Skip to content
Menu
These up-close encounters, with a variety of furry, feathered, and finned animals, let visitors go nose to whisker with residents like our furry Virginia opossum, and eyes to ossicone with the reticulated giraffes.
You’ll get the inside scoop on their unique adaptations and behaviors, their favorite foods and treats, and even learn what it’s like to care for the animals!
These rare tour opportunities not only let you see some of these magnificent animals in a more personal way, but they serve as very real “conservation connections,” helping the Zoo’s animals and also their counterparts in the wild.
The Zoo both participates in and supports a variety of animal programs to enhance the well-being of at-risk animal populations from around the world.
Make plans now for an up-close connection – our animals are roaring to see you!
A range of tour costs, days, and times to make your reservation are offered.
Questions? Send us an email: zoo.wildconnections@milwaukeecountywi.gov
“Sleigh ‘hi’ to the reindeer!”
Don’t miss your chance to meet our hooved friends before they fly to the North Pole! Migrate with us to the west end of the Zoo to learn what it takes to care for our reindeer. Get close enough to hear the click, click, click of their hooves and feel just how heavy their antlers really are! Then, help us feed Bean, as you tell him if you’ve been naughty or nice this year!
“Have a totally ‘opossum’ time!”
NEW! Have you ever wondered what it takes to provide the best care for the animals at the Zoo? This Wild Connections tour takes you into the Animal Health Center Learning Zone to meet an amazing ambassador! Hang out with Elmer the opossum and learn what it takes to be an animal caretaker — perfect for anyone interested in becoming a zookeeper, veterinarian, or zoologist!
“This tour is a PIG deal!”
This Wild Connections tour will have you squealing with delight when you meet the red river hogs! You’ll go “under” the scenes in our hoofstock area to connect with some of the most engaging and unique animals in the Zoo. Tour the basement and food prep area the animal care team uses to keep things running smoothly. Then, we’ll introduce our red river hogs, Mort and Dudley! Learn about their training, nutrition, and enrichment while you help with their daily care.
“Their antics will have you ‘giraffing’ out loud!”
This Wild Connections tour takes you up close with the Zoo’s tallest animals! Go nose-to-nose with the reticulated giraffes and learn how we care for these amazing longnecks. As you feed our herd an afternoon snack, you’ll learn how to protect these remarkable animals. Find out more about their behaviors, personalities, and why their necks are so long! You’ll be shocked to discover how gentle and graceful these giants are!
“Feed our highest-flying friends!”
Take flight with the flock! Venture to the Herb and Nada Mahler Family Aviary to learn what goes into caring for the unique and diverse residents in the building. Then, meet some of our most playful birds, the mustached Inca terns, and feed them some fish! Learn why their white feathers that resemble a mustache are so important, and what you can do to help them thrive in their natural range.
“Get up close and personal with our cold-blooded friends!”
Join us on this Wild Connections tour to learn all about how our Aquatic & Reptile Center operates and meet some new friends! Feed animals in the Amazon River habitat, including the oldest animal in the Zoo: Onassis the Amazon River turtle. Explore behind the scenes to see what it takes to keep a 55,000-gallon aquarium running while discovering the specialized nutrition for some of our most distinct species in the Zoo. Then climb above Lake Wisconsin to meet some of our most unique reptile ambassadors!
“Chevrotaining the masses!”
Wait? Is she a mouse or a deer? Why is she in with the birds? All these questions and more will be answered during this exclusive Wild Connections tour that lets you feed one of the smallest and cutest hooved animals in the world! Our mouse deer, also known as a Malayan chevrotain, is not shy! Come meet Ruby at the end of your visit!
© 2024 Milwaukee County Zoo. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy