Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee County Zoo News 2022

pachyderm pro said:
I understand everyone's frustration, but I think some of these complaints aren't being very fair to the zoos circumstances.

Right now the zoo is experiencing the natural growing pains associated with significant change and development. Keep in mind that Milwaukee has a lot of catching up to do after two decades of minimal changes and no major additions. Until construction begins on the last Adventure Africa phase, the entire central part of the zoo (mainly what remains of the pachyderm mall) is going to be a bit messy for a while. I give the zoo credit for filling the space with temporary additions like yaks and tortoises instead of just leaving them empty to at least show that they are doing there best to keep things active. It's not like they are removing species and leaving exhibits empty with no future plans, they are actively pursuing a very promising looking development to take over the space with the rhino and hippo house. These things take time, but it's also important to remember that we are coming off of three major projects opening in back-to-back-to-back years: Otter Passage and the West Entrance in 2018, the elephant complex and antelope paddocks in 2019, and the hippo exhibit in 2020. Even though we all have some mixed opinions about how some of these exhibits turned out, they were all multi-million dollar endeavors that were delayed countless times in the past before things finally aligned and it should be commended that the zoo was able to constantly open a major exhibit three years in a row. This year is also the calm before the storm of construction that is on the horizon. Next year three more major capital projects are on track to start development: The new rhino/hippo house, the penguin expansion, and the revamped main entrance. Until then it's to be expected that things are going to be quiet this year while the zoo is preparing for the surge in development to come in 2023. Don't let the empty exhibits fool you, Milwaukee is the most progressive now than it's ever been.
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Well said.
 
MKE Zoo guy said:
I visited today and it was kinda disappointing.
  • The Red Panda fence was pushed very far back, further then anytime I thinking during the covid restrictions. Last time I saw that was when there was a baby red panda, so maybe…
  • There’s something interesting going on with former elephant/hippo yard. There’s now a very large black chain-linked fence surrounding the whole exhibit, up until the watering hole.
  • Now that the cuttlefish are gone they put back the plastic garbage exhibit.

I never realized how much energy the birds brought to the zoo and now that they are gone temporarily, there’s an energy missing.

I inquired about the happenings in the former elephant/ hippo exhibit and they choose not to respond.

Also, there was a lot of empty exhibits around the zoo. Several places where the animal population once held several now hold few. I’m not sure what’s all going on at the zoo but it seems lesser as of right now. Those that have gone what are your thoughts? Does the zoo seem to be more empty? Could it because just the birds or could it be due to lack of animals? I would enjoy hearing from you.
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I definitely feel what you mentioned about the birds being missing. Like the mixed-species exhibit by the elephants - it just seems really empty without the cranes and ostriches.

pachyderm pro said:
I understand everyone's frustration, but I think some of these complaints aren't being very fair to the zoos circumstances.

Right now the zoo is experiencing the natural growing pains associated with significant change and development. Keep in mind that Milwaukee has a lot of catching up to do after two decades of minimal changes and no major additions. Until construction begins on the last Adventure Africa phase, the entire central part of the zoo (mainly what remains of the pachyderm mall) is going to be a bit messy for a while. I give the zoo credit for filling the space with temporary additions like yaks and tortoises instead of just leaving them empty to at least show that they are doing there best to keep things active. It's not like they are removing species and leaving exhibits empty with no future plans, they are actively pursuing a very promising looking development to take over the space with the rhino and hippo house. These things take time, but it's also important to remember that we are coming off of three major projects opening in back-to-back-to-back years: Otter Passage and the West Entrance in 2018, the elephant complex and antelope paddocks in 2019, and the hippo exhibit in 2020. Even though we all have some mixed opinions about how some of these exhibits turned out, they were all multi-million dollar endeavors that were delayed countless times in the past before things finally aligned and it should be commended that the zoo was able to constantly open a major exhibit three years in a row. This year is also the calm before the storm of construction that is on the horizon. Next year three more major capital projects are on track to start development: The new rhino/hippo house, the penguin expansion, and the revamped main entrance. Until then it's to be expected that things are going to be quiet this year while the zoo is preparing for the surge in development to come in 2023. Don't let the empty exhibits fool you, Milwaukee is the most progressive now than it's ever been.

With all of that said, I do agree that things are far from perfect.


This is all very true. Milwaukee is a very rough around the edges at the moment. The signage and railings are very dated and in dire need of being replaced. Again, this is something that will be fixed all at once as these areas are replaced entirely in the future. A lack of proper upkeep is a pattern I will admit is an issue though, as the crumbling pathways and rusted fencing are not a good look and give a very dated vibe to the grounds. The ape yards have also been blocked off since before covid which is really quite ridiculous at this point.



The status of the Alaskas Cold Coast project is unknown at this point, but by all means a new North American zone replacing the current one is definitely the next big thing post Adventure Africa. Mr. Morris alluded to plans for exhibits focusing on cold tolerant species and while plans will have changed from the old master plan, the same general idea of an Alaskan exhibit taking up the entirety of the North American exhibits is still a go. In fact from what I hear moose, elk and wolves may be folded into the plans from the since scrapped Wild Woods exhibit. I agree that it would be nice for prairie dogs to be back, but the former polar bear enclosure is a concrete dumpster fire not suited for any species and it should stay empty until its demolished.
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This is a really excellent explanation of the state of MCZ. The outdoor ape exhibits still being closed to visitors is especially bad, but maybe it has something to do with Hodari's anxiety? If they rotate him and Maji multiple times a day it may be too difficult to control visitor access. This is just a guess...
 
AnonGibbon said:
I definitely feel what you mentioned about the birds being missing. Like the mixed-species exhibit by the elephants - it just seems really empty without the cranes and ostriches.



This is a really excellent explanation of the state of MCZ. The outdoor ape exhibits still being closed to visitors is especially bad, but maybe it has something to do with Hodari's anxiety? If they rotate him and Maji multiple times a day it may be too difficult to control visitor access. This is just a guess...
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At this point with MCZ reissuing the mask mandate for inside buildings due to the county going into high transmission rates, I wonder if they’ll open it at anytime soon. I really don’t like the bonobos outdoor space but that’s neither here nor there.
 
pachyderm pro said:
I understand everyone's frustration, but I think some of these complaints aren't being very fair to the zoos circumstances.

Right now the zoo is experiencing the natural growing pains associated with significant change and development. Keep in mind that Milwaukee has a lot of catching up to do after two decades of minimal changes and no major additions. Until construction begins on the last Adventure Africa phase, the entire central part of the zoo (mainly what remains of the pachyderm mall) is going to be a bit messy for a while. I give the zoo credit for filling the space with temporary additions like yaks and tortoises instead of just leaving them empty to at least show that they are doing there best to keep things active. It's not like they are removing species and leaving exhibits empty with no future plans, they are actively pursuing a very promising looking development to take over the space with the rhino and hippo house. These things take time, but it's also important to remember that we are coming off of three major projects opening in back-to-back-to-back years: Otter Passage and the West Entrance in 2018, the elephant complex and antelope paddocks in 2019, and the hippo exhibit in 2020. Even though we all have some mixed opinions about how some of these exhibits turned out, they were all multi-million dollar endeavors that were delayed countless times in the past before things finally aligned and it should be commended that the zoo was able to constantly open a major exhibit three years in a row. This year is also the calm before the storm of construction that is on the horizon. Next year three more major capital projects are on track to start development: The new rhino/hippo house, the penguin expansion, and the revamped main entrance. Until then it's to be expected that things are going to be quiet this year while the zoo is preparing for the surge in development to come in 2023. Don't let the empty exhibits fool you, Milwaukee is the most progressive now than it's ever been.

With all of that said, I do agree that things are far from perfect.


This is all very true. Milwaukee is a very rough around the edges at the moment. The signage and railings are very dated and in dire need of being replaced. Again, this is something that will be fixed all at once as these areas are replaced entirely in the future. A lack of proper upkeep is a pattern I will admit is an issue though, as the crumbling pathways and rusted fencing are not a good look and give a very dated vibe to the grounds. The ape yards have also been blocked off since before covid which is really quite ridiculous at this point.



The status of the Alaskas Cold Coast project is unknown at this point, but by all means a new North American zone replacing the current one is definitely the next big thing post Adventure Africa. Mr. Morris alluded to plans for exhibits focusing on cold tolerant species and while plans will have changed from the old master plan, the same general idea of an Alaskan exhibit taking up the entirety of the North American exhibits is still a go. In fact from what I hear moose, elk and wolves may be folded into the plans from the since scrapped Wild Woods exhibit. I agree that it would be nice for prairie dogs to be back, but the former polar bear enclosure is a concrete dumpster fire not suited for any species and it should stay empty until its demolished.


Now this I concur is inexcusable. It's one thing to have commentary on ocean pollution, but to just fill is an exhibit with garbage with no explanation is foolish. Looks like there taking notes from the Beaver Springs Aquarium. Side Note: You never want to emulate the Beaver Springs Aquarium, for anything.



There were plans to bring in a male bongo from San Fransisco before covid hit, but any mention of those plans has been ceased and I have no idea why. I agree that the zoo is missing a big opportunity by not following through with this.


No he's there, you just never, ever see him. ;)


Speak for yourself, I think Watusi are cool. :p I doubt that will be happening though, as the reason the yaks were brought it is because they can be exhibited during the winter. I'm not sure how cold tolerant Watusi are, but Wisconsin winters are no joke and I don't think they would bring in a species to exhibit them outdoors for five months tops before locking them indoors for another four months before demolishing the whole area.
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I agree with everything you said. Sorry if it was coming across as unfair to the zoo. I think it’s just been years of neglect and poor managing from the previous administration (although many of them are still there). I think between the years of poor management; lack of focus; the waiting on the next phase of construction; the pandemic, and now the bird flu, it is just became a perfect storm of ehhh right now.

