Small Mammals Building Closure

After careful consideration of the needs of the animals residing in the space, we have decided to close the Small Mammals Building by the end of the year.

In April, the Milwaukee County Zoo announced, “Our Zoo, Our Future,” a new strategic plan and refreshed master plan focused on the future of the Zoo and leading as an innovator in 21st-century animal care. One of the points emphasized was the Zoo’s commitment to adding habitats that align with a modern approach in animal care and adding animals and immersive experiences for the community to share and learn from.

With that in mind, we have decided to 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 though 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 animal leadership has begun to relocate animals to other AZA-accredited zoos. As these new locations are secured, the animals will transfer out — and due to this, we do not currently have an exact date for the building’s official closure.

Zookeepers impacted by the building’s closure will transfer to alternate animal care areas in the Zoo, and those talented team members will remain an integral part of our operations. This will aid us in meeting accreditation standards by providing zookeepers time to implement the exceptional care for our animals that’s expected for an accredited zoo.

“We believe our animals need to be in places where they can be successful,” emphasizes Amos Morris, Executive Zoo Director. “By closing this facility, it allows us to place these animals in habitats around the country that more fit their natural needs.”

“I support the Zoo’s decision to begin closing the Small Mammals Building,” Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Culture, states. “I recently toured the building with Executive Director Morris and had the opportunity to speak with zookeepers. I can see the dedication these individuals give to their work and know they are passionate about the care they give to the animals, but the building does not live up to the modernized standard needed to continue that exceptional care. I appreciate the Zoo allowing guests the opportunity to visit the building and say goodbye to these animals. I look forward to the future of the Zoo and what lies ahead.”

Learn more about the Zoo’s next chapter:

We invite guests to visit the Small Mammals Building and celebrate the history and legacy of this classic building with us. We are excited for the future of the Zoo and remain committed to providing the highest level of care for all our animals.

We will continue to update this page as animals depart for their new homes — please check back often.

Current residents of Small Mammals – updated 6/25/25

• Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths
• Dwarf mongooses
• Prehensile-tailed porcupines
• Cotton-top tamarins
• Bushbaby
• Fennec foxes
• Southern three-banded armadillos
• Straw-colored fruit bats
• Prevost’s squirrel