Thats not gonna happen. The zoo wants to focus on breeding black rhinos, so the two existing rhino yards will be combined into one, while the elephant and red river hog areas will become the second yard.
Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee County Zoo News 2020
- Thread starter MKE Zoo guy
- Start date
Perhaps he was implying that the pachy mall is part of the surrounding exhibits? I surely hope they don't plan on keeping that there, I think there'd be some uproar even from the least animal husbandry-educated people if they did. They're just plain ugly holding stalls.
Today was the first time back at the zoo. It was definitely a weird experience. Normally this time of year the zoo would be pack with families and strollers, kids running around, and kids screaming as far as the eye can see. Although their were many families there, the zoo had a lot more breathing room for you to walk around.
Like it was previously mentioned in a press release the zoo is in phase 1 of a possible 3 to 4 phases. One could not enter into any buildings, additional fencing around the entrance to the buildings, and there was also signs posted that said "Biosecure area, Essential Personel Only, PPE Required," to further strive that buildings were closed. These signs were posted on the big cat building, small mammals, and great apes building to name a few. They also had siamangs and orangutans out but there was an additional fence enforcing a further distance from the exhibit then the fencing that already was there. As for getting food or getting into the gift shops, there was additional safe guards place. The food areas had markers on the ground representing distance that one should be from another group, and the gift shops had a capacity limit now placed.
As for any new large fauna that one could see outside. I did not see any, however I am assuming that more news will come as more states open up and transportation of animals becomes for accessible.
Bella is still not integrated into the heard yet.
As for the thing that everyone is curious about is the new hippo exhibit. The exhibit was closed when I went today, however I saw that other people this past weekend were granted access into the exhibit area. Overall, my impression was kinda eh... The new beach area is unique feature which reminds me a lot of the old exhibit where you would look into the pool but without the pool. I was able to see one of the hippos sunning on the beach for large portion of the day. I am confused on why they didn't stretch the land portion all the way to the African savannah exhibit, there is a portion of grass with a door on the back end to no where. They took over the former exhibit to make it into the hippo plaza and then made the former African Forest into the exhibit and they didn't even use the whole space. I am glad to see that they are trying but I feel like they aren't future proofing their exhibits for the future.
Also, overheard some zoo officials talking about the next phase of Adventure Africa. It appears that if everything goes to plan, the last phase will open in 3 years. Also, they will be enclosing the mall way as well. So here's to waiting and seeing what the designs for the next phase will be.
Like it was previously mentioned in a press release the zoo is in phase 1 of a possible 3 to 4 phases. One could not enter into any buildings, additional fencing around the entrance to the buildings, and there was also signs posted that said "Biosecure area, Essential Personel Only, PPE Required," to further strive that buildings were closed. These signs were posted on the big cat building, small mammals, and great apes building to name a few. They also had siamangs and orangutans out but there was an additional fence enforcing a further distance from the exhibit then the fencing that already was there. As for getting food or getting into the gift shops, there was additional safe guards place. The food areas had markers on the ground representing distance that one should be from another group, and the gift shops had a capacity limit now placed.
As for any new large fauna that one could see outside. I did not see any, however I am assuming that more news will come as more states open up and transportation of animals becomes for accessible.
Bella is still not integrated into the heard yet.
As for the thing that everyone is curious about is the new hippo exhibit. The exhibit was closed when I went today, however I saw that other people this past weekend were granted access into the exhibit area. Overall, my impression was kinda eh... The new beach area is unique feature which reminds me a lot of the old exhibit where you would look into the pool but without the pool. I was able to see one of the hippos sunning on the beach for large portion of the day. I am confused on why they didn't stretch the land portion all the way to the African savannah exhibit, there is a portion of grass with a door on the back end to no where. They took over the former exhibit to make it into the hippo plaza and then made the former African Forest into the exhibit and they didn't even use the whole space. I am glad to see that they are trying but I feel like they aren't future proofing their exhibits for the future.
Also, overheard some zoo officials talking about the next phase of Adventure Africa. It appears that if everything goes to plan, the last phase will open in 3 years. Also, they will be enclosing the mall way as well. So here's to waiting and seeing what the designs for the next phase will be.
All of these photos and updates are greatly appreciated. Ive already made comments on some of the photos you've uploaded, but I want to reiterate my points here and bring up some other topics, mostly in regard to the zoos newest attraction.
This frustrates me beyond belief. They quite literally left an open space that could have very easily been used to expand the exhibit for minimal cost, and just didn't use it at all. There is no reason why that couldn't have happened. I truly don't understand the zoos decision making sometimes...
