America's 100 Must See Exhibits

[Persephone]

And I could see both of the exhibits flanking Tiger Trail getting a spot on the list and honorable mention later on. I was really impressed by Minnesota, but I thought the tiger exhibits were the most impressive part. Good choice.

I have a question regarding The Wilds / Fossil Rim and similar parks. Are they eligible for the list? I understand if you don’t want to throw them on since they’re stretching the definition of a zoo. But I think the Mid-Sized Carnivore Complex at The Wilds might still be worth including. The biggest exhibits I’ve seen for dhole, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. It’s also fairly zoo-like in that you get out of the vehicle and walk some (short-ish) trails to see it.

 

[birdsandbats]

And I could see both of the exhibits flanking Tiger Trail getting a spot on the list and honorable mention later on. I was really impressed by Minnesota, but I thought the tiger exhibits were the most impressive part. Good choice.

I have a question regarding The Wilds / Fossil Rim and similar parks. Are they eligible for the list? I understand if you don’t want to throw them on since they’re stretching the definition of a zoo. But I think the Mid-Sized Carnivore Complex at The Wilds might still be worth including. The biggest exhibits I’ve seen for dhole, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. It’s also fairly zoo-like in that you get out of the vehicle and walk some (short-ish) trails to see it.

The Wilds and Fossil Rim are not stretching the definition of a zoo by any means. While I have no idea if they will appear on this list or not, I imagine they very well may.

 

[PSO]

I would include the "Asian" section at Wilds. The vast mixed species field with some interesting rarities, having GoH appear out the brush with calves entoe and the most impressive captive takin herd probably in the world (I didn't realize how much they appreciate a water hole until I saw well over a dozen wading in shoulder high water)

 

[pachyderm pro]

8. Wisconsin Heritage
Henry Vilas Zoo, WI
Opened: 2016
Size: 2,500 Square Feet (230 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: American Badger, Sandhill Crane

American badgers are uncommon in zoos and nowhere to be found in European collections. They are, however, the state animal of Wisconsin and the mascot for the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is only a few minutes up the road from this small collection. No zoo shines the spotlight on badgers more than Henry Vilas. The enclosure here appears simple, being a dirt yard with various logs and burrows, but does a great job encouraging its residents to be active which is very impressive to accomplish with a species that is notoriously tricky to spot. The badger house has various interpretive displays honoring Wisconsin's long mining history, unique outdoor viewing opportunities, and indoor dens of varying sizes. The adjacent sandhill crane exhibit is very pleasant as well, although it's clear it isn't the focus on the display. This niche complex isn’t flashy in any way, but it nicely presents a pair of native species that don't receive much attention and is a true celebration of local history and culture.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@cubsmaster

Similar Exhibits: None

 

[OkapiFan]

8. Wisconsin Heritage
Henry Vilas Zoo, WI
Opened: 2016
Size: 2,500 Square Feet (230 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: American Badger, Sandhill Crane

American badgers are uncommon in zoos and nowhere to be found in European collections. They are, however, the state animal of Wisconsin and the mascot for the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is only a few minutes up the road from this small collection. No zoo shines the spotlight on badgers more than Henry Vilas. The enclosure here appears simple, being a dirt yard with various logs and burrows, but does a great job encouraging its residents to be active which is very impressive to accomplish with a species that is notoriously tricky to spot. The badger house has various interpretive displays honoring Wisconsin's long mining history, unique outdoor viewing opportunities, and indoor dens of varying sizes. The adjacent sandhill crane exhibit is very pleasant as well, although it's clear it isn't the focus on the display. This niche complex isn’t flashy in any way, but it nicely presents a pair of native species that don't receive much attention and is a true celebration of local history and culture.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@cubsmaster

A very interesting and unique pick! I love it!

 

[Dhole dude]

8. Wisconsin Heritage
Henry Vilas Zoo, WI
Opened: 2016
Size: 2,500 Square Feet (230 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: American Badger, Sandhill Crane

American badgers are uncommon in zoos and nowhere to be found in European collections. They are, however, the state animal of Wisconsin and the mascot for the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is only a few minutes up the road from this small collection. No zoo shines the spotlight on badgers more than Henry Vilas. The enclosure here appears simple, being a dirt yard with various logs and burrows, but does a great job encouraging its residents to be active which is very impressive to accomplish with a species that is notoriously tricky to spot. The badger house has various interpretive displays honoring Wisconsin's long mining history, unique outdoor viewing opportunities, and indoor dens of varying sizes. The adjacent sandhill crane exhibit is very pleasant as well, although it's clear it isn't the focus on the display. This niche complex isn’t flashy in any way, but it nicely presents a pair of native species that don't receive much attention and is a true celebration of local history and culture.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@cubsmaster

Now this was one I was NOT expecting to see here at all!

