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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
“Have a totally ‘opossum’ time!”
Have you ever wondered what it takes to provide the best care for the animals at the Zoo? This Wild Connections tour takes you to 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!
“They’re not musical bongos, but they’ll make your heart sing!”
This Wild Connections tour takes you to Adventure Africa to go face-to-face with one of the Zoo’s most elusive antelopes, the Eastern bongo! Learn how the animals can benefit from a mixed-species habitat and see how the team works to maintain high-quality care for the animals they love. After you meet the bongos, you’ll love them too!
“Come meet our caravan!”
This Wild Connections tour takes you behind the scenes to meet some of our furriest residents, the Bactrian camels! You’ll see how big these amazing creatures are and how much of them is fluff. Learn all about these dexterously-lipped ruminants, touch some camel hair, and learn how the animal care team trains these gentle giants. Once you’ve experienced this, you’ll be “back”-trian.
“A tour you will never forget!”
This Wild Connections tour takes you INTO the elephant habitat! Set up the elephant’s breakfast in the outdoor yard — you will get to decide where to place their food and then see how they use their unique adaptations to find it! You’ll learn about our three amazing elephants and how we provide the best possible care for them. Pack your trunk and come join us!
“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 the herd an afternoon snack, you’ll learn how to protect these remarkable animals. Hear 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!
“Join us for an adventure that’s ‘otter this world!’”
This Wild Connections tour takes you to Modern Woodmen Otter Passage to learn how zookeepers care for the North American river otters. Venture below the habitat to see how the water filtration system works and watch the animal care team demonstrate how they train the otters to participate in their own healthcare. Finally, the team will present enrichment items, which stimulates and encourages the natural behaviors in these energetic animals. You’re in for an otterly good time!
“It’s a black-tie affair!”
Waddle over to experience this fish-filled Wild Connections tour! Our first stop is at the Herb & Nada Mahler Family Aviary, home to our cold-loving rockhopper and gentoo penguins, to learn about the special adaptations that make them so unique. Then, we head over to Penguins of the Pacific to see what it’s like to care for the Humboldt penguins. You will get to feed Houdini, Wallace, and the rest of the colony as they “fly” through the water!
“‘Meat’ these charismatic carnivores!”
This Wild Connections tour takes you behind the scenes of the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country to meet some of the coolest predators of the plains. Learn about what it takes to care for our cheetahs, serval, hyena, and lions. Then, you’ll go to the outdoor training area to participate in a training session with either the hyena or lions. It will be a roaring good time!
“Get up close and personal with our cold-blooded friends!”
Join us on this Wild Connections tour to learn how the Aquatic & Reptile Center operates and meet some animals! Go above the Amazon River habitat to feed the animals, including Onassis the Amazon River turtle, the oldest animal at the Zoo. You’ll see what it takes to keep a 55,000-gallon aquarium operating, learn about specialized diets for some of our most distinct species, and go above Lake Wisconsin to meet some unique reptiles!
“Feed our highest-flying friends!”
Take flight with the flock! Venture to the Herb & Nada Mahler Family Aviary to learn about caring for the unique and diverse residents in this building. Then, meet some of our most playful and colorful 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.
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