MEMBERANDA FREE FUN FOR FAMILIES
We value your relationship with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (Society). 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.
Zoo hours:
Now through Sept. 1 – 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sept. 2 through Oct. 31 – 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Zoological Society office hours:
Now through Sept. 1 – 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sept. 2 through Oct. 31 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Family Free Day
Sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6
It’s always a great time when you and your family visit the Milwaukee County Zoo. But it’s even better when you get in for free! On the first Saturday of October, November and December, everyone receives free admission to the Zoo (parking and regular attraction fees still apply*). It’s the perfect time to bring your family to the Zoo and see some of the other families living at the Zoo, like the Humboldt penguins, Japanese macaques and grizzly bears.
*Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members get free parking.
THROUGH THE ZOO
Media Sponsors:
Please Note: The following areas close before the posted Zoo closing time: drive-in admission gate (45 minutes prior), walk-in gate (one hour prior) and animal buildings (15 minutes prior).
Zoo Pass admission: Please remember to have your Society Zoo Pass and identification ready when you arrive at the Zoo’s admission gates. If you’ve misplaced or lost your card, replacement cards may be purchased for $5. Zoo Pass admission is valid for regular daytime Zoo hours and many events. Please remember the person(s) named on the Zoo Pass must accompany any guest if there are guest privileges on the Zoo Pass card.
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 in spring 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 contact the zoo you are visiting to confirm admission.
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 members’ 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.
WILD
THINGS
Issue No. 174, Sept.-Oct. 2025
Ride on the Wild Side
Sponsored by Authentic Birth Center 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Society’s beloved bike ride through the Zoo is back for its 30th year! Ride on the Wild Side provides guests the unique opportunity to ride their bikes through the Milwaukee County Zoo. Whether you’re cruising around the family-friendly 2.5mile loop or taking on the 15-, 20or 30-mile routes, it’ll be a day to remember as you bike past the bears, caribou, giraffes and many more animals!
All participants will receive a long-sleeved event day T-shirt, breakfast, lunch to refuel and, of course, a full day to explore the Zoo! Electric bikes and bike trailers are welcome on this special day, and children under the age of 3 receive free registration.
Registration
Zoo Pass members:*
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: Erika Sjoblom
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
Route Sponsors: R&R Insurance and Walny Legal Group
Kids Zone Sponsor: Landmark Credit Union
Rest Stop Sponsor: Mount Mary University
Bike Corral Sponsor: BMO
Ride Support: Wheel & Sprocket
Contributing sponsors: Carmex, Carnevor, Litho-Craft, Merit Title, Southport Engineered Systems and Stephanie Murphy DDS
*Members must log in to their Zoo Pass account in order to receive member pricing.
You make plenty of decisions every day, so why not let us make one for you? With our mystery Sponsor an Animal package, we’ll pick the animal for you to sponsor! This is a fun way to learn more about an animal that you may not have thought about before.
Collect them all! Each year features a new lineup, so you never know which 2025 Mystery Animal you’ll get. Each year’s mystery animal is unique. If your package includes a plush, you can enjoy the surprise of which one arrives!
This offer comes at two sponsorship levels: The $45 package comes with a certificate of sponsorship, animal fact sheet, Sponsor an Animal decal, a year’s subscription to Alive magazine and Wild Things newsletter and more! For just $5 more, upgrade to the $50 package and receive a surprise plush-toy animal in addition to the benefits from the $45 level!
This mystery Sponsor an Animal package is available year-round, making it a perfect gift to give for any occasion. To order one today, visit zoosociety.org/ SponsorAnimal or call 414-258-2333.
SCALY, SLITHERING, AND SUPER FUN
Kids Conservation Club Workshop
Two sessions to choose from: 10 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.
Ready to learn about some ssssssuper cool ssssssserpents? The fall Kids Conservation Club Workshop is all about snakes! Open to Kids Conservation Club members and up to two adults, choose from one of two 90-minute sessions to attend. Kids will start with fun snake-themed crafts and activities before taking a walk to the Aquatic & Reptile Center to visit the Zoo’s snakes and learn some fun and interesting facts about them. Kids Conservation Club members must RSVP with Becky Luft for the event by Oct. 22 either by email at beckyl@zoosociety.org or by phone at 414-479-2941
To sign up your child for the Kids Conservation Club, call 414-258-2333.
LEAVE THE LEAVES FOR THE FIREFLIES
Here’s a glowing fall truth: those crunchy leaves aren’t yard waste — they’re lifesaving shelters for pollinators and fireflies! By letting the leaves stay in your yard, you’re creating safe hideouts for the wildlife that overwinter in your yard — especially our beloved lightning bugs, who spend most of their lives nestled in that leaf litter.
Fireflies are understudied and it is estimated at least 18 species are threatened with extinction. As larvae, they live for about two years under leaf litter, which insulates them through winter. Come spring, they emerge and light up our summer nights.
Want to help? Here is what you can do with your yard:
• Let leaves lie where they fall when possible.
• Gently move them to garden beds, around shrubs, or under trees to keep them in your yard.
Fun fact: The name Wauwatosa stems from the Potawatomi word for firefly.
Note: Take care to monitor storm drain in your road. Too many leaves in the street can clog drains and pollute waterways.
Bonus buzz: Got tickets to Zoo Brew on Oct. 2? Stop by our table at the event to grab an exclusive “Leave the Leaves for the Fireflies” sticker.
Finally, follow the Society on social media for Leave the Leaves updates, yard sign pick up details and glowing ideas!
LEADING THE WAY IN BONOBO CONSERVATION
Native only to the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bonobos are often overlooked when discussing the great apes. Now, the Milwaukee County Zoo and Zoological Society of Milwaukee are helping lead the way in bonobo conservation among zoos in the United States. MCZ and ZSM have recently joined forces with five other organizations to create the Bonobo SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program, recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
While bonobos may look similar to chimpanzees at first glance, they are distinct. Bonobo faces are black, even as infants, and they are smaller than chimpanzees, typically weighing between 70 and 100 pounds. Listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, bonobos face three main threats: poaching, disease and habitat loss and fragmentation. Through the Bonobo SAFE program, AZAaccredited institutions will leverage their institutional resources, including staff
knowledge, funding and zoo audiences to collaborate on field conservation. The program, approved earlier this year, is the 51st SAFE program through the AZA and is led by Auriana Donaldson, conservation manager at the Society. Donaldson said that when she started at the Society, her role included providing support to both bonobos in managed care in zoos, as well as towards the long-running bonobo conservation project that was previously led by the Society. That sparked a passion for bonobo conservation with Donaldson, as she worked on bringing together the proposal for the SAFE program.
“We currently have five different zoo members with our program and are
Did you know? The Zoo is one of seven institutions across the United States that have bonobos and is home to 19 bonobos — one of the largest troops living in human care! The most recent addition to the troop was born on May 30 to firsttime mom, Elema. The baby is the 16th successful bonobo birth at the Zoo.
Now that the SAFE program has been approved, Donaldson and other members will be working together over the next year to finalize its official plans and goals. According to Donaldson, this process will include collaborating on campaigns to help raise awareness for the bonobos and working with their field partners and communities in the DRC to determine what conservation efforts and regions are in most need of support.
“Personally, I think bonobos are so fascinating as a species. They’re unrepresented at the national and global scale — you look at publications about great ape species and sometimes they are missing from that tree,” Donaldson said. “Bonobos deserve more attention and they need our help. They’re the least known great ape, so we need to support them however we can — whether that’s raising awareness, raising funds or collaborating on field conservation with the communities that coexist
“ “
I’m really excited for us to reenter this space and provide more support to bonobos in their natural range and the communities that coexist with them. It’s needed more than ever. There’s a lot of pressure on wild populations, and as zoos, there is so much we can do for bonobos in their native habitats.
— Auriana Donaldson
Photo by TheresaWawiorka
Photo by Kara DeLanty
AN UPGRADED MEMBERSHIP
Elevate your Zoo Pass with a Platypus Circle Membership. Platy members get a transferable membership card, which means they can give it to a friend, family member or anyone they know to enjoy a day at the Zoo. Up to eight people can visit on one card, plus, you get a personal behind-the-scenes tour and invitations to special events including an after-hours event in September. For more information visit BeAPlaty.org.
We would like to thank the following individuals and businesses who became new Platy members between June 26, 2024 and May 31, 2025.
Anonymous(5)
Tom & Leslie Balliet
Big Bend Village Library
Bremen Café
Campbellsport Public Library
Julie & Corey Carpenter
Ross & Noreen Cheesman
Children’s Community Services
Brittany & Erik Cooper
Audrey & Jim Ditter
Randy & Holly Ferrell
Friends of the Brown Deer Public Library
Friends of the Elm Grove Library
Friends of West Allis Public Library
Ashley Garrett
Marc & Elizabeth Goldstein
Green Bay Packaging –Great Lakes Division
Green Bay Packaging –Midland Division
Green Bay Packaging –Wisconsin Packaging Division
Peter & Lauren Hannes
Hedberg Public Library
Incognito Enterprises
Joseph Heit
Johnson Brothers
Kacmarcik Enterprises
Lindsey Kalvin
Mark & Kaye Kass
Kelmann Restoration
Kerry
Alex & Dana Lackore
Elizabeth & James Lange
Wayne & Deb Larsen
Lisa Laskowski
Marsh Electronics Inc.