 

[Great Argus]

8. Wisconsin Heritage
Henry Vilas Zoo, WI
Opened: 2016
Size: 2,500 Square Feet (230 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: American Badger, Sandhill Crane

American badgers are uncommon in zoos and nowhere to be found in European collections. They are, however, the state animal of Wisconsin and the mascot for the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is only a few minutes up the road from this small collection. No zoo shines the spotlight on badgers more than Henry Vilas. The enclosure here appears simple, being a dirt yard with various logs and burrows, but does a great job encouraging its residents to be active which is very impressive to accomplish with a species that is notoriously tricky to spot. The badger house has various interpretive displays honoring Wisconsin's long mining history, unique outdoor viewing opportunities, and indoor dens of varying sizes. The adjacent sandhill crane exhibit is very pleasant as well, although it's clear it isn't the focus on the display. This niche complex isn’t flashy in any way, but it nicely presents a pair of native species that don't receive much attention and is a true celebration of local history and culture.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@cubsmaster

Similar Exhibits: None

Have to admit I'm highly confused by this inclusion - it's nice enough but I don't see the appeal to land it here. The crane pen is average to most of the ones I've seen, and while the Badger exhibit is one of the better ones around, it really doesn't sell me on noteworthiness. First exhibit on the list that doesn't make me curious to visit the zoo and see it.

 

[Persephone]

The signage in the badger viewing area is nice. The sandhill crane exhibit is pretty average, though. Even if we threw in the adjacent bison area (also pretty average) I’m not sure how noteworthy this would be. I think NEW Zoo outside Green Bay might genuinely have a better badger exhibit, even if the signage isn’t as nice. Also has some prairie dogs in the same complex. Plus a better selection of Wisconsin species overall in the adjacent area, including sandhill cranes in a large yard with white-tailed deer. I feel like Northeast Wisconsin’s area should have at least made the honorable mentions, or just outright replace Wisconsin Heritage.

 

[birdsandbats]

Have to admit I'm highly confused by this inclusion - it's nice enough but I don't see the appeal to land it here. The crane pen is average to most of the ones I've seen, and while the Badger exhibit is one of the better ones around, it really doesn't sell me on noteworthiness. First exhibit on the list that doesn't make me curious to visit the zoo and see it.

There's no better badger exhibit out there. The badgers are very active and love to put on a show for visitors, I could spend all day at this exhibit and watch the badgers dig and wrestle with each other. The exhibit may just be a bunch of dirt but it works so well for this species, which few zoos offer very much digging room for. Also, it's just so nice to see a major exhibit willing to shine a light on an obscure mustelid like a badger.

 

[15399]

Have to admit I'm highly confused by this inclusion - it's nice enough but I don't see the appeal to land it here. The crane pen is average to most of the ones I've seen, and while the Badger exhibit is one of the better ones around, it really doesn't sell me on noteworthiness. First exhibit on the list that doesn't make me curious to visit the zoo and see it.

Yeah, I'm a little surprised/confused as well. While the exhibit may be a better badger exhibit, it seems very similar to a lot of exhibits I've seen (or at least seen pictures of) for similarly sized mammals. I've certainly seen better exhibits for cranes before, and while the only badger exhibit I've ever seen isn't as good as this one, this exhibit doesn't seem like it would stand out amongst other exhibits for small mammals.

 

[birdsandbats]

I think NEW Zoo outside Green Bay might genuinely have a better badger exhibit,

I never pass up an opportunity to complement NEW Zoo (my home zoo) when such a situation arises, but this is not one of them. Wisconsin Heritage is better than NEW's badger exhibit in every way possible. Henry Vilas' is larger, has more digging room, and offers a better visitor experience since the badgers at NEW rarely show themselves. While it is nice to see that another zoo is willing to let their badgers actually burrow, Henry Vilas has created the superior exhibit here from both a husbandry and visitor perspective.

I was not expecting Wisconsin Heritage of all things to be a controversial inclusion!

 

[Persephone]

I never pass up an opportunity to complement NEW Zoo (my home zoo) when such a situation arises, but this is not one of them. Wisconsin Heritage is better than NEW's badger exhibit in every way possible. Henry Vilas' is larger, has more digging room, and offers a better visitor experience since the badgers at NEW rarely show themselves. While it is nice to see that another zoo is willing to let their badgers actually burrow, Henry Vilas has created the superior exhibit here from both a husbandry and visitor perspective.