Milwaukee will regret not doing a better job future proofing there exhibits. In 50 years time, the new elephant exhibit will be seen as outdated, while many older ones at Dallas, North Carolina etc. will still be far ahead of the pack in comparison. Same goes for the new hippo exhibit. "At least its better than it used to be" is not the mentality any zoo should have.
I hope to see the new hippo exhibit once its fully open, and once it is I will be able to give my final verdict phase 2.
This frustrates me beyond belief. They quite literally left an open space that could have very easily been used to expand the exhibit for minimal cost, and just didn't use it at all. There is no reason why that couldn't have happened. I truly don't understand the zoos decision making sometimes...
You took the words right out of my mouth. We've seen at least one major project from the zoos master plan competed every year for the past three years, and the for myself I've found the quality to be varying. Otter Passage and the West Entrance plaza are fantastic. Genuine care gone into the aesthetics, a great exhibit for the animals and the people, and overall a very pleasing atmosphere and strong first impression for those coming into the zoo from that entrance. The first phase of Adventure Africa was also good. However, it was much more flawed than otter passage. Admittedly elephants are much harder to design for than otters, bit alas. There are several ugly nightlines, half-assed attempts at theming or "immersion" plus remnants of what once stood that really detract from any sort of "newness". Still, while it aesthetically could use some work there is no denying that it is great for the animals. During my time watching the elephants they have seemed much more active in this new complex than I have ever seen them in their old dust bowl. However, this new hippo exhibit is quite frankly the exact opposite of the elephant exhibit, prioritizing aesthetics and flashy underwater viewing over the animals welfare.
Milwaukee will regret not doing a better job future proofing there exhibits. In 50 years time, the new elephant exhibit will be seen as outdated, while many older ones at Dallas, North Carolina etc. will still be far ahead of the pack in comparison. Same goes for the new hippo exhibit. "At least its better than it used to be" is not the mentality any zoo should have.
That is a big relief to hear that a new rhino/hippo barn will be built after all. It seemed ridiculous to think that the pachyderm mall would remain. I will say that even though I am disappointed by "Hippo Haven" I am cautiously optimistic about the future rhino complex. I have stated this before, but between elephants, hippos and rhinos, the latter is probably the easiest to design for. Hopefully the full site plan will be revealed later this year.
I hope to see the new hippo exhibit once its fully open, and once it is I will be able to give my final verdict phase 2.
There was a Macaque born at the zoo in May:
The Milwaukee County Zoo Announces the Birth of a Japanese Macaque | Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo Announces the Birth of a Japanese Macaque | Milwaukee County Zoo
Went to the zoo today on a spur of the moment trip. Besides the rain, the hippo area was having a soft opening today.
First impression was of the hippo plaza area, it was large and kinda basic, not really a place to sit. Also they have areas that say "Enter" and "Exit," almost everyone was going in through the exit.
Unbeknown to you, you are traveling up hill when you enter in the "Enter" side first. They have information about the water filtration system and a cut a way hole in the rock work showcasing the large pipes that are use to help keep the water clean.
Then you turn and head into the underwater viewing area. This is where you really see that you are on a slope. Upon entering you see that you are at the beach level and as you walk further down the water gets deeper. Today Happy was out and never realized how large he was. Overhead they have hippo grunting being played while there are several informational billboards placed on the back wall and over the exhibit. They also had a rope up keeping people away from the glass, not sure if this is due to covid or if this a permeant feature.
Upon leaving the exhibit will be more of an interactive area. There are lot of things that people can touch and find out more information about hippos. They also have a hippo skull in the middle of the area, that people can view through the glass box. This area was closed while I was there, I am assuming because of the high touch area.
Overall, it does seem to be a larger step up from what the hippos were in prior, however it still feels really basic. Basic in the sense that there seemed to be an attempt at theming but the execution of it kinda fell flat. Part of me wishes there was some sort of green initiative that went into the design more, much like Cincinnati did with their African Painted dogs exhibit and using solar to help power the exhibit, or if they did, I did not see any information while I was there. I wish the structure would have been enclosed or had a sliding roof so that this could have been a year round exhibit too, as well as better theming to the whole area.
First impression was of the hippo plaza area, it was large and kinda basic, not really a place to sit. Also they have areas that say "Enter" and "Exit," almost everyone was going in through the exit.
Unbeknown to you, you are traveling up hill when you enter in the "Enter" side first. They have information about the water filtration system and a cut a way hole in the rock work showcasing the large pipes that are use to help keep the water clean.
Then you turn and head into the underwater viewing area. This is where you really see that you are on a slope. Upon entering you see that you are at the beach level and as you walk further down the water gets deeper. Today Happy was out and never realized how large he was. Overhead they have hippo grunting being played while there are several informational billboards placed on the back wall and over the exhibit. They also had a rope up keeping people away from the glass, not sure if this is due to covid or if this a permeant feature.
Upon leaving the exhibit will be more of an interactive area. There are lot of things that people can touch and find out more information about hippos. They also have a hippo skull in the middle of the area, that people can view through the glass box. This area was closed while I was there, I am assuming because of the high touch area.
Overall, it does seem to be a larger step up from what the hippos were in prior, however it still feels really basic. Basic in the sense that there seemed to be an attempt at theming but the execution of it kinda fell flat. Part of me wishes there was some sort of green initiative that went into the design more, much like Cincinnati did with their African Painted dogs exhibit and using solar to help power the exhibit, or if they did, I did not see any information while I was there. I wish the structure would have been enclosed or had a sliding roof so that this could have been a year round exhibit too, as well as better theming to the whole area.
Went to the zoo today on a spur of the moment trip. Besides the rain, the hippo area was having a soft opening today.
First impression was of the hippo plaza area, it was large and kinda basic, not really a place to sit. Also they have areas that say "Enter" and "Exit," almost everyone was going in through the exit.
Unbeknown to you, you are traveling up hill when you enter in the "Enter" side first. They have information about the water filtration system and a cut a way hole in the rock work showcasing the large pipes that are use to help keep the water clean.
Then you turn and head into the underwater viewing area. This is where you really see that you are on a slope. Upon entering you see that you are at the beach level and as you walk further down the water gets deeper. Today Happy was out and never realized how large he was. Overhead they have hippo grunting being played while there are several informational billboards placed on the back wall and over the exhibit. They also had a rope up keeping people away from the glass, not sure if this is due to covid or if this a permeant feature.
Upon leaving the exhibit will be more of an interactive area. There are lot of things that people can touch and find out more information about hippos. They also have a hippo skull in the middle of the area, that people can view through the glass box. This area was closed while I was there, I am assuming because of the high touch area.
Overall, it does seem to be a larger step up from what the hippos were in prior, however it still feels really basic. Basic in the sense that there seemed to be an attempt at theming but the execution of it kinda fell flat. Part of me wishes there was some sort of green initiative that went into the design more, much like Cincinnati did with their African Painted dogs exhibit and using solar to help power the exhibit, or if they did, I did not see any information while I was there. I wish the structure would have been enclosed or had a sliding roof so that this could have been a year round exhibit too, as well as better theming to the whole area.
Do you know if there are any plans to bring in additional hippos (particularly a younger female for breeding) now that they have built this exhibit?
From what others have said on this chat that know more about it than I do, have said that there are no plans to make Milwaukee a breeding zoo at this time.
From the pictures I’ve seen I personally think the exhibit looks nice and I like the theme. However I do think it could have also been more. I can’t say my full final review until I visit which would allow me to check it all out. I’m glad the hippos got a better exhibit but think it could have been bigger and a little better. Hopefully phase 3 with the pachyderm barn comes a little bit on an expansion for the indoor area. Nice to see Milwaukee continue their master plan and I’m hoping that phase 3 will be something special.
One thing I did notice while walking around the zoo, was just how much unused space there was. I’m not talking about the forest or other undeveloped land at the zoo, I’m talking about exhibits that are left empty. Most of them are around the center of the zoo.
One of the areas that was previously mentioned was the area that used to be apart of the old African Forest exhibit where the bongos were, that is now behind the new hippo exhibit. It’s just a random patch of grass and old parts of the bongo exhibit. It’s not even backstage passage that can be used as a short cut to get to the snow leopards.
Another area is old elephant area. I already know that this area will be redeveloped into the new rhino exhibit, but it currently is an empty space.
Then swinging around to the other side of this loop, is where Mimi used to reside. I realize that we just lost her, however how long are we going to be with this space being empty? Are we going to get a male before the zoo transforms this area or are we going to wait till after.
Continuing on, the exhibit right next to where Mimi used to live and the camels is an exhibit that has been empty for years. Nothing has gone in there or used it.
Then we have above the camels, and off to the side, is an exhibit that saw some use not that long ago but even then the zoo still had signage that was saying a new animal is still on its way. The space was used for the elderly black bear before it passed.
Rounding out our tour brings us back to the African Savanna exhibit. I realized that this exhibit isn’t empty because it has the Thomason Gazelle, Cinereous Vultures, Southern Ground Hornbill, and maybe the male Impala (haven’t seen him yet this year), however this mix of species makes the exhibit feel very sparse and often overlooked after phase 1 had opened.
