Welcome to the Racine Zoo | racinezoo.org
Date of visit: July 3 2018
Racine Zoo is a 28-acre AZA-accredited zoo located in Racine, WI. It first opened in 1923.
Entrance
Parking is awful.
The zoo's entrance is really quite nice. There are some nice plants in well kept gardens, and an exhibit for Umbrella Cockatoo can be seen before entering. The downside is that you have to wait in line to get in. It's not a long wait (at least when I went), but still a minor annoyance. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children 15 or younger, $7 for seniors.
Benstead Discovery Center
Basically a reptile house, it serves as a weird entrance exhibit. While not bad, it gives off a weird feeling. There are average terrariums for Green Tree Python/Marine Toad, Rhinoceros Iguana, Amazon Tree Boa, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eater Tarantula, Sundan Plated Lizard, Yellow Anaconda, New Caledonian Giant Gecko, Ornate Box Turtle, Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Gray Tree Frog, Eastern Tiger Salamander, and Central Bearded Dragon.
But the next three is where the weird comes in. There is an exhibit for Umbrella Cockatoo, the same one that can be seen from the entrance. It is average, though it is weird seeing people through the exhibit. There is a strange Lake Malawi tank that is very barren. Just substrate, a few rocks, and three species of fish (Yellow Lab, William's Mbuna, Orange Blue Mouth Breeder). There is also an average exhibit for Straw-Colored Fruit Bat, which seems out of place.
Zootique
The Zootique serves as the zoo's gift shop and exit. Inside the Zootique, there is a too-small indoor exhibit for an African Spurred Tortoise, and an average tank for a Siamese Fighting Fish. Outside, a slightly above average outdoor exhibit for the tortoise. There is also an average exhibit for Western Screech-Owl. Being from the eastern half of the US, this is my first time seeing this species.
Vanishing Kingdom
Vanishing Kingdom is a mostly indoor zone (with two outdoor exhibits) that serves as the zoo's rainforest complex. Upon entering the building, there are terrariums on either side of you with no (live) animals in them. One contains information on the zoo's conservation efforts, and the other has some confiscated items made of endangered species. The other is about seafood watch.
There are exhibits on both the right and left side of the building. We will start with the first exhibit left of the main entrance and go around. The first is an average indoor area for White-Handed Gibbons. The next is for orangutans (both Bornean and hybrid). It is filled with climbing opportunities, and the apes were actually using them. It would be a fine indoor area for the two orangs they have, except for one thing. THEY HAVE NO OUTDOOR EXHIBIT!!!!!!! After this is an average indoor area for Black-Handed Spider Monkeys. After this, a slightly above average exhibit for Emperor Tamarins. According the sign, they are one of only two US zoos to breed the species. Is this actually true? Going on to the other side of the building, an slightly average exhibit for a pair of Yellow-Crowned Amazons. The reason I say it is slightly above average is that it is the first naturalistic exhibit I have seen for this species. The next exhibit is an indoor area for Arctic Foxes (got to love the rainforest theme here). Again, an exhibit with no outdoor space! It seems okay, though.
I know what you were thinking. You were thinking, "You know what this complex needs? Another exhibit for an interesting, relatively large species with no outdoor access!" Well, you wish is granted, this time with a pair of Fossa exhibits. I was very exited when I saw the Fossa, as this is my first time seeing this species. Overall, not a terrible exhibit, but still, an outdoor area would be a nice addition. The final indoor exhibit is for the Lions. It looks similar to Lincoln Park...
The two outdoor areas are for the gibbons and spider monkeys. The exhibits are average, but it is always fun to watch these species, especially when the gibbons are calling.
Great Cat Canyon
The two average exhibits for African Lions and Amur Tigers are pretty much the same. The main (no pun intended) differences between these exhibits are that the Tigers have a pool and a small climbing structure. The Lions don't. There is also an very good exhibit for a Canada Lynx. This is defiantly the best of the exhibits at GCC. Lots of room for such a small cat, and the entire exhibit is view-able (with hides, of course). Very impressive.
Meerkat Manor
An average exhibit for Meerkats that is nice, but nothing special. It's got a good amount of digging space.
Mt. Mouflan
An average mountain ungulate exhibit that looks like it used to be for seals. It's a little mock rock-y, but not terrible. They have a nice pool, with two waterfalls. The best part of this exhibit is the species it features. West Caucasian Turs! Racine is the only zoo in the US to have this species. So, of course, this is my first time seeing this species.
Penguin Pals
Awful. It's a very outdated exhibit for African Penguins and doesn't have that much room. The underside of the pool is painted blue, and it makes the entire exhibit look the color of a smurf. At least the penguins were fun to watch. They seemed intent on catching a dragonfly's shadow.
