Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
A litter of four meerkat pups were born last month!
Henry Vilas Zoo welcomes new litter of baby meerkats
Henry Vilas Zoo welcomes new litter of baby meerkats
Henry Vilas Zoo Henry Vilas Zoo News 2025
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A pair of male Cape porcupines named Hami and Nugget have arrived, and are now on exhibit.
Henry Vilas Zoo welcomes two crested porcupines
Not gonna lie, I saw this coming when the last Indian crested porcupine passed.
Henry Vilas Zoo welcomes two crested porcupines
Not gonna lie, I saw this coming when the last Indian crested porcupine passed.
With the weather slowly starting to warm up, I took advantage of it last weekend via a quick afternoon at this free zoo. I don't have a whole lot to share, and I apologize if some of this has already been mentioned, but here's a few observations:
- Rainforest Aviary: the piranha tank was completely empty - not sure if there will be a renovation, or a complete species replacement. Over in the main walkthrough aviary, the jungle was surprisingly mostly devoid of life. Maybe this is because of the never-ending bird flu, but off the top of my head, I only remember seeing one or two night herons at the top of a tree, a couple ducks in an off-display area, and one other species that I don't recall. Even the macaw vine that I observed last year has been taken down, which is a real shame as it added to their habitat.
- Wisconsin Heritage: after the departure of Buckbeak the sandhill crane for the Brookfield Zoo, his aviary sits empty with only an "Animal Off-Display" sign present. Whether that's just a temporary measure or the Zoo has brought in new inhabitants but hasn't announced/put them out yet I don't know.
- Herpetarium: one of the smaller enclosures is now dedicated to Kaiser mountain newts. There's been some switches with the larger residents of the building: the rhinoceros iguana has moved to the right of the American alligators; a boa constrictor has taken up residence in the iguana terrarium; and the Aldabra tortoises were nowhere to be seen neither inside nor out (though the door to off-exhibit was open, so maybe they were there).
- Children's Zoo: the new Cape porcupines have settled in; they were dozing off to the side of their indoor area. They live in what was originally for the greater galagos, who have moved in with the aardvark but I didn't see them. This also marked the first time I ventured over towards the corncrib cages that would typically be seen only via the train. The only resident I got a good look at was a barn owl.
- The guineafowl have moved in with the Somali wild ass.
- Upcoming Projects: nothing has happened yet with neither the former giraffe nor penguin habitats. The signage promoting the incoming Arctic foxes is still present. I can't speak for what's going on with the latter, but for the giraffes, it's because of this - Henry Vilas Zoo delays construction plans for new giraffe exhibit. Also, it seems like I caught the flamingos just in time because their space is getting some modifications: Flamingo building at Henry Vilas Zoo is getting an update!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: Thanks to a couple of litters being born over the last half-year, the meerkat exhibit was a flurry of activity! The latest pups (already close to the size of the adults) were scampering and foraging, while the rest of the mob was fighting and pushing each other around for the best and most comfortable space in their nest basket. It was quite the game of "pig pile" to observe. With Milwaukee not holding the species for the foreseeable future, and the last of Racine's mob passing away last year, it's nice that there's still some meerkat action I can get without having to go too far.
- Rainforest Aviary: the piranha tank was completely empty - not sure if there will be a renovation, or a complete species replacement. Over in the main walkthrough aviary, the jungle was surprisingly mostly devoid of life. Maybe this is because of the never-ending bird flu, but off the top of my head, I only remember seeing one or two night herons at the top of a tree, a couple ducks in an off-display area, and one other species that I don't recall. Even the macaw vine that I observed last year has been taken down, which is a real shame as it added to their habitat.
- Wisconsin Heritage: after the departure of Buckbeak the sandhill crane for the Brookfield Zoo, his aviary sits empty with only an "Animal Off-Display" sign present. Whether that's just a temporary measure or the Zoo has brought in new inhabitants but hasn't announced/put them out yet I don't know.
- Herpetarium: one of the smaller enclosures is now dedicated to Kaiser mountain newts. There's been some switches with the larger residents of the building: the rhinoceros iguana has moved to the right of the American alligators; a boa constrictor has taken up residence in the iguana terrarium; and the Aldabra tortoises were nowhere to be seen neither inside nor out (though the door to off-exhibit was open, so maybe they were there).
- Children's Zoo: the new Cape porcupines have settled in; they were dozing off to the side of their indoor area. They live in what was originally for the greater galagos, who have moved in with the aardvark but I didn't see them. This also marked the first time I ventured over towards the corncrib cages that would typically be seen only via the train. The only resident I got a good look at was a barn owl.
- The guineafowl have moved in with the Somali wild ass.
- Upcoming Projects: nothing has happened yet with neither the former giraffe nor penguin habitats. The signage promoting the incoming Arctic foxes is still present. I can't speak for what's going on with the latter, but for the giraffes, it's because of this - Henry Vilas Zoo delays construction plans for new giraffe exhibit. Also, it seems like I caught the flamingos just in time because their space is getting some modifications: Flamingo building at Henry Vilas Zoo is getting an update!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: Thanks to a couple of litters being born over the last half-year, the meerkat exhibit was a flurry of activity! The latest pups (already close to the size of the adults) were scampering and foraging, while the rest of the mob was fighting and pushing each other around for the best and most comfortable space in their nest basket. It was quite the game of "pig pile" to observe. With Milwaukee not holding the species for the foreseeable future, and the last of Racine's mob passing away last year, it's nice that there's still some meerkat action I can get without having to go too far.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Piece of November 2024 / March 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On November 18th, the zoo announced they sexed the meerkats as (3.1) and named them Boabab/Bob, Cedar, Teak, and Acacia respectively.
6.1K views · 385 reactions | That’s not a dog you’re hearing - it’s our meerkat mob! Meerkats can make a variety of vocalizations, from barking to purring. This week our pups got their 12-week checkup and along with a clean bill of health we were able to confirm that we have 3 boys and 1 girl! Meet Acacia (girl), Boabab (Bob for short), Teak, and Cedar.
Keeper Tara | Henry Vilas Zoo
On March 10th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (0.3) slender-tailed meerkats named Clover, Dahlia, and Violet to Lincoln Park Zoo in Illinois.
Lincoln Park Zoo
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On May 13th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) Geoffroy's marmoset named Iris passed away at age 17 due to a decline in health caused by a mass in its lungs.
Henry Vilas Zoo
On November 18th, the zoo announced they sexed the meerkats as (3.1) and named them Boabab/Bob, Cedar, Teak, and Acacia respectively.
6.1K views · 385 reactions | That’s not a dog you’re hearing - it’s our meerkat mob! Meerkats can make a variety of vocalizations, from barking to purring. This week our pups got their 12-week checkup and along with a clean bill of health we were able to confirm that we have 3 boys and 1 girl! Meet Acacia (girl), Boabab (Bob for short), Teak, and Cedar.
Keeper Tara | Henry Vilas ZooOn March 10th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (0.3) slender-tailed meerkats named Clover, Dahlia, and Violet to Lincoln Park Zoo in Illinois.
Lincoln Park Zoo
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On May 13th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) Geoffroy's marmoset named Iris passed away at age 17 due to a decline in health caused by a mass in its lungs.
Henry Vilas Zoo
brown bear 555
Well-Known Member
why would they transfer 3 of the meerkats? i would probably assume so they do not harm the younglings
Franklin the meerkat and Slothra the two-toed sloth have recently passed away.
Henry Vilas Zoo mourns deaths of meerkat 'Franklin,' sloth 'Slothra'
Henry Vilas Zoo mourns deaths of meerkat 'Franklin,' sloth 'Slothra'
Piece of August 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On August 21st, it was announced that the zoo transferred the meerkats to Racine Zoo in Wisconsin.
22K views · 582 reactions | Racine Zoo is very excited to announce our newest Zoo Residents! Please give a warm welcome to Teak, Baobab, Cedar and Acacia the Meerkats as they join the Racine Zoo family! The Zoo’s newest “mob” of Meerkats consists of 3 brothers and their sister (Acacia) who arrived to Racine Zoo early this summer. Since their arrival they have been settling down in their new home and recently passed their quarantine time with a clean bill of health. They are now on exhibit, just in time for their 1 year birthday (8-21-24)! The mob can be seen in Meerkat Manor, next to the African Penguins in the center of the zoo. The group was born at another nearby Wisconsin Zoo, the Henry Vilas Zoo, in Madison, Wisconsin on August 21st, 2024. The two zoos worked together and received a recommendation to move the group to Racine Zoo from the AZA’s Meerkat Species Survival Plan this spring. This program allows AZA zoos to work cooperatively to maximize the genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of various threatened and endangered species. Once they were old enough, they made the short trip from Madison to Racine! "We are so excited that Racine Zoo is able to bring back such a popular and charismatic species for zoo visitors" said Dan Powell, the Zoo's Curator of Animal Care. Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are a small mongoose native to the arid regions of Southern Africa. They live in communal groups of up to 30 individuals, and work together to find food, defend the mob, and monitor for threats. Meerkats are well known for their ability to stand on their hind feet while on sentry duty, monitoring for any threats to the colony. Because they live in groups, Meerkats have a complex social structure and hierarchy to determine which member completes various tasks. These groups are often led by female members or breeding pairs. Meerkats are primarily insectivorous, eating beetles and other insects they find in their environment. | Racine Zoo
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On September 14th, the zoo announced they started renovations to the overnight denning space in the Rainforest Aviary's North American river otter exhibit.
Henry Vilas Zoo
On November 18th, the zoo announced they sexed the meerkats as (3.1) and named them Boabab/Bob, Cedar, Teak, and Acacia respectively.
6.1K views · 385 reactions | That’s not a dog you’re hearing - it’s our meerkat mob! Meerkats can make a variety of vocalizations, from barking to purring. This week our pups got their 12-week checkup and along with a clean bill of health we were able to confirm that we have 3 boys and 1 girl! Meet Acacia (girl), Boabab (Bob for short), Teak, and Cedar.
On August 21st, it was announced that the zoo transferred the meerkats to Racine Zoo in Wisconsin.
22K views · 582 reactions | Racine Zoo is very excited to announce our newest Zoo Residents! Please give a warm welcome to Teak, Baobab, Cedar and Acacia the Meerkats as they join the Racine Zoo family! The Zoo’s newest “mob” of Meerkats consists of 3 brothers and their sister (Acacia) who arrived to Racine Zoo early this summer. Since their arrival they have been settling down in their new home and recently passed their quarantine time with a clean bill of health. They are now on exhibit, just in time for their 1 year birthday (8-21-24)! The mob can be seen in Meerkat Manor, next to the African Penguins in the center of the zoo. The group was born at another nearby Wisconsin Zoo, the Henry Vilas Zoo, in Madison, Wisconsin on August 21st, 2024. The two zoos worked together and received a recommendation to move the group to Racine Zoo from the AZA’s Meerkat Species Survival Plan this spring. This program allows AZA zoos to work cooperatively to maximize the genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of various threatened and endangered species. Once they were old enough, they made the short trip from Madison to Racine! "We are so excited that Racine Zoo is able to bring back such a popular and charismatic species for zoo visitors" said Dan Powell, the Zoo's Curator of Animal Care. Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are a small mongoose native to the arid regions of Southern Africa. They live in communal groups of up to 30 individuals, and work together to find food, defend the mob, and monitor for threats. Meerkats are well known for their ability to stand on their hind feet while on sentry duty, monitoring for any threats to the colony. Because they live in groups, Meerkats have a complex social structure and hierarchy to determine which member completes various tasks. These groups are often led by female members or breeding pairs. Meerkats are primarily insectivorous, eating beetles and other insects they find in their environment. | Racine Zoo
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On September 14th, the zoo announced they started renovations to the overnight denning space in the Rainforest Aviary's North American river otter exhibit.
Henry Vilas Zoo
Female Polar bear arriving soon:
New polar bear coming to Henry Vilas Zoo
Polar bear Nora, 9, will join Berit, 26, at the zoo in the coming months.
Nora is coming to Madison from the Oregon Zoo. She was born on Nov. 6, 2015, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The zoo explained Nora will be introduced to a male bear in the hopes that she will raise cubs.
New polar bear coming to Henry Vilas Zoo
Polar bear Nora, 9, will join Berit, 26, at the zoo in the coming months.
Nora is coming to Madison from the Oregon Zoo. She was born on Nov. 6, 2015, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The zoo explained Nora will be introduced to a male bear in the hopes that she will raise cubs.
Grizzly bears leaving this month:
There’s also plans to bring in a male Polar bear.
Henry Vilas Zoo to say goodbye to 2 grizzly bears, making way for polar bears
The zoo announced Thursday that females Ash and Lexi will move to another AZA-accredited institution later this month. The two 14-year-old grizzlies arrived in Madison in 2015.
The move frees up space for the zoo to welcome new polar bears. The zoo announced last month that 10-year-old polar bear Nora will soon come to Madison from the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Ore. Plans are also being made to bring a male bear to Madison.
There’s also plans to bring in a male Polar bear.
Henry Vilas Zoo to say goodbye to 2 grizzly bears, making way for polar bears
The zoo announced Thursday that females Ash and Lexi will move to another AZA-accredited institution later this month. The two 14-year-old grizzlies arrived in Madison in 2015.
The move frees up space for the zoo to welcome new polar bears. The zoo announced last month that 10-year-old polar bear Nora will soon come to Madison from the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Ore. Plans are also being made to bring a male bear to Madison.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
15-year-old male polar bear Siku will soon arrive from the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago on a breeding recommendation with Nora, who recently arrived from Oregon.
Lincoln Park Zoo on Instagram: "Lincoln Park Zoo will soon say farewell to Siku. In the coming weeks, this 15-year-old bear will journey to @henryvilaszoo for a breeding recommendation. This transfer is part of a nationwide polar bear conservation initiative to maintain a sustainable, genetically diverse population of this threatened species. Resident female polar bear Talini will stay here at Lincoln Park Zoo receiving specialized geriatric care throughout her sunset years. Since his arrival in Chicago in 2016, Siku has charmed staff and visitors alike with his playful nature. Stop by to see him before he heads off on his next big adventure!"
Lincoln Park Zoo on Instagram: "Lincoln Park Zoo will soon say farewell to Siku. In the coming weeks, this 15-year-old bear will journey to @henryvilaszoo for a breeding recommendation. This transfer is part of a nationwide polar bear conservation initiative to maintain a sustainable, genetically diverse population of this threatened species. Resident female polar bear Talini will stay here at Lincoln Park Zoo receiving specialized geriatric care throughout her sunset years. Since his arrival in Chicago in 2016, Siku has charmed staff and visitors alike with his playful nature. Stop by to see him before he heads off on his next big adventure!"
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
I think the Henry Vilas Zoo made the right choice to stick to polar bear and sent off the grizzly bears to another zoo. Polar bears remain an endangered species and quite need more captive space within the AZA community.