Oh and a honorable mention is the exhibit where the dall sheep used to live next to what is now the Elephant in Action yard.
With all this open space around the center of the zoo in particular, it doesn’t feel welcoming. The constant walls in places, and the exhibits that feel like they are an extension of a park between exhibits. It just makes everything feel old and dated, even the new stuff doesn’t feel right. It’s a weird mix of seeing some new exhibits coming in and yet with everything around it, it feels empty/tired/worn out.
I’m hoping for things to look a lot different after the last phase. However seeing what all needs to be done and the price tag they are willing to spend, I’m somewhat not holding out hope. This final phase almost seems the most ambitious out of all the phases. Maybe getting to see new animals that haven’t been displayed before, or actual theming. Overall, I realize the zoo is in transition at the moment and it may look ugly while they are working it out, but a potential 3 years before the next phase is completed, one can only hope and dream that maybe this time Milwaukee will shine. Third time is the charm, right?!
One of the areas that was previously mentioned was the area that used to be apart of the old African Forest exhibit where the bongos were, that is now behind the new hippo exhibit. It’s just a random patch of grass and old parts of the bongo exhibit. It’s not even backstage passage that can be used as a short cut to get to the snow leopards.
Another area is old elephant area. I already know that this area will be redeveloped into the new rhino exhibit, but it currently is an empty space.
Then swinging around to the other side of this loop, is where Mimi used to reside. I realize that we just lost her, however how long are we going to be with this space being empty? Are we going to get a male before the zoo transforms this area or are we going to wait till after.
Continuing on, the exhibit right next to where Mimi used to live and the camels is an exhibit that has been empty for years. Nothing has gone in there or used it.
Then we have above the camels, and off to the side, is an exhibit that saw some use not that long ago but even then the zoo still had signage that was saying a new animal is still on its way. The space was used for the elderly black bear before it passed.
Rounding out our tour brings us back to the African Savanna exhibit. I realized that this exhibit isn’t empty because it has the Thomason Gazelle, Cinereous Vultures, Southern Ground Hornbill, and maybe the male Impala (haven’t seen him yet this year), however this mix of species makes the exhibit feel very sparse and often overlooked after phase 1 had opened.
Oh and a honorable mention is the exhibit where the dall sheep used to live next to what is now the Elephant in Action yard.
With all this open space around the center of the zoo in particular, it doesn’t feel welcoming. The constant walls in places, and the exhibits that feel like they are an extension of a park between exhibits. It just makes everything feel old and dated, even the new stuff doesn’t feel right. It’s a weird mix of seeing some new exhibits coming in and yet with everything around it, it feels empty/tired/worn out.
I’m hoping for things to look a lot different after the last phase. However seeing what all needs to be done and the price tag they are willing to spend, I’m somewhat not holding out hope. This final phase almost seems the most ambitious out of all the phases. Maybe getting to see new animals that haven’t been displayed before, or actual theming. Overall, I realize the zoo is in transition at the moment and it may look ugly while they are working it out, but a potential 3 years before the next phase is completed, one can only hope and dream that maybe this time Milwaukee will shine. Third time is the charm, right?!
He is in that yard. A video on the zoo facebook page showed him with the vultures
Security Check Required
New baby male greater kudu was born.
Security Check Required
Security Check Required
Milwaukee County Zoo Visit Report: 6/26/20
Despite during rain for most of the morning, I called the weathers bluff and made my way to the zoo for the first time in nearly five months. Despite the closure of all indoor exhibits, today was a wonderful couple of hours spent at the zoo and I have plenty to discuss.
Hippo Haven First Impressions: Lets get the elephant, err, hippo in the room out of the way first. Today I finally got to see the finished second phase of Adventure Africa: Hippo Haven. I spent about 30 minutes in total in the new area taking everything in. As I had anticipated, the exhibit was underwhelming and nearly all of my previous criticisms remain accurate. However, I have slug enough mud at this new exhibit in many previous posts, so instead I'm going to focus on the positives of the new exhibit. For one, I love the underwater viewing area. I am a sucker for underwater viewing with hippos and seeing the male, Happy, underwater in his full size was awe inspiring. He spent almost all the time I was there resting In the shallow end of the pool, coming up for air every few minutes. There are also hidden speakers that pipe in hippo grunts and other vocalizations with was a great touch. I can also appreciate the amount of theming done with the area, as generic as it is. @Wyman touched on this somewhere else, but theming around a fishing village or something a bit more unique would have absolutely gone along way, much more than yet another riverbank design with an "African hut" inspired entrance.