I know the zoo has big plans ahead, just from listening to the new president dropping hints here and there, it’s just the waiting and wanting it to be good again that’s hard at times.
 
Just got word that there is a new species moving into the former elephant/hippo enclosure soon. No hints at what it could be yet though. Be on the look out.
 
MKE Zoo guy said:
I know the zoo has big plans ahead, just from listening to the new president dropping hints here and there, it’s just the waiting and wanting it to be good again that’s hard at times.
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You think you have it rough, try being a fan of Brookfield. All I've been doing for the past three years is waiting and wanting it to be good again! :p
savetherhino said:
I thought it was going to be a 2nd rhino yard. I might be wrong on that
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It will in the long run, but there will be a temporary addition filling the space until construction starts on that project, similar to the yaks that were brought in earlier this year to fill on old rhino yards.
 
Hey guys haven’t been on here in a while but was reading the thread just now. I’m curious as far as how the master plan is being changed! What projects are being scrapped/added? Any input would help because I am interested in seeing what’s going on at the zoo as far as further expansion or updated exhibits in the future.
 
pachyderm pro said:
You think you have it rough, try being a fan of Brookfield. All I've been doing for the past three years is waiting and wanting it to be good again! :p

It will in the long run, but there will be a temporary addition filling the space until construction starts on that project, similar to the yaks that were brought in earlier this year to fill on old rhino yards.
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I'm interested to hear what will temporarily fill the space
 
James Krasting said:
Hey guys haven’t been on here in a while but was reading the thread just now. I’m curious as far as how the master plan is being changed! What projects are being scrapped/added? Any input would help because I am interested in seeing what’s going on at the zoo as far as further expansion or updated exhibits in the future.
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With a new director recently onboarded, the entire master plan is essentially being scrapped and restarted from the ground up. The only things from the plan still in motion are the rhino and hippo building, penguin exhibit expansion and the revamped main entrance which are all starting construction next year. Everything else from the plan will likely be redone or completely replaced in some capacity. I imagine the Alaskan exhibit is still on the docket as well, but the layout will likely be much different from the initial plan.
 
pachyderm pro said:
With a new director recently onboarded, the entire master plan is essentially being scrapped and restarted from the ground up. The only things from the plan still in motion are the rhino and hippo building, penguin exhibit expansion and the revamped main entrance which are all starting construction next year. Everything else from the plan will likely be redone or completely replaced in some capacity. I imagine the Alaskan exhibit is still on the docket as well, but the layout will likely be much different from the initial plan.
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Thanks for the input!! So basically the only projects confirmed as of now are the hippo/rhino expansions and the penguin and entrance reconstruction? With future projects unclear as far as certain details
 
pachyderm pro said:
With a new director recently onboarded, the entire master plan is essentially being scrapped and restarted from the ground up. The only things from the plan still in motion are the rhino and hippo building, penguin exhibit expansion and the revamped main entrance which are all starting construction next year. Everything else from the plan will likely be redone or completely replaced in some capacity. I imagine the Alaskan exhibit is still on the docket as well, but the layout will likely be much different from the initial plan.
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I have good feelings about the future with the new director
 
Just two updates from my visit today:
- There is a new harbor seal pup! I'm guessing a very new addition as there has not been an official announcement yet.
- Dwarf mongooses have returned to the Small Mammal house. I saw at least 3, possibly 4 running around between the exhibit and back holding area. It's been a while since I've seen dwarf mongoose; and given their name they are small, but these ones seemed extra small, so they may be a new group of youngsters?
 
Wild wolverine said:
Just two updates from my visit today:
- There is a new harbor seal pup! I'm guessing a very new addition as there has not been an official announcement yet.
- Dwarf mongooses have returned to the Small Mammal house. I saw at least 3, possibly 4 running around between the exhibit and back holding area. It's been a while since I've seen dwarf mongoose; and given their name they are small, but these ones seemed extra small, so they may be a new group of youngsters?
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Does the zoo have a breeding female seal?
 
savetherhino said:
Does the zoo have a breeding female seal?
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The Zoo is home to a young female seal named Cossette. Unless the pup is a rescue (how old did the pup look @Wild wolverine?), I imagine she and Ringo are parents. Despite no new construction or rhinos, Milwaukee seems to be making up for it in other areas with the baby boom, new species, and a couple other moves like the red river hog move to Adventure Africa. :)
 
Milwaukee Man said:
The Zoo is home to a young female seal named Cossette. Unless the pup is a rescue (how old did the pup look @Wild wolverine?), I imagine she and Ringo are parents. Despite no new construction or rhinos, Milwaukee seems to be making up for it in other areas with the baby boom, new species, and a couple other moves like the red river hog move to Adventure Africa. :)
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I wasn't sure if Cossette was old enough
 
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