Charles & Jennifer Johnson Giants of the Savanna
This exhibit for African animals starts on a high note with an slightly above-average outdoor exhibit for Fennec Foxes. Wow, these animals really fit the giant theme. They are huge!
The next three exhibits are average paddocks for Eastern Black Rhino, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra (first time!), and Masai Giraffe. However, none of these animals have indoor viewing! If you go in the winter, there probably isn't anything here! It looks like there might be a new (outdoor) exhibit being constructed, but it might just be a deck.
Raptor Roost
Two slightly below average exhibits for Red-Tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl. Apparently, the hawk, named Rudy, is a locally famous animal. The reason these two exhibits are below average is they are build behind a bunch of trees, and the exhibit has a roof. Between these two things, there is just not enough light in the exhibits.
The Raptor Roost is sort of out of the way, and hard to find unless you are looking for it. It sort of feels forgotten.
Stork Aviary
An excellent free-flight aviary containing two rarities, Lesser Adjutant and Western Tufted Deer. This is my first time seeing both these species. The exhibit is excellent. It is built over a marsh, and there are lots of hiding places. Except for the deer barn near the entrance, it feels as if you are in a swamp in southeast Asia and seeing these species in the wild. Amazing. 10/10.
Walkabout Creek
The first exhibits here are viewed from outside, despite being indoor exhibits. The first of these is for Common Degu. A South American animal in an Australian exhibit. The exhibit reminds me of a living room or a cat cafe. Filled with toys and decorated structures, with zero naturalism. Seems to be functional though. The next animal here makes slightly more sense: Guam Rail. The exhibit is filled with hiding spots, and plants both real and fake. I do like this species, but it unfortunately was hiding. If you didn't already guess, the next exhibit is an above average Australian walkabout, but nothing too special. Species here are Red Kangaroo, Emu, and Common Wallaroo. There is also an aviary for a Tawny Frogmouth here.
Also, why is this place called Walkabout Creek? I get that it is a Crocodile Dundee reference, but there is no water here. The is a giant plastic lined pit in the center that looks like it might have had water in at some point, but, judging by the tall prairie plants growing here, it hasn't for a while. This pit is marked as a pond on the zoo map, but the zoo map is awful.
Norco Aviary
A good-sized Budgerigar free-flight aviary. I was kind of disappointing when I found out it was just Budgies. On the map and the website, it just says Norco Aviary. I was at least expecting something slightly more interesting.
Also, there was a place to deposit used feed sticks, but I didn't see where you buy feed sticks.
Barnyard Safari
Barnyard Safari is made up of three exhibits, with one being a walk-through. The other two are view-able only from the walk-though. The walk-though is for Domestic Sheep and Goats. There was a sign saying you could get a brush to brush the animals, but, again, no brushes could be found. The other two exhibits are a little on the small side Llama exhibit, and an average exhibit for Domestic Pigs.
Bear Ridge
A below average exhibit for Andean Bears. The only shade is in the dark hard to view dens, and hotwire is overused (there is howire in front of the glass viewing areas!).
Website and Map
They have an awful map. Racine Zoo Map | racinezoo.org
And they're website is worse. This should be an example: Black Swan Fact Sheet | racinezoo.org
Conservation Efforts
Racine Zoo is part of the 96 elephants campaign, which is helping to stop elephant poaching. On a national level, the Racine Zoo helps collect data for the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey, helps with the Butterfly Conservation Initiative, participates in FrogWatch USA, helps educate the public through the Plant. Grow. Fly. Program, and has education stuff about SeaFood Watch. Racine helps monitor endemic frog species in the West Indies, works with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, helps monitor populations of Desert Flamingos in Chile, helps with Andean Condor reintroduction and Andean Bear tracking in Ecuador.
Website (again)
Go to this page and click some of the links. Some lead the wrong places. The butterfly conservation one is the worst.
Overall, I am not sure what to say about Racine. It's a strange zoo. Parts are great, but others, not so much. Parts of it don't even feel like an AZA zoo. Admit it, when you were reading this review, you eventually forgot it was AZA-accreditied, didn't you. Exactly.
However, I always like to look on the bright side of zoos like this. I definitely enjoyed my visit, and would be happy to visit again. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you visit the Racine Zoo. I hear an outdoor orangutan exhibit is planned.
On-Exhibit Species List
Mammals (26 species)
Red Kangaroo
Eastern Wallaroo
Emperor Tamarin
Black-Handed Spider Monkey
Black-Handed Gibbon
Bornean Orangutan
Bornean Orangutan x Sumatran Orangutan (hybrid)
Common Degu
Straw-Colored Fruit Bat
Llama
Domestic Pig
Nubian Giraffe
West Caucasian Tur
Domestic Goat
Domestic Sheep
Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
Eastern Black Rhinoceros
Western Tufted Deer
Amur Tiger
African Lion
Canada Lynx
Fossa
Meerkat
Fennec Fox
Arctic Fox
Andean Bear
Birds (9 species)
Emu
Guam Rail
African Penguin
Lesser Adjutant
Red-Tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Western Screech-Owl
Umbrella Cockatoo
Yellow-Crowned Amazon
Reptiles (9 species)
Ornate Box Turtle
African Spurred Tortoise
New Caledonian Giant Gecko
Sudan Plated Lizard
Rhinoceros Iguana
Central Bearded Dragon
Amazon Tree Boa
Green Tree Python
Yellow Anaconda
Amphibians (4 species)
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Gray Tree Frog
Marine Toad
Eastern Tiger Salamander
Fish (4 species)
Siamese Fighting Fish
Yellow Lab
William's Mbuna
Orange Blue Mouth Breeder
Inverts (2 species)
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eater Tarantula
Total: 54 species
I can confirm through items in the gift shop that these species may be found behind-the-scenes:
Western Fox Snake
South American Coati
Kenyan Sand Boa
Striped Skunk
Linne's Two-Toed Sloth
According to the zoo's website, these animals may also be found behind-the-scenes. Take these with a grain of salt:
American Toad
Central Newt
American Alligator
Blanding's Turtle
Colombian Red-Tailed Boa
Common Musk Turtle
Desert Tortoise
Tokay Gecko
Western Hognose Snake
Black Swan
Cockatiel
Golden Pheasant
Helmeted Guineafowl
Lady Amherst's Pheasant
Marabou Stork
Western Rosella
White-Breasted Cormorant
Lesser Madagascar Tenrec
Alpaca
Woodchuck
Awards
Most Animal Ambassador
Best Free-Flight Aviary that Includes Deer With Tusks
Strangest Vibe
Most Out-Of-Place Degu
The Zoo it is Hardest To Give Awards Because Birdsandbats Can't Think Of Anything
Sorry. Maybe I will post more awards on this thread in the future.
I have now visited every AZA zoo in the state of Wisconsin.
Date of visit: July 3 2018
Racine Zoo is a 28-acre AZA-accredited zoo located in Racine, WI. It first opened in 1923.
Entrance
Parking is awful.
The zoo's entrance is really quite nice. There are some nice plants in well kept gardens, and an exhibit for Umbrella Cockatoo can be seen before entering. The downside is that you have to wait in line to get in. It's not a long wait (at least when I went), but still a minor annoyance. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children 15 or younger, $7 for seniors.
Benstead Discovery Center
Basically a reptile house, it serves as a weird entrance exhibit. While not bad, it gives off a weird feeling. There are average terrariums for Green Tree Python/Marine Toad, Rhinoceros Iguana, Amazon Tree Boa, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eater Tarantula, Sundan Plated Lizard, Yellow Anaconda, New Caledonian Giant Gecko, Ornate Box Turtle, Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Gray Tree Frog, Eastern Tiger Salamander, and Central Bearded Dragon.
But the next three is where the weird comes in. There is an exhibit for Umbrella Cockatoo, the same one that can be seen from the entrance. It is average, though it is weird seeing people through the exhibit. There is a strange Lake Malawi tank that is very barren. Just substrate, a few rocks, and three species of fish (Yellow Lab, William's Mbuna, Orange Blue Mouth Breeder). There is also an average exhibit for Straw-Colored Fruit Bat, which seems out of place.
Zootique
The Zootique serves as the zoo's gift shop and exit. Inside the Zootique, there is a too-small indoor exhibit for an African Spurred Tortoise, and an average tank for a Siamese Fighting Fish. Outside, a slightly above average outdoor exhibit for the tortoise. There is also an average exhibit for Western Screech-Owl. Being from the eastern half of the US, this is my first time seeing this species.
Vanishing Kingdom
Vanishing Kingdom is a mostly indoor zone (with two outdoor exhibits) that serves as the zoo's rainforest complex. Upon entering the building, there are terrariums on either side of you with no (live) animals in them. One contains information on the zoo's conservation efforts, and the other has some confiscated items made of endangered species. The other is about seafood watch.
There are exhibits on both the right and left side of the building. We will start with the first exhibit left of the main entrance and go around. The first is an average indoor area for White-Handed Gibbons. The next is for orangutans (both Bornean and hybrid). It is filled with climbing opportunities, and the apes were actually using them. It would be a fine indoor area for the two orangs they have, except for one thing. THEY HAVE NO OUTDOOR EXHIBIT!!!!!!! After this is an average indoor area for Black-Handed Spider Monkeys. After this, a slightly above average exhibit for Emperor Tamarins. According the sign, they are one of only two US zoos to breed the species. Is this actually true? Going on to the other side of the building, an slightly average exhibit for a pair of Yellow-Crowned Amazons. The reason I say it is slightly above average is that it is the first naturalistic exhibit I have seen for this species. The next exhibit is an indoor area for Arctic Foxes (got to love the rainforest theme here). Again, an exhibit with no outdoor space! It seems okay, though.
I know what you were thinking. You were thinking, "You know what this complex needs? Another exhibit for an interesting, relatively large species with no outdoor access!" Well, you wish is granted, this time with a pair of Fossa exhibits. I was very exited when I saw the Fossa, as this is my first time seeing this species. Overall, not a terrible exhibit, but still, an outdoor area would be a nice addition. The final indoor exhibit is for the Lions. It looks similar to Lincoln Park...
The two outdoor areas are for the gibbons and spider monkeys. The exhibits are average, but it is always fun to watch these species, especially when the gibbons are calling.
Great Cat Canyon
The two average exhibits for African Lions and Amur Tigers are pretty much the same. The main (no pun intended) differences between these exhibits are that the Tigers have a pool and a small climbing structure. The Lions don't. There is also an very good exhibit for a Canada Lynx. This is defiantly the best of the exhibits at GCC. Lots of room for such a small cat, and the entire exhibit is view-able (with hides, of course). Very impressive.
Meerkat Manor
An average exhibit for Meerkats that is nice, but nothing special. It's got a good amount of digging space.
Mt. Mouflan
An average mountain ungulate exhibit that looks like it used to be for seals. It's a little mock rock-y, but not terrible. They have a nice pool, with two waterfalls. The best part of this exhibit is the species it features. West Caucasian Turs! Racine is the only zoo in the US to have this species. So, of course, this is my first time seeing this species.
Penguin Pals
Awful. It's a very outdated exhibit for African Penguins and doesn't have that much room. The underside of the pool is painted blue, and it makes the entire exhibit look the color of a smurf. At least the penguins were fun to watch. They seemed intent on catching a dragonfly's shadow.
Charles & Jennifer Johnson Giants of the Savanna
This exhibit for African animals starts on a high note with an slightly above-average outdoor exhibit for Fennec Foxes. Wow, these animals really fit the giant theme. They are huge!
The next three exhibits are average paddocks for Eastern Black Rhino, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra (first time!), and Masai Giraffe. However, none of these animals have indoor viewing! If you go in the winter, there probably isn't anything here! It looks like there might be a new (outdoor) exhibit being constructed, but it might just be a deck.Raptor Roost
Two slightly below average exhibits for Red-Tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl. Apparently, the hawk, named Rudy, is a locally famous animal. The reason these two exhibits are below average is they are build behind a bunch of trees, and the exhibit has a roof. Between these two things, there is just not enough light in the exhibits.
The Raptor Roost is sort of out of the way, and hard to find unless you are looking for it. It sort of feels forgotten.
Stork Aviary
An excellent free-flight aviary containing two rarities, Lesser Adjutant and Western Tufted Deer. This is my first time seeing both these species. The exhibit is excellent. It is built over a marsh, and there are lots of hiding places. Except for the deer barn near the entrance, it feels as if you are in a swamp in southeast Asia and seeing these species in the wild. Amazing. 10/10.
Walkabout Creek
The first exhibits here are viewed from outside, despite being indoor exhibits. The first of these is for Common Degu. A South American animal in an Australian exhibit. The exhibit reminds me of a living room or a cat cafe. Filled with toys and decorated structures, with zero naturalism. Seems to be functional though. The next animal here makes slightly more sense: Guam Rail. The exhibit is filled with hiding spots, and plants both real and fake. I do like this species, but it unfortunately was hiding. If you didn't already guess, the next exhibit is an above average Australian walkabout, but nothing too special. Species here are Red Kangaroo, Emu, and Common Wallaroo. There is also an aviary for a Tawny Frogmouth here.
Also, why is this place called Walkabout Creek? I get that it is a Crocodile Dundee reference, but there is no water here. The is a giant plastic lined pit in the center that looks like it might have had water in at some point, but, judging by the tall prairie plants growing here, it hasn't for a while. This pit is marked as a pond on the zoo map, but the zoo map is awful.
Norco Aviary
A good-sized Budgerigar free-flight aviary. I was kind of disappointing when I found out it was just Budgies. On the map and the website, it just says Norco Aviary. I was at least expecting something slightly more interesting.
Also, there was a place to deposit used feed sticks, but I didn't see where you buy feed sticks.
Barnyard Safari
Barnyard Safari is made up of three exhibits, with one being a walk-through. The other two are view-able only from the walk-though. The walk-though is for Domestic Sheep and Goats. There was a sign saying you could get a brush to brush the animals, but, again, no brushes could be found. The other two exhibits are a little on the small side Llama exhibit, and an average exhibit for Domestic Pigs.
Bear Ridge
A below average exhibit for Andean Bears. The only shade is in the dark hard to view dens, and hotwire is overused (there is howire in front of the glass viewing areas!).
Website and Map
They have an awful map. Racine Zoo Map | racinezoo.org
And they're website is worse. This should be an example: Black Swan Fact Sheet | racinezoo.org
Conservation Efforts
Racine Zoo is part of the 96 elephants campaign, which is helping to stop elephant poaching. On a national level, the Racine Zoo helps collect data for the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey, helps with the Butterfly Conservation Initiative, participates in FrogWatch USA, helps educate the public through the Plant. Grow. Fly. Program, and has education stuff about SeaFood Watch. Racine helps monitor endemic frog species in the West Indies, works with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, helps monitor populations of Desert Flamingos in Chile, helps with Andean Condor reintroduction and Andean Bear tracking in Ecuador.
Website (again)
Go to this page and click some of the links. Some lead the wrong places. The butterfly conservation one is the worst.
Overall, I am not sure what to say about Racine. It's a strange zoo. Parts are great, but others, not so much. Parts of it don't even feel like an AZA zoo. Admit it, when you were reading this review, you eventually forgot it was AZA-accreditied, didn't you. Exactly.
However, I always like to look on the bright side of zoos like this. I definitely enjoyed my visit, and would be happy to visit again. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you visit the Racine Zoo. I hear an outdoor orangutan exhibit is planned.
On-Exhibit Species List
Mammals (26 species)
Red Kangaroo
Eastern Wallaroo
Emperor Tamarin
Black-Handed Spider Monkey
Black-Handed Gibbon
Bornean Orangutan
Bornean Orangutan x Sumatran Orangutan (hybrid)
Common Degu
Straw-Colored Fruit Bat
Llama
Domestic Pig
Nubian Giraffe
West Caucasian Tur
Domestic Goat
Domestic Sheep
Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
Eastern Black Rhinoceros
Western Tufted Deer
Amur Tiger
African Lion
Canada Lynx
Fossa
Meerkat
Fennec Fox
Arctic Fox
Andean Bear
Birds (9 species)
Emu
Guam Rail
African Penguin
Lesser Adjutant
Red-Tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Western Screech-Owl
Umbrella Cockatoo
Yellow-Crowned Amazon
Reptiles (9 species)
Ornate Box Turtle
African Spurred Tortoise
New Caledonian Giant Gecko
Sudan Plated Lizard
Rhinoceros Iguana
Central Bearded Dragon
Amazon Tree Boa
Green Tree Python
Yellow Anaconda
Amphibians (4 species)
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Gray Tree Frog
Marine Toad
Eastern Tiger Salamander
Fish (4 species)
Siamese Fighting Fish
Yellow Lab
William's Mbuna
Orange Blue Mouth Breeder
Inverts (2 species)
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eater Tarantula
Total: 54 species
I can confirm through items in the gift shop that these species may be found behind-the-scenes:
Western Fox Snake
South American Coati
Kenyan Sand Boa
Striped Skunk
Linne's Two-Toed Sloth
According to the zoo's website, these animals may also be found behind-the-scenes. Take these with a grain of salt:
American Toad
Central Newt
American Alligator
Blanding's Turtle
Colombian Red-Tailed Boa
Common Musk Turtle
Desert Tortoise
Tokay Gecko
Western Hognose Snake
Black Swan
Cockatiel
Golden Pheasant
Helmeted Guineafowl
Lady Amherst's Pheasant
Marabou Stork
Western Rosella
White-Breasted Cormorant
Lesser Madagascar Tenrec
Alpaca
Woodchuck
Awards
Most Animal Ambassador
Best Free-Flight Aviary that Includes Deer With Tusks
Strangest Vibe
Most Out-Of-Place Degu
The Zoo it is Hardest To Give Awards Because Birdsandbats Can't Think Of Anything
Sorry. Maybe I will post more awards on this thread in the future.
I have now visited every AZA zoo in the state of Wisconsin.