Overall, while Hippo Haven was a disappointment, I loved seeing the big male underwater and I even got some great photos when he decided to move around a little. I went ahead and uploaded about a dozen photos of the new area to the gallery, though much of it is similar to what @MKE Zoo guy already provided.
Other Updates:
Animal Highlights:
Despite during rain for most of the morning, I called the weathers bluff and made my way to the zoo for the first time in nearly five months. Despite the closure of all indoor exhibits, today was a wonderful couple of hours spent at the zoo and I have plenty to discuss.
Hippo Haven First Impressions: Lets get the elephant, err, hippo in the room out of the way first. Today I finally got to see the finished second phase of Adventure Africa: Hippo Haven. I spent about 30 minutes in total in the new area taking everything in. As I had anticipated, the exhibit was underwhelming and nearly all of my previous criticisms remain accurate. However, I have slug enough mud at this new exhibit in many previous posts, so instead I'm going to focus on the positives of the new exhibit. For one, I love the underwater viewing area. I am a sucker for underwater viewing with hippos and seeing the male, Happy, underwater in his full size was awe inspiring. He spent almost all the time I was there resting In the shallow end of the pool, coming up for air every few minutes. There are also hidden speakers that pipe in hippo grunts and other vocalizations with was a great touch. I can also appreciate the amount of theming done with the area, as generic as it is. @Wyman touched on this somewhere else, but theming around a fishing village or something a bit more unique would have absolutely gone along way, much more than yet another riverbank design with an "African hut" inspired entrance.
Overall, while Hippo Haven was a disappointment, I loved seeing the big male underwater and I even got some great photos when he decided to move around a little. I went ahead and uploaded about a dozen photos of the new area to the gallery, though much of it is similar to what @MKE Zoo guy already provided.
Other Updates:
- African spurred tortoises have been introduced to the forest yard. As expected, the duiker - who previously was afraid of the tortoise when they shared an older exhibit - was off exhibit as a result. It appears they are trying to integrate the tortoises into the mix with the other species.
- The "Hippo Home" (that measly 2008 indoor addition that was outdated before it opened) has been rebranded into the "Hippo Spa" and has updated signage. Exhibit wise, nothing has really changed. Patti was in here today, and has not yet been introduced to the new exhibit.
- Belle was out in the main yard or the first half of the day, and she was interacting with Ruth and Brittany when they were in the side yard, reaching out her trunk towards them. Looking around the elephant yard, I must say, the exhibit looks much better now than it did when it opened last year. The grass is greener than ever, the plantings are finally starting to come in, the exhibit is filled with logs and branches and overall looks much less bland.
- For whatever reason, almost all of the hooftsock yards - besides an impala and gazelle in Impala Country, plus the camels - were empty. Unsure why this is.
Animal Highlights:
- The highlight of the day was hands down an interaction between Belle, and one of the free roaming peafowl. One of the peafowl flew into the exhibit, and when Belle noticed, she charged at the peafowl and chased him around the exhibit running at full speed for a good 30 seconds, before the peafowl made his escape under the fence. The most active I have ever seen an elephant.
- As previously mentioned, Happy the hippo was simply awesome to watch in his new pool. Apparently, when he was first introduced the exhibit earlier this month, keepers weren't able to get him inside. I suppose as long as he likes his new digs, thats all that matters.
- One of the red river hogs - who were in their old exhibit by the hippos - began squealing up a storm and digging by the gate after he heard a keeper. I suppose it was feeding time. One of the funniest things I have ever seen in a zoo.
- Boris the Brown Bear was prowling his exhibit, making for some great photo ops. He is a truly impressive animal.
- The giraffes came right up to the fence, one sticking his head through so close I could have gave him a pat if I wanted. The other was reaching for a tree directly outside the exhibit. I uploaded photos of both of these events to the gallery.
Anyone have photos or links to photos of how the big cat building was before the renovation about 2005
I wish you would have been able to get video of that! How awesome!
I'm hoping to get a chance to visit the zoo soon, but with how my work is currently going, there's a slight chance I'll have to wait until fall, or when a phase that allows non reserved entry begins, but I'm gonna have to ask, weren't they going to do the penguin exhibit expansion before they did the rhinos?
There isn't an exact date for when the penguin expansion will be done. Rhinos are planned to open around 2023, so expect the penguin expansion to be after that, or the renovation to the farm section. Right now, all of the zoos priorities are focused on completing Adventure Africa, so don't expect many new exhibits besides that.
Last edited:
On June 3 harbor seal Sidney gave birth to a male pup. Unfortunately she died 3 days later.
Security Check
Security Check
An article on the new seal pup:
The Milwaukee County Zoo Shares News on Two Harbor Seals | Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo Shares News on Two Harbor Seals | