Special Exhibit
Dino Don’s Journey to the Ice Age

As recently as five thousand years ago, the Ice Age time periods included these giant animals called megafauna, like saber-toothed tigers, woolly mammoths, and short-faced bears, many of which guests can see in this dynamic display!

Trek through the Zoo’s forest and marvel as extinct creatures are brought back to life. Breathing, roaring, gnashing teeth, turning their gaze, and flicking their tails — these mighty beasts can’t wait to meet visitors. Get face to face and then visit some of the giants’ modern-day counterparts at the Zoo!

Some of the Magnificent Mammals featured:

• Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) – This massive, elephant-like creature roamed across Europe, Asia, and North America for thousands of years. The Woolly Mammoth had an enormous set of curved tusks that could grow to 16 feet long. They grazed as much as 22 hours a day to get enough nutrition out of the 300 pounds of plants and grasses they consumed. Zoo counterpart: African elephant
• Woolly Rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) – An iconic creature of the Ice Age, the Woolly Rhino was a food source for early humans. They’re commonly depicted in ancient cave paintings, with as many as 20 Woolly Rhinos depicted in a painting. The Woolly Rhino was covered in thick, reddish-brown fur, with a large horn on the end of their snout. They also featured a second, smaller horn near their eyes and strong, massive teeth to eat the tough grass that survived in the harsh weather. Zoo counterpart: Black rhinoceros (returning once the Zoo’s new rhino habitat is complete)
• Teratornis – Teratornis was a large vulture or condor-like bird that likely scavenged for meat from carcasses. They took flight off cliff faces and may have fed on ocean creatures as well as land animals. Zoo counterpart: Cinereous vulture
• Toxodon – Toxodon was one of the largest, most common hoofed creatures in South America in their time, wandering over a broad range of territory. Their name translates to “bowtooth” because of their curved teeth. Built much like a smaller rhinoceros, Toxodon was a plant-eater more closely related to Baird’s tapirs than rhinos. Zoo counterpart: Baird’s tapir
• Giant Cheetah (Acinonyx pardinensis) – Though they were about the size of a lion, they were also sprinters, although likely not as fast as today’s cheetahs. Their highly flexible backs allowed for great propulsion. Zoo counterpart: Cheetah

Through the exhibit, guests will build empathy for wildlife and humans affected by environmental changes, while learning how humans can help positively impact the natural world.

Be sure to visit the Ice Age on May 21, June 5, July 8, and Aug. 19 for expanded content with fun and educational activities.

Don’t get left out in the cold! Take a Journey to the Ice Age, located at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance.

Journey to the Ice Age is located behind the Small Mammals building and is open during Zoo hours:

• 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Sept. 5 through Oct. 8