I’ve only been to both zoos once over a year ago. The badgers were active at NEW and actually sleeping at Henry Vilas. I remember liking the signage and the inclusion of a cool native species, but otherwise not being too impressed. The native species part of NEW, as a whole, struck me as more impressive than its counterpart. But idk I don’t remember either that well so I’ll take your word for Henry Vilas being better for badgers. I’m just not sure if being better at one mid-sized species without much competition warrants a spot on this list.

But, it is not my list. Opinions differ and this isn’t a critical matter where the difference actually impacts the real world so… I’m fine letting this one go.

 

[Great Argus]

There's no better badger exhibit out there. The badgers are very active and love to put on a show for visitors, I could spend all day at this exhibit and watch the badgers dig and wrestle with each other. The exhibit may just be a bunch of dirt but it works so well for this species, which few zoos offer very much digging room for. Also, it's just so nice to see a major exhibit willing to shine a light on an obscure mustelid like a badger.

I'm not arguing it's a bad Badger exhibit, as it's certainly among the best as far as that goes - but honestly it's really not that impressive as an overall exhibit. The very average Sandhill Crane exhibit is not helping boost this to a must see. I've seen a lot of Sandhill crane exhibits that looked far better and bigger. This is just an average cold-zone small mammal exhibit with a average crane yard... it doesn't belong here.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Wisconsin Heritage definitely isn't the most showy, but it doesn't need to be. I'm sure many are already familiar with this story, but I'll never pass up the chance to share the gospel of William G. Conways How to exhibit a bullfrog: a bed-time story for zoo men. The general takeaway is that any species, no matter how odd, can be made interesting if exhibited well. This exhibit takes that philosophy to heart. The enclosure accommodates a small group of badgers, includes multiple indoor exhibits, quality educational displays and is designed to encourage its residents to be active. When I saw this exhibit this past March, I spent 20 minutes watching the badgers wander around their exhibit digging, climbing and playing and it was absolutely delightful. I've never seen anything like it and it's certainly one of my most memorable zoo visiting moments from the past year.

This isn't just an average small mammal exhibit; it's an elaborate showcase of an animal that rarely gets any attention in many zoos (and even when they do, they're rarely visible). I'll fully admit the crane exhibit isn't anything special, but that isn't what makes this exhibit a must-see.

 

[birdsandbats]

I'm not arguing it's a bad Badger exhibit, as it's certainly among the best as far as that goes - but honestly it's really not that impressive as an overall exhibit. The very average Sandhill Crane exhibit is not helping boost this to a must see. I've seen a lot of Sandhill crane exhibits that looked far better and bigger. This is just an average cold-zone small mammal exhibit with a average crane yard... it doesn't belong here.

In-person it's very impressive - the signage, the active badgers, the dedicated indoor area with viewing - it all gives it a notch above the rest. The accompanying history of the university sign shows a lot of care was put in, even if it is ultimately irrelevant to the badgers. I agree that the crane exhibit is nothing special but that really doesn't matter when the badger exhibit is so impressive.

EDIT: Cross-post, Pachyderm Pro said it better than I could.

 

[Pleistocene891]

8. Wisconsin Heritage
Henry Vilas Zoo, WI
Opened: 2016
Size: 2,500 Square Feet (230 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: American Badger, Sandhill Crane

American badgers are uncommon in zoos and nowhere to be found in European collections. They are, however, the state animal of Wisconsin and the mascot for the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is only a few minutes up the road from this small collection. No zoo shines the spotlight on badgers more than Henry Vilas. The enclosure here appears simple, being a dirt yard with various logs and burrows, but does a great job encouraging its residents to be active which is very impressive to accomplish with a species that is notoriously tricky to spot. The badger house has various interpretive displays honoring Wisconsin's long mining history, unique outdoor viewing opportunities, and indoor dens of varying sizes. The adjacent sandhill crane exhibit is very pleasant as well, although it's clear it isn't the focus on the display. This niche complex isn’t flashy in any way, but it nicely presents a pair of native species that don't receive much attention and is a true celebration of local history and culture.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@cubsmaster

Similar Exhibits: None

That badger exhibit looks very good. But I’m not sure one exhibit(that looks a little ugly) for an animal belongs on this list. And the crane exhibit looks very average and cheap. But still, what a surprise!

 

[Pleistocene891]

Wisconsin Heritage definitely isn't the most showy, but it doesn't need to be. I'm sure many are already familiar with this story, but I'll never pass up the chance to share the gospel of William G. Conways How to exhibit a bullfrog: a bed-time story for zoo men. The general takeaway is that any species, no matter how odd, can be made interesting if exhibited well. This exhibit takes that philosophy to heart. The enclosure accommodates a small group of badgers, includes multiple indoor exhibits, quality educational displays and is designed to encourage its residents to be active. When I saw this exhibit this past March, I spent 20 minutes watching the badgers wander around their exhibit digging, climbing and playing and it was absolutely delightful. I've never seen anything like it and it's certainly one of my most memorable zoo visiting moments from the past year.

This isn't just an average small mammal exhibit; it's an elaborate showcase of an animal that rarely gets any attention in many zoos (and even when they do, they're rarely visible). I'll fully admit the crane exhibit isn't anything special, but that isn't what makes this exhibit a must-see.

So does the type of species displayed on an exhibit factor in whether or not an exhibit makes the list? Do exhibits that feature very rare species get an extra advantage over exhibits that display ABC species? Because that’s the only logical explanation I can think of for putting this exhibit on the list.

 

[Great Argus]

Wisconsin Heritage definitely isn't the most showy, but it doesn't need to be. I'm sure many are already familiar with this story, but I'll never pass up the chance to share the gospel of William G. Conways How to exhibit a bullfrog: a bed-time story for zoo men. The general takeaway is that any species, no matter how odd, can be made interesting if exhibited well. This exhibit takes that philosophy to heart.

You'd probably sell me on this better if the exhibit lacked clear connection to a famous local sports team. Of course they'd want a nice Badger exhibit, publicity galore.

When I saw this exhibit this past March, I spent 20 minutes watching the badgers wander around their exhibit digging, climbing and playing and it was absolutely delightful. I've never seen anything like it and it's certainly one of my most memorable zoo visiting moments from the past year.

Can't help feeling there's a lot of personal bias on this choice given that statement.

This isn't just an average small mammal exhibit; it's an elaborate showcase of an animal that rarely gets any attention in many zoos (and even when they do, they're rarely visible). I'll fully admit the crane exhibit isn't anything special, but that isn't what makes this exhibit a must-see.

In my experience badgers have been popular and easy enough to see when exhibited - the general public is familiar with them. The exhibit itself really doesn't look much different or unique from various other indoor-outdoor exhibits for small mammals. Some scouting around looking at other Badger exhibits lands this one still as good but not really special.. Gonna be an agree to disagree on this one, I’m staying firmly in that it doesn't belong.

So does the type of species displayed on an exhibit factor in whether or not an exhibit makes the list? Do exhibits that feature very rare species get an extra advantage over exhibits that display ABC species? Because that’s the only logical explanation I can think of for putting this exhibit on the list.

I was wondering this too. Pachy has stated that species is not necessarily important and neither is welfare - yet now he's arguing in favor of one based on single species showcase and admitting both that he enjoyed watching the animal here and that the other exhibit in the due is mediocre.

 

[15399]

You'd probably sell me on this better if the exhibit lacked clear connection to a famous local sports team. Of course they'd want a nice Badger exhibit, publicity galore.



Can't help feeling there's a lot of personal bias on this choice given that statement.



In my experience badgers have been popular and easy enough to see when exhibited - the general public is familiar with them. The exhibit itself really doesn't look much different or unique from various other indoor-outdoor exhibits for small mammals. Some scouting around looking at other Badger exhibits lands this one still as good but not really special.. Gonna be an agree to disagree on this one, I’m staying firmly in that it doesn't belong.



I was wondering this too. Pachy has stated that species is not necessarily important and neither is welfare - yet now he's arguing in favor of one based on single species showcase and admitting both that he enjoyed watching the animal here and that the other exhibit in the due is mediocre.

I've certainly seen (both in person and in photographs) similar looking exhibits for a number of other similarly-sized terrestrial small mammals. This exhibit doesn't seem like anything above and beyond what other zoos have as exhibits for aardvarks, prairie dogs, meerkats, african porcupines, and suids (albeit slightly larger or smaller for some of these species, of course).

 

[Pleistocene891]

I've certainly seen (both in person and in photographs) similar looking exhibits for a number of other similarly-sized terrestrial small mammals. This exhibit doesn't seem like anything above and beyond what other zoos have as exhibits for aardvarks, prairie dogs, meerkats, african porcupines, and suids (albeit slightly larger or smaller for some of these species, of course).

Nashville’s meerkat exhibit might be the best example of a small mammal exhibit. I hope it makes the list.