Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee County Zoo News 2025

JVM said:
Vampire bats have left the zoo, as confirmed here in an interview about the closure where Morris elaborates a little bit.

I think the sea lion and cheetah renovations are still on the docket but probably further off for now, which is a shame because they would be both be pretty objective improvements without loss to the collection -- and while the Wild North and Belize Jungle developments look really, really cool, there'll still be some loss inherent.


As the approach in the new plan to exhibit animals in multi-species habitat I would assume the Jaguars are going to move to the new Belize habitat building. It will be interesting what carnivore animal they will put up above the South American habitat but then maybe this will be a new habitat of a different area with the Bairds Tapir and other animals moving to the new Belize area. It will be interesting to see what happens. But there will be a new walkway between the tigers and camels and the new Rhinos to make the flow out of Big Cats better.
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Other First Half 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On February 26th, the zoo announced that 2 crested wood partridges hatched.

12K views · 523 reactions | On this addition of Winged Wednesday...Crested Wood Partridge chicks: They hatched Feb. 4 Their geographic range is Southeast Asia They are named... | By Milwaukee County Zoo | Facebook

On March 12th, the zoo announced that (1.1) green aracaris hatched in late December 2024, and are the first time since 2008 that Milwaukee successfully bred the species.

Aviary Adventures - Milwaukee County Zoo

On April 24th, the zoo announced that 7 tanagers of 2 species (turquoise and blue-gray) hatched in the months prior. The zoo also announced they would transfer a (0.1) red-and-yellow barbet to an unspecified zoo in Florida sometime in spring and will acquire a new (0.1) barbet then. Lastly, the zoo will acquire a (1.0) violet-backed starling sometime in spring, and that in the upcoming months the zoo will be transferring various bird species to 30 different institutions.



On May 10th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (1.0) northern helmeted curassow to North Florida Wildlife Center in Florida.

North Florida Wildlife Center

QUOTE="turkeyfox, post: 1603784, member: 16256"]The zoo announced on instagram that the aviary is going to be closed for the foreseeable future, with no re-opening date. This is to prevent transmission of bird flu.[/QUOTE]

On June 24th, the zoo mentioned they reopened the aviary building to the public.

Aviary Adventures - Milwaukee County Zoo

On June 25th, the zoo announced they moved the ring-tailed lemurs out of the Small Mammal Building (though the where is not given).

Small Mammals Closure - Milwaukee County Zoo
 
Updates from a hot but worthwhile tour over the weekend:

- Construction: the most significant piece worth mentioning is that pathway that is taking over the former Malayan tapir exhibit looks like it is almost done. It's a winding trail, and it'll be great to both see the finished product and save some time by cutting across. Additionally, the outdoor spaces are chugging along. The wall that once divided the two former rhino (then yak) exhibits is torn down, work is taking place to prepare an encounter space off to the side; a little bit of landscaping is starting to take shape (unless it's just a pile from the wall demolition job); and the old elephant exhibit has its cable fencing up with grass planted. Lastly, on my way to the red pandas, I noticed an open door to the interior of the rhino/hippo barn. I couldn't see a whole lot from a distance, but I could just make out the mudbank walls that would divide the pachyderm spaces. Judging so far, I have a feeling that the interior habitats will be more of the standout in comparison to the exterior. The combined rhino habitat seems like it'll be okay in size, but the old elephant space will definitely be on the small side for the rhinos.

6/28/2025 - Adventure Africa: Phase 3 Construction

6/28/2025 - Adventure Africa: Phase 3 Construction

The two former rhino exhibits have been merged into one. On the right looks to be an encounter...

6/28/2025 - Adventure Africa: Phase 3 Construction

6/28/2025 - Adventure Africa: Phase 3 Construction

The pathway that takes over the old Malayan tapir exhibit is coming along nicely.

- Adventure Africa: speaking of hippos, I've been lucky enough to see Happy the hippo outside, but not propelling through his pool a couple times now. Now that I've seen a hippo utilizing the land area of the newish habitat, I can say that it doesn't seem as small as I thought it was. It certainly would benefit from an expansion, and I won't deny that there was a missed opportunity when constructing the exhibit, but at least I walked away with a slightly better outlook on the space. Also, the recently arrived bull bongo, Groot, was hanging out close to the viewing area. He usually has hung out near the holding building or amongst the trees, so it was great to get an up-close look at him for once. He's a majestic one! :D

- Small Mammals: as has been noted, the ring-tailed lemurs (along with all other animals previously mentioned) have left the building. Seeing this structure slowly but surely empty out is bittersweet. As happy as I'll be to see it go for the sake of new and improved homes for its occupants and that it is one of the Zoo's least impressive areas in my opinion, it's been around all my life, and I enjoyed checking out some of the Zoo's most unique residents, both current and former. With such as an unclear future, I can only hope that at least some of these species could return in some capacity - whether they be integrated into the current complexes or in a future project. On a side note, the male prehensile-tailed porcupine was no where to be seen.

- The red panda habitat looks like it got several climbing structures added recently. Tons of new ramps, logs, and platforms were erected that I don't recall seeing before. There was even a new concrete-looking log added below one of the huts.

6/28/2025 - Red Panda Habitat

6/28/2025 - Red Panda Habitat


HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: With the scorching summer heat bearing down, it only figures that some of the residents would try to beat the heat. In this case, the Zoo's Bactrian camel herd stole the show. Mom A.J. and son Baatar first waded into the water and, after making a couple splashes, the older daughter Leilani joined them. Seeing some animals that wouldn't normally take a swim do so is always quite a treat! :)

6/28/2025 - Camel Pool Party

6/28/2025 - Camel Pool Party

 
Milwaukee Man said:
Updates from a hot but worthwhile tour over the weekend:

- Construction: the most significant piece worth mentioning is that pathway that is taking over the former Malayan tapir exhibit looks like it is almost done. It's a winding trail, and it'll be great to both see the finished product and save some time by cutting across. Additionally, the outdoor spaces are chugging along. The wall that once divided the two former rhino (then yak) exhibits is torn down, work is taking place to prepare an encounter space off to the side; a little bit of landscaping is starting to take shape (unless it's just a pile from the wall demolition job); and the old elephant exhibit has its cable fencing up with grass planted. Lastly, on my way to the red pandas, I noticed an open door to the interior of the rhino/hippo barn. I couldn't see a whole lot from a distance, but I could just make out the mudbank walls that would divide the pachyderm spaces. Judging so far, I have a feeling that the interior habitats will be more of the standout in comparison to the exterior. The combined rhino habitat seems like it'll be okay in size, but the old elephant space will definitely be on the small side for the rhinos.
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Thank you for all the updates on construction. I agree I think the interior habitat will be the standout and if the mudbanks match the concept art it should be a cool space. I'm glad Milwaukee put the investment in making a decent indoor barn for these large animals rather than shrugging their shoulders. Ensures the zoo is still a great visit in the winter! It's bittersweet seeing the winding path taking shape over the former tapir/bear area.

- Adventure Africa: speaking of hippos, I've been lucky enough to see Happy the hippo outside, but not propelling through his pool a couple times now. Now that I've seen a hippo utilizing the land area of the newish habitat, I can say that it doesn't seem as small as I thought it was. It certainly would benefit from an expansion, and I won't deny that there was a missed opportunity when constructing the exhibit, but at least I walked away with a slightly better outlook on the space. Also, the recently arrived bull bongo, Groot, was hanging out close to the viewing area. He usually has hung out near the holding building or amongst the trees, so it was great to get an up-close look at him for once. He's a majestic one! :D
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The land area in the exhibit is better than people think for sure. I think a lot of hippo beaches are deceptive and larger than they look honestly. An expansion down the line would be welcome though. Maybe once the South America yard opens up they'll rotate some of the species around the old 'Loop.

Glad to hear about the Bongo. I've been itching to come see them in particular again this summer.

- Small Mammals: as has been noted, the ring-tailed lemurs (along with all other animals previously mentioned) have left the building. Seeing this structure slowly but surely empty out is bittersweet. As happy as I'll be to see it go for the sake of new and improved homes for its occupants and that it is one of the Zoo's least impressive areas in my opinion, it's been around all my life, and I enjoyed checking out some of the Zoo's most unique residents, both current and former. With such as an unclear future, I can only hope that at least some of these species could return in some capacity - whether they be integrated into the current complexes or in a future project. On a side note, the male prehensile-tailed porcupine was no where to be seen
Click to expand...
I was thinking when looking over the Belize Jungle project layout, which looks to involve some terrariums in the first room before you enter the 'Jungle' section, that maybe they could use a similar layout to the current building's dayroom for this first room (not a perfect duplicate - bigger enclosures and more space) as a bit of an internal homage before turning into the more modern Jungle area. I've also wondered if it might be allowable to include some of the Brazilian species in this first area before entering the Belize Jungle or if it might thematically detract...
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
A baby bonobo was born to first time mother Elena on May 30th! The gender of the infant is currently unknown.
Baby bonobo born at the Milwaukee County Zoo
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We are so excited to have a baby bonobo. It's been almost 9 years and with the two new snow monkeys, it is fun to volunteer again in the Primate building. Was recently told we won't know gender for awhile as mom is a first time mom and they want the bonding to go as well as possible.
Unfortunately our Bonobos have not been able to enjoy their outside habitat that is visible to the public, possible because a raccoon had taken residency in the trees above the habitat and we don't want cross species contamination. So the only place to see the new baby is is her group is in the inside public side habitat. Can't wait.
 

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@JVM Well considering that capybaras are planned to be part of the complex despite not being from Belize, I think we'll live with having some of those species in the same area ;) I do like this idea by the way, blending a bit of the old with the new, and also maintaining some of the original building's roots on that same footprint.

@James Krasting Any information on this newcomer? Where did he come from?
 
Milwaukee Man said:
Updates from a hot but worthwhile tour over the weekend
- The red panda habitat looks like it got several climbing structures added recently. Tons of new ramps, logs, and platforms were erected that I don't recall seeing before. There was even a new concrete-looking log added below one of the huts.

The log that is in the Red Panda exhibit is an "air conditioned" space for Pandas to hang out in. A gift from a donor. It is hoped that they will choose to stay on habitat during warmer weather but they aren't going to necessarily more visible to the public because they can hide in that AC log.
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MKEbonoboluv said:
"...our Bonobos have not been able to enjoy their outside habitat that is visible to the public, possible because a raccoon had taken residency in the trees above the habitat and we don't want cross species contamination. So the only place to see the new baby is is her group is in the inside public side habitat. Can't wait.
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BTW the new baby bonobo can be seen with mom in the outdoor habitat off the Gorilla Deck. I saw him/her this past week while working primates. It is very tiny and mom Elema keeps it very close.
 
Zoo adventures said:
I recently emailed the Milwaukee County Zoo about Kelly the zebra. They received Thelma, the Plains Zebra from the Como Park Zoo.
"Yes, our zebra is named Kelly. We also have a second zebra that recently arrived, named Thelma. You may sometimes see Kelly and Thelma together."
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Are they still in the watering hole exhibit? I wish we still had some in the impala plains exhibit. Would be a nice animal to have in the AA collection again!
 
Not sure if you guys remember me from asking about the zoo getting a new male lion couple months back. But I have an update:

• Morris 100% wants one, and from what it seems, they’re probably going to send off female hyena Nyota to bring in a new male lion.
• That’s what the plan seems to be at least, given that the current females take up too much space to have a male in the same enclosure. My guess is that it’ll be awhile until they decide to introduce the new male to the girls, and it would likely be the male being outside, while the females are inside, and ofc alternating each day.
• Again, not a guarantee. But there’s a good chance we’ll have a new male lion soon, especially if morris is pushing for it, I’m checking the feeding board almost everyday to see if there’s a new name.
 
Brian Gross said:
Not sure if you guys remember me from asking about the zoo getting a new male lion couple months back. But I have an update:

• Morris 100% wants one, and from what it seems, they’re probably going to send off female hyena Nyota to bring in a new male lion.
• That’s what the plan seems to be at least, given that the current females take up too much space to have a male in the same enclosure. My guess is that it’ll be awhile until they decide to introduce the new male to the girls, and it would likely be the male being outside, while the females are inside, and ofc alternating each day.
• Again, not a guarantee. But there’s a good chance we’ll have a new male lion soon, especially if morris is pushing for it, I’m checking the feeding board almost everyday to see if there’s a new name.
Click to expand...
It's a real shame if the zoo is going to be phasing out Hyenas as only a few accredited facilities in the midwest seem to still be keeping them. (Fort Wayne, Saint Louis, Columbus) At the same time, I can completely understand the decision - lions are immensely popular, especially males, and the current lion-hyena rotation situation hasn't been tenable for a while, especially not now.
 
JVM said:
It's a real shame if the zoo is going to be phasing out Hyenas as only a few accredited facilities in the midwest seem to still be keeping them. (Fort Wayne, Saint Louis, Columbus) At the same time, I can completely understand the decision - lions are immensely popular, especially males, and the current lion-hyena rotation situation hasn't been tenable for a while, especially not now.
Click to expand...

Exactly. At this point I think this decision also roots from a bit of public pleasing so to speak. Everytime I go there to do my photography I always hear at least one person say “where’s the male lion?” Not to mention people asking in the Instagram or Facebook comments. So something like this was bound to happen. From my perspective, even though there’s numerous factors to consider when bringing animals together, there’s a few zoos I’ve looked at that they could potentially be going after for a new male.

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: They have a 9 year old male named aslan, who from what I understand is paired with a female but it’s his sister
• DC Zoo: This was the one that I was convinced we had a year back, given that the zoo paused the search because of the male having health issues. And the two 11 year old males they have, (Shaka and Jumbe) had Covid. And we know that the virus can still give impacts to health long term.
• Brevard Zoo: This is the zoo I feel like would be the best one to go after just off the top of my head, they have a coalition of three 6 year old male lions that we can keep long term, 8-10 years.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: They’re eldest lion cub, Pilipili, just turned 3 years old, and coincidently, is actually a descendant of our previous male Themba, he’s his great nephew. He could also be a good pickup since we’d have him for 10+ years.

Again, there’s a good chance we’ll get one soon, but it’s hard to say when obviously.
 
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