t forget.

Held at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, the

FEB

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event will open with social cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as guests browse through a silent auction. Then, the main event will feature a gourmet, dinner and local amateur boxers competing in three-round bouts. Don’t throw in the towel too early though — make sure to stay for the afterparty in the casino!

Register for this event online at zoosociety.org/ritz

FEEL THE LOVE AT THE ZOO

Hearts & Tails

6:00-9:00 p.m. (check-in begins at 5:45 p.m.)

Love is always in the air at the Zoo. There are many pairs of loving partners across the different animal species here, like the Humboldt penguins Mariano and Lilly, Japanese macaques Kota and Usagi and Bactrian camels Stan and Addi-Jean. With love all around the Zoo, why not show your special someone — or your Galentine or Pal-entine — that you care about them with a fun, love-themed night at the Zoo? Hearts & Tails, the Society’s annual Valentine’s event, is a night you won’t want to miss out on! Enjoy a buffet dinner and then listen to an entertaining presentation on dating and mating in the animal kingdom from a member of the animal care team. And don’t forget to check out an Animal Talk in the Stearns Family Apes of Africa & Primates of the World building!

This event is for guests ages 21 and older. Make sure to RSVP online at zoosociety.org/ heartsandtails by Feb. 4 to secure your spot at this romantic night at the Zoo!

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FACT:

Snow leopards have large fur-covered paws that help them walk across snow in their natural range.

DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY

Zoological Society of Milwaukee 10005 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226-4383

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Nov. 1

Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank and FOX6*

Dec. 11

Cheers! 21+ night at Wild Lights

Dec. 25

Priority member registration for Spring Zoo Classes

Dec. 26-30

Nov. 21-Dec. 31; Closed Nov. 2427, 30, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 24-25

Dec. 1-31

Wild Lights, presented by We Energies Foundation (preregister for a member discount)

Nov. 27

Thanksgiving Day, Zoo closed

A Dazzling Display. Pg. 4

Christmas Day, Zoo closed

Nov. 12

Frosty Free Week Fantastic Forest, sponsored by Hawks Landscape

Jan. 1

New Year’s Day, Zoo closed

Jan. 3

Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*

Dec. 6

Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*

* 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.

CONNECT WITH US! @ZooPass

@ZooSocietyMKE

@ZooSocietyMKE

@ ZooSocietyMKE

0432-25

Photo by Garrett Hopkins

PAID

Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 4073

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage

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The Zoological Society is proud to bear Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars.