Overlooked and Underrated: The Zoos of Wisconsin

[birdsandbats]

What do you think of when you think of Wisconsin? If you asked this to the average American, they would probably say something like cheese, football, or euchre. And if you asked someone outside of America, let's be honest they would have no idea what you were talking about.

But on this site, Wisconsin has gained the interesting reputation of having some of the worst zoos. I'm not going to try to argue that reputation is necessarily wrong. But Wisconsin is also not something for the zoo enthusiast to pass over, either. We have lots of great zoos here too, hidden among the corncrib cage forests and featureless big cat cages.

On this thread, I'll show you some of those hidden gems we have here in the Badger State, from tiny native species collections to comprehensive specialist collections to even a major mega-zoo. This thread is best enjoyed with a side of cheese curds.

Spoiler: Behind-the-scenes

Some of you may notice that I've made a similar thread before several years ago. Looking back on it I'm not really happy with that thread. I've decided a reboot was necessary both for me to continue this discussion (which I want to) and as an example for newer members.

 

[CheeseChameleon1945]

Looking forward to this! I can't wait to hear your input from our good neighbors establishments, although I must say every time I'm in Wisconsin it's just an endless amount of snow and highways .
But for real though, can't wait!

 

[Westcoastperson]

Well, I'm sure Wisconsin zoos can't be as bad as Nevada zoos.

 

[Coelacanth18]

Always interested to hear what's found off the beaten path, and although I've looked through a lot of your species lists and reviews of Wisconsin zoos I can't begin to tell you the notable ones from the skippable ones. Just one more thread I'm looking forward to reading this year.

If you asked this to the average American, they would probably say something like cheese, football, or euchre.

Cheese and football I understand, but I had to look up that last one I probably would have said either beer or motorcycles because of Milwaukee.

 

[Dhole dude]

Exited to hear what Wisconsin has to offer! I haven't yet been to many zoos in Wisconsin (just Milwaukee County & Fawn-Doe-Rosa), So I'm interested to hear what to expect when I can get to more of the zoos here.

 

[Great Argus]

Cheese and football I understand, but I had to look up that last one I probably would have said either beer or motorcycles because of Milwaukee.

I had no clue on the last one either, I had to look it up too. It also surprised me as I know quite a few people who play various card games yet I've never heard of euchre!

 

[birdsandbats]

Euchre is a running joke of sorts among many Wisconsinites - a game that Wisconsin is supposedly notable for and everyone has heard of but few people actually know how to play!

 

[aardvark250]

My dad often relate Wisconsin to ginseng. IDK if that's true or not, but there you go. (Although he always think america have 52 states too for some reason, so meh)

 

[CGSwans]

Euchre is a running joke of sorts among many Wisconsinites - a game that Wisconsin is supposedly notable for and everyone has heard of but few people actually know how to play!

I play it with my dad.

On Christmas evening I took 5 euchres in a row off his deal. He almost kicked me out of the house.

 

[birdsandbats]

My dad often relate Wisconsin to ginseng. IDK if that's true or not, but there you go. (Although he always think america have 52 states too for some reason, so meh)

Nearly all of the world's ginseng is produced in Wisconsin.

 

[birdsandbats]

Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park (NEW Zoo)

Location: Suamico
Size: ~44 acres (~17 hectares)
Approximate Visit Time: 1.5-2 hours
Ownership: County
AZA-accredited

Collection (on-display only)
Mammals: 32 species
Birds: 32 species
Herps: 15 species
Fish: 4 species
Arthropods: 1 species
Total: 84 species

Notable rarities: Blue Duiker, Moose, Black-footed Ferret, Whooping Crane, Pronghorn

Best exhibits: Wisconsin Trail, especially Riley Building

Species List: Full list of species on exhibit [Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park]
Gallery: Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park - ZooChat

Known as "The zoo among the pines", NEW Zoo is found in a beautiful forest setting 10 miles of north of Green Bay. The towering trees and echoing calls of wild ravens make much of this zoo feel as much like a hike through the woods as it does a zoo visit. While there are some exotic species to be seen here, the collection is largely North American native species kept in enclosures that are simply a slice of woodland, adding much to the previously discussed immersion.

The zoo is divided into two halves, the Wisconsin Trail and the International Trail. One would assume that one focuses on Wisconsin fauna and the other on exotic species, however both of the areas break those expectations. The primary difference between the two areas are the enclosure design. The Wisconsin Trail enclosures are mostly just the very naturalistic forest enclosures while the International Trail uses more traditional zoo enclosures. The International Trail seems to go out of its way to use strange-looking architecture, which oftentimes seems to exist only to break the surrounding immersion.

The Wisconsin Trail is without a doubt the highlight of the zoo. Most of the enclosures here are viewed from above, allowing you to look out are the large areas of forest the animals are provided with. Many of the animals can be difficult to find however, the Moose and lynx specifically often feel like a Where's Waldo book. The Great Plains section of the International Trail is also nice, with a large yard for bison, elk, and Pronghorn. The Trumpeter Swan pond is also here, the swans are extremely vocal and can be heard over much of the zoo.

The NEW Zoo has remained largely unchanged over the last several decades, although that may change soon. The canopy trails supposedly coming next year are the first step in their master plan. These trails will be built up in the canopy of the forest to allow new viewing opportunities, and tunnels will allow the animals to come upwards as well, similar to Philadelphia's Zoo 360. After that, the master plan calls for more of a focus on exotic species. I wouldn't expect too much though, this is their third master plan in the last decade and very little has happened so far. If the master plan is followed though, I have a hard time seeing the quality of the zoo going up.

The NEW Zoo is involved in conservation efforts, as well. They are a prolific breeder of Trumpeter Swans and are regularly involved with reintroduction efforts across the country. They also breed Red Wolves and recently entered the Whooping Crane breeding program.

Overall, NEW is a very pleasant little zoo with some great exhibits and a wonderful setting. It gives off that "small, local zoo" vibe that's getting harder to find in the AZA. If you're more of a species hunter, there's even a few rarer species to see. This zoo is just as pleasant a visit in the winter as it is in summer. The crowds are smaller, the animals are more active, and most species are still on exhibit. If you're looking for a Wisconsin zoo to visit in the winter, this is one of the best choices.

Red Wolf exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Moose exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Red-rumped Agouti exhibit (photo by @birdsandbats)

Aldabra Tortoise house (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Lion exhibit with Giraffe yard in back (photo by @snowleopard)

Wisconsin Trail aviary (photo by @snowleopard)

Riley Building + Moose Viewing Platform (photo by @snowleopard)

White-tailed Deer/Sandhill Crane exhibit (photo by @snowleopard)

North American River Otter exhibit (photo by @snowleopard)

Emu exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

 

[amur leopard]

Nearly all of the world's ginseng is produced in Wisconsin.

Not to get off track, but 95% of ginseng production in the US is in a certain county in Wisconsin but the world's largest producer of American ginseng is in fact Ontario.

 

[CheeseChameleon1945]

Is there a way I can view their third master plan?
Thanks.

 

[birdsandbats]

Is there a way I can view their third master plan?
Thanks.

Our Future | NEW Zoo & Adventure Park

 

[SwampDonkey]

I like that Wisconsin trial aviary and otter habitat, those look great.

Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park (NEW Zoo)

Location: Suamico
Size: ~44 acres (~17 hectares)
Approximate Visit Time: 1.5-2 hours
Ownership: County
AZA-accredited

Collection (on-display only)
Mammals: 32 species
Birds: 32 species
Herps: 15 species
Fish: 4 species
Arthropods: 1 species
Total: 84 species

Notable rarities: Blue Duiker, Moose, Black-footed Ferret, Whooping Crane, Pronghorn

Best exhibits: Wisconsin Trail, especially Riley Building

Species List: Full list of species on exhibit [Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park]
Gallery: Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park - ZooChat

Known as "The zoo among the pines", NEW Zoo is found in a beautiful forest setting 10 miles of north of Green Bay. The towering trees and echoing calls of wild ravens make much of this zoo feel as much like a hike through the woods as it does a zoo visit. While there are some exotic species to be seen here, the collection is largely North American native species kept in enclosures that are simply a slice of woodland, adding much to the previously discussed immersion.

The zoo is divided into two halves, the Wisconsin Trail and the International Trail. One would assume that one focuses on Wisconsin fauna and the other on exotic species, however both of the areas break those expectations. The primary difference between the two areas are the enclosure design. The Wisconsin Trail enclosures are mostly just the very naturalistic forest enclosures while the International Trail uses more traditional zoo enclosures. The International Trail seems to go out of its way to use strange-looking architecture, which oftentimes seems to exist only to break the surrounding immersion.

The Wisconsin Trail is without a doubt the highlight of the zoo. Most of the enclosures here are viewed from above, allowing you to look out are the large areas of forest the animals are provided with. Many of the animals can be difficult to find however, the Moose and lynx specifically often feel like a Where's Waldo book. The Great Plains section of the International Trail is also nice, with a large yard for bison, elk, and Pronghorn. The Trumpeter Swan pond is also here, the swans are extremely vocal and can be heard over much of the zoo.

The NEW Zoo has remained largely unchanged over the last several decades, although that may change soon. The canopy trails supposedly coming next year are the first step in their master plan. These trails will be built up in the canopy of the forest to allow new viewing opportunities, and tunnels will allow the animals to come upwards as well, similar to Philadelphia's Zoo 360. After that, the master plan calls for more of a focus on exotic species. I wouldn't expect too much though, this is their third master plan in the last decade and very little has happened so far. If the master plan is followed though, I have a hard time seeing the quality of the zoo going up.

The NEW Zoo is involved in conservation efforts, as well. They are a prolific breeder of Trumpeter Swans and are regularly involved with reintroduction efforts across the country. They also breed Red Wolves and recently entered the Whooping Crane breeding program.

Overall, NEW is a very pleasant little zoo with some great exhibits and a wonderful setting. It gives off that "small, local zoo" vibe that's getting harder to find in the AZA. If you're more of a species hunter, there's even a few rarer species to see. This zoo is just as pleasant a visit in the winter as it is in summer. The crowds are smaller, the animals are more active, and most species are still on exhibit. If you're looking for a Wisconsin zoo to visit in the winter, this is one of the best choices.

Red Wolf exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Moose exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Red-rumped Agouti exhibit (photo by @birdsandbats)

Aldabra Tortoise house (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Lion exhibit with Giraffe yard in back (photo by @snowleopard)

Wisconsin Trail aviary (photo by @snowleopard)

Riley Building + Moose Viewing Platform (photo by @snowleopard)

White-tailed Deer/Sandhill Crane exhibit (photo by @snowleopard)

North American River Otter exhibit (photo by @snowleopard)

Emu exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

 

[Joseph G]

NEW Zoo is a really fun place to spend half a day. To echo what @birdsandbats already said, the Wisconsin Trail and Riley Building really stand out. That side of the zoo isn't really like anything I've seen anywhere else while still maintaining a very cozy feel. I especially love the bison/elk exhibit. It's really cool to see them going for a dip or crossing the exhibit in the water.

The International Trail really leaves a lot to be desired. In addition to the exhibits pictured above, the snow leopard and Japanese macaque exhibits go to the exact opposite end of the spectrum from the cozy feel the Wisconsin Trail provides. It almost feels like this entire half of the zoo was bulldozed and then they realized, "Wow. We should have kept some trees." However, the African penguin exhibit is the one redeeming exhibit on this side and, in my opinion, it rivals that of more well-known institutions. I love that it's split level which allows their feet on different substrate, climbing opportunities and underwater viewing on the back side of the exhibit.

I try to visit this place once every few years when I'm back in the area just for the feel. I really hope they can finally push for bigger and better, as my issues with the International Trail are addressed in the new master plan. It really looks to fill some holes around the zoo and improve existing exhibits as well as provide additional sources of revenue. But some of it does seem a little lofty and I have the unfortunate feeling of, "I'll believe it when I see it."

 

[birdsandbats]

NEW Zoo is a really fun place to spend half a day. To echo what @birdsandbats already said, the Wisconsin Trail and Riley Building really stand out. That side of the zoo isn't really like anything I've seen anywhere else while still maintaining a very cozy feel. I especially love the bison/elk exhibit. It's really cool to see them going for a dip or crossing the exhibit in the water.

The International Trail really leaves a lot to be desired. In addition to the exhibits pictured above, the snow leopard and Japanese macaque exhibits go to the exact opposite end of the spectrum from the cozy feel the Wisconsin Trail provides. It almost feels like this entire half of the zoo was bulldozed and then they realized, "Wow. We should have kept some trees." However, the African penguin exhibit is the one redeeming exhibit on this side and, in my opinion, it rivals that of more well-known institutions. I love that it's split level which allows their feet on different substrate, climbing opportunities and underwater viewing on the back side of the exhibit.

I try to visit this place once every few years when I'm back in the area just for the feel. I really hope they can finally push for bigger and better, as my issues with the International Trail are addressed in the new master plan. It really looks to fill some holes around the zoo and improve existing exhibits as well as provide additional sources of revenue. But some of it does seem a little lofty and I have the unfortunate feeling of, "I'll believe it when I see it."

I'll add the incredible Bobcat exhibit to that discussion as well. The cat has access to the entire canopy!:

 

[Valentinoamor]

I'm from Wisconsin, and the only facilities I've been to are Henry Vilas Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, Pec's Farm (If that counts?), Wildwood Wildlife Park, Timbavati Wildlife Park, and the Deer Park.

I've always wanted to visit Racine and NEW Zoo, but I've never gotten around to it.

