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
“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 into our Animal Health Center Learning Zone and lets you 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!
“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!
“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!
“A ‘paw’-some start to your day!”
Join us for this limited time Wild Connections tour that will take you behind the scenes to meet one of the fluffiest animals in the Zoo: the red pandas! “Dash” on down to our Red Panda habitat to feed our duo their breakfast snacks. On the way, learn about the care that goes into keeping these unique carnivores healthy and happy, as well as the important conservation work helping to keep them safe in their natural range. Then watch as they spend the morning pouncing, climbing, and playing in their home.
“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 pair. 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 and Maeve, as you tell them if you have been naughty or nice this year!
“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 awesome animals! Climb above the Amazon River habitat to visit with the oldest animal at the Zoo, Onassis the Amazon River turtle, as well as several unique species of fish. 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 radical 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 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.
© 2025 Milwaukee County Zoo. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy