Henry vilas zoo - friends of the zoo Review

About Henry vilas zoo - friends of the zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo - Friends of the Zoo: A Community Supported Admission-Free Zoo

The Henry Vilas Zoo is a beloved attraction in Dane County, Wisconsin. It is a community-supported zoo that has been providing free admission to visitors since 1911. The zoo is named after Henry Vilas, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who donated the land for the zoo.

The mission of the Henry Vilas Zoo is to inspire and educate visitors about wildlife conservation through engaging experiences with animals and nature. The zoo's values include animal welfare, education, conservation, community engagement, and sustainability.

Animals at the Henry Vilas Zoo

The Henry Vilas Zoo houses over 800 animals from around the world. Visitors can see a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Some of the most popular animals at the zoo include:

- African lions
- Polar bears
- Red pandas
- Giraffes
- Penguins
- Tigers
- Gorillas

In addition to these larger animals there are also many smaller species such as snakes and turtles that can be seen throughout various exhibits.

Exhibits at the Henry Vilas Zoo

The exhibits at this admission-free zoo are designed to provide an immersive experience for visitors while also ensuring that all animals have access to natural habitats that meet their needs. Some of these exhibits include:

1) Arctic Passage: This exhibit features polar bears swimming in an underwater viewing area as well as other arctic species like harbor seals.

2) Big Cat Exhibits: Visitors can see African lions or tigers up close in their own habitats which mimic their natural environments.

3) Primate House: This exhibit features several different types of primates including gorillas who live on an island surrounded by waterfalls!

4) Aviary: The aviary houses over 60 different bird species from around the world including parrots and flamingos!

5) Children's Zoo: This area is designed for younger visitors and features a petting zoo, playground, and interactive exhibits.

Events at the Henry Vilas Zoo

The Henry Vilas Zoo hosts many events throughout the year that are fun for all ages. Some of these events include:

1) Boo at the Zoo: A Halloween-themed event where visitors can trick-or-treat around the zoo while seeing animals up close.

2) Zoovies: Outdoor movie nights where families can watch movies under the stars while enjoying snacks and drinks from local vendors.

3) Brew at the Zoo: An adult-only event featuring craft beer tastings from local breweries as well as live music and food trucks.

4) Run Wild 5K & 10K: A race through the zoo that raises funds for animal care and conservation efforts.

Friends of Henry Vilas Zoo

The Friends of Henry Vilas Zoo is a non-profit organization that supports this admission-free zoo. The organization was founded in 1914 by a group of community members who wanted to ensure that this beloved attraction would continue to thrive. Today, Friends of Henry Vilas Zoo provides funding for animal care, education programs, exhibit improvements, and conservation efforts both locally and globally.

Conclusion

The Henry Vilas Zoo - Friends of the Zoo is an admission-free attraction in Dane County Wisconsin that has been providing engaging experiences with animals since 1911. Visitors can see over 800 animals from around the world in natural habitats designed to meet their needs. The zoo also hosts many events throughout the year including Boo at the Zoo, Zoovies, Brew at the Zoo, and Run Wild 5K &10K which raise funds for animal care and conservation efforts. The Friends of Henry Vilas provide support to ensure this beloved attraction continues to thrive both locally and globally through funding animal care programs as well as education initiatives aimed towards inspiring future generations about wildlife conservation.