 

[TinoPup]

Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park (NEW Zoo)

Location: Suamico
Size: ~44 acres (~17 hectares)
Approximate Visit Time: 1.5-2 hours
Ownership: County
AZA-accredited

Collection (on-display only)
Mammals: 32 species
Birds: 32 species
Herps: 15 species
Fish: 4 species
Arthropods: 1 species
Total: 84 species

Notable rarities: Blue Duiker, Moose, Black-footed Ferret, Whooping Crane, Pronghorn

Best exhibits: Wisconsin Trail, especially Riley Building

Species List: Full list of species on exhibit [Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park]
Gallery: Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park - ZooChat

Known as "The zoo among the pines", NEW Zoo is found in a beautiful forest setting 10 miles of north of Green Bay. The towering trees and echoing calls of wild ravens make much of this zoo feel as much like a hike through the woods as it does a zoo visit. While there are some exotic species to be seen here, the collection is largely North American native species kept in enclosures that are simply a slice of woodland, adding much to the previously discussed immersion.

The zoo is divided into two halves, the Wisconsin Trail and the International Trail. One would assume that one focuses on Wisconsin fauna and the other on exotic species, however both of the areas break those expectations. The primary difference between the two areas are the enclosure design. The Wisconsin Trail enclosures are mostly just the very naturalistic forest enclosures while the International Trail uses more traditional zoo enclosures. The International Trail seems to go out of its way to use strange-looking architecture, which oftentimes seems to exist only to break the surrounding immersion.

The Wisconsin Trail is without a doubt the highlight of the zoo. Most of the enclosures here are viewed from above, allowing you to look out are the large areas of forest the animals are provided with. Many of the animals can be difficult to find however, the Moose and lynx specifically often feel like a Where's Waldo book. The Great Plains section of the International Trail is also nice, with a large yard for bison, elk, and Pronghorn. The Trumpeter Swan pond is also here, the swans are extremely vocal and can be heard over much of the zoo.

The NEW Zoo has remained largely unchanged over the last several decades, although that may change soon. The canopy trails supposedly coming next year are the first step in their master plan. These trails will be built up in the canopy of the forest to allow new viewing opportunities, and tunnels will allow the animals to come upwards as well, similar to Philadelphia's Zoo 360. After that, the master plan calls for more of a focus on exotic species. I wouldn't expect too much though, this is their third master plan in the last decade and very little has happened so far. If the master plan is followed though, I have a hard time seeing the quality of the zoo going up.

The NEW Zoo is involved in conservation efforts, as well. They are a prolific breeder of Trumpeter Swans and are regularly involved with reintroduction efforts across the country. They also breed Red Wolves and recently entered the Whooping Crane breeding program.

Overall, NEW is a very pleasant little zoo with some great exhibits and a wonderful setting. It gives off that "small, local zoo" vibe that's getting harder to find in the AZA. If you're more of a species hunter, there's even a few rarer species to see. This zoo is just as pleasant a visit in the winter as it is in summer. The crowds are smaller, the animals are more active, and most species are still on exhibit. If you're looking for a Wisconsin zoo to visit in the winter, this is one of the best choices.

Red Wolf exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Moose exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Red-rumped Agouti exhibit (photo by @birdsandbats)

Aldabra Tortoise house (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Lion exhibit with Giraffe yard in back (photo by @snowleopard)

Wisconsin Trail aviary (photo by @snowleopard)

Riley Building + Moose Viewing Platform (photo by @snowleopard)

White-tailed Deer/Sandhill Crane exhibit (photo by @snowleopard)

North American River Otter exhibit (photo by @snowleopard)

Emu exhibit (photo by @Milwaukee Man)

Wow, that is a huge otter exhibit! The Wisconsin Trail reminds me a lot of the Virginia Living Museum (my walkthrough, beginning outside, starts on page 5: https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/virginia-living-museum.1469/). It's also mostly a raised deck that goes through the trees, with the exhibits almost all being fenced areas of native habitat, including the marsh aviary.

The agouti and tortoise exhibits are really neat. The tortoise, especially; too bad it's not a native species. The rest of the exhibits leaves a lot to be desired

 

[birdsandbats]

Wow, that is a huge otter exhibit! The Wisconsin Trail reminds me a lot of the Virginia Living Museum (my walkthrough, beginning outside, starts on page 5: Virginia Living Museum - ZooChat). It's also mostly a raised deck that goes through the trees, with the exhibits almost all being fenced areas of native habitat, including the marsh aviary.

The agouti and tortoise exhibits are really neat. The tortoise, especially; too bad it's not a native species. The rest of the exhibits leaves a lot to be desired

I’m not the biggest fan of the agouti exhibit (as I noted in the post above), while it looks kind of cool it’s really immersion breaking. I do like the tortoise house though. There’s even a spine on the ceiling inside!