Mead Library Foundation
Kevin & Christy Miller
A FOND FAREWELL
In June, the Milwaukee County Zoo announced it will close the Small Mammals Building by the end of the year. The building has been a mainstay of the Zoo as one of its original buildings, and while the animals are doing well, the building has outlived its prime when it comes to modernized animal care. The closure is an ongoing process, and the Zoo has begun to relocate animals to other Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos. As these new locations are secured, the animals will transfer out — and due to this there is currently not an exact date for the building’s closure.
The Zoological Society has begun the process of reaching out to sponsors of animals in the Small Mammals Building to allow them the opportunity to transfer their current sponsorship to another animal at the Zoo. Sponsors should have received an email that contains a form to fill out* to indicate which animal they would like to sponsor when their current animal departs for its new home. In the meantime, we highly encourage everyone to visit their favorite animals soon before they go.
Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Ltd.
New Beginnings: A Home for Mothers
Chris Pardon
Kurt Peter
Jennifer & Timothy Randall
Laura Schneider & Paul Nedwek
Caitlin Smith & Jordan James
Soft Water Inc.
St. John XXIII Catholic School
Stehling’s Taxidermy LLC
SÜDPACK Oak Creek Corporation
Supply One
Bradley & Tina Taylor
Variety – the Children’s Charity of WI
Vibrantz Technologies
Waukesha County Business Alliance
Wautoma Public Library
Zuern Building Products & Design Center
For any questions about animal sponsorship, contact Becky Luft by email at beckyl@zoosociety.org or by phone at 414-479-2941.
While we are sad to see these animals depart for new homes, we are excited for the Zoo and Society’s future plans and our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of care for all animals. Learn more about the Zoo’s future plans on Page 10.
*If you have multiple sponsorships in the Small Mammals Building, please fill out the form for each sponsorship.
Milwaukee Public Museum
THE FUTURE IS WILD AT THE ZOO
I
n April, the Milwaukee County Zoo and Zoological Society of Milwaukee released its shared strategic plan, “Our Zoo, Our Future.” This initiative will align both organizations’ resources and activities around one overarching goal: to build, cultivate and sustain thriving communities that bring people, wildlife and wild places together — at the Zoo, throughout Wisconsin, across the United States and with our partners around the world. Included in this initiative is a modern update to the current Zoo master plan, featuring exciting new and improved habitats. Take a look at the wild future that awaits the Zoo!
LATIN AMERICAN TROPICS
Tying into the Zoo and Society’s long-time partnership with the Belize Zoo, the planned Latin American Tropics zone will be designed to replicate the diverse ecosystems found in Belize, from its montane cloud rainforests to its colorful coral reefs. In the forest habitats guests may be able to see animals like jaguars, tapirs, capybaras and anteaters, while the planned 250,000-gallon aquarium gives guests an up-close look at the colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and rays that call the coral reefs their home.
PRIMATES OF THE WORLD
One of the more robust guest experiences at the Zoo, the Primates of the World building will undergo renovations as part of the new master plan. These updates aim to both enhance the guest experience and align with modern standards of animal care for the Zoo’s beloved primates. Experience the Congo Basin rainforest, as the new carefully crafted habitats will replicate the natural range of bonobos and gorillas — giving guests a new vantage point to watch while also providing a larger space for the bonobos and gorillas to exhibit their natural instincts and behaviors.
THE WILD NORTH
View some of the amazing animals that live closer to home. The Wild North allows guests to travel from the temperate forests of Wisconsin to the taiga of North America. Here, guests may see some of the most iconic animals of North America, like the brown bears, moose, mountain lions, wolverines and bald eagles. Featuring a boardwalk that will take guests over the waters of Lake Evinrude and past the planned moose habitat, this area provides a fantastic view of the natural beauty that can be found (almost) in your backyard.
To learn more about “Our Zoo, Our Future,” read the full plan: zoosociety.org/OurZooOurFuture
GET TO KNOW... THE ALPACAS!
If you’ve ever walked past the South America yard at the Zoo, you’ve probably noticed one species there that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Meet the alpacas! The Zoo’s herd consists of four females: Marcella, Sarita, Arica and Frankie. But can you tell which one is which? Here is your guide to be able to identify each of the four alpacas, while also learning more about their personalities from their animal care team.
Marcella
Born: July 6, 2011 at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Physical Characteristics: Marcella has black fur with white socks on her front legs.
Personality: Marcella is the oldest alpaca at the Zoo and is mother to Sarita and Frankie. Winter Quarters zookeeper Brooke Ferrell says that Marcella is very smart and is always eager to participate in training sessions with the animal care team — especially when food is involved.
Sarita
Born: Aug. 1, 2013, at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Physical Characteristics: Sarita has dark brown fur that looks reddish when she’s standing out in the sun.
Personality: If you tend to be a laid-back and mellow person, then you have a lot in common with Sarita. Ferrell says that Sarita tends to be more quiet and reserved out of the herd, and seems to be content to watch and relax around the habitat.
Arica
Born: Aug. 17, 2013, at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Physical Characteristics: Arica has light brown fur with three white socks. Her right rear sock is the same color as the rest of her fur.
Personality: If you had to describe Arica by a human trait, you might consider her as “no-nonsense.” Ferrell says that Arica will tend to do things on her own terms and that she can be slow to let her guard down. But once she becomes familiar with a member of the animal care team, she grows more comfortable and is highly motivated to work on training with the keepers.
Frankie
Born: Aug. 9, 2014, at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Physical Characteristics: Frankie has light brown fur with white patches and she has four white socks.
Personality: While you can tell Frankie apart from the rest of the herd by her four white socks, another way she stands out from the herd is through her inquisitiveness. Ferrell says that Frankie is always looking around and checking everyone and everything out. She adds that Frankie also acts very friendly and is “a sweetheart.”
Alpacas are not
Llamas!
While alpacas and llamas are both part of the family Camelidae and share some similarities in appearance, they differ in several ways. Alpacas are smaller, reaching around 35 inches high at their shoulder and weighing between 120-150 pounds, while llamas are around 47 inches high at their shoulder and weigh around 250 pounds. Alpacas also have smaller, shorter faces with shorter ears, while llamas have more elongated faces with taller ears.
17-19
24-26
BOO TIMES TWO
Boo at the Zoo
Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy
5:30-9 p.m.
Pack your candy bags, put on your costumes and head to the Zoo for a totally treat-filled time! This year, we’re doubling the delight with two full weekends of Halloween magic, giving families six spooktacular nights to trick-or-treat among the animals. Travel down the Trick-or-Treat Trail, weave your way through the haystack maze, take a ride on the Halloween-themed train and marvel at giant pumpkin carvings.
Zoo Pass Discount: Zoological Society members receive a 15% discount with code trick and their membership number.
CELEBRATING THE RHINOS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
E
ach year the Zoological Society picks an animal to feature as an ornament. This year, as we celebrate the completion of their new habitat at the Zoo, we are showcasing the Eastern black rhinoceros for our holiday ornament!
The new space combines the former rhino habitat and the former elephant habitat into a larger area for the rhinos to roam and also features a brand-new indoor habitat for both the rhinos and the hippo. 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.
This year’s ornament showcases the prominent horns that a rhinoceros is well-known for. Local artist Andy Schumann handcrafts each year’s ornament in clay before turning the mold into a beautiful pewter ornament. This is the 34th 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.
Zoo Brew
7-10 p.m. | VIP entry at 6 p.m. Registration is open now! 21+
Sip a hazy IPA by the hyenas or savor a rich porter near the penguins. Sample bites from local food vendors and relax by the outdoor fire in our cozy beer garden. This 21+ evening at the Zoo is your once-a-year chance to experience beer tasting in a truly wild setting! Whether you’re a craft beer fan or looking to try something new, Zoo Brew has you covered with pours from top breweries and local microbrewers.
This year, the beer garden will feature the sounds of Spielmannszug Milwaukee Drum and Bugle Corps, adding festive German flair to the fall evening, sponsored by Molson Coors.
Zoo Pass Members and Guests
VIP: $70 (1-hour early entry!) | General: $60
Non-Members
VIP: $85 (1-hour early entry!) | General: $75
Designated Driver Admission: Enjoy all food, music and experiences without alcohol. VIP: $30 | General: $20
We’re on the prowl for Zoo Brew vendors!
Beer and food vendors are invited to apply and share their products with a lively audience of craft beer lovers and foodies.
For tickets, vendor info and full event details, visit ZOOSOCIETY.ORG/ZOOBREW
QUICK FACT:
The native range of the Bonobos are the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Page 6
HAPPENING WHAT’S
Now Through Labor Day
Kohl’s Wild Theater at the Zoofree performances every Tuesday through Sunday*
Now Through Oct. 5
Summer Exhibit: Exploration Dinosaur, presented by Meijer
Aug. 14-17
A La Carte at the Zoo, presented by Meijer*
Aug. 23
Animal Safari: Behind-the-scenes tours for animal sponsors
Sept. 14
Ride on the Wild Side, sponsored by Authentic Birth Center
Oct. 2
Zoo Brew (pre-register)
Oct. 4
Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*
Oct. 17-19, 24-26
Boo at the Zoo, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy (pre-register)
Nov. 1
Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*
Nov. 12
Priority member registration for Spring Zoo Classes
*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.
Photo by Garrett Hopkins
Ride On The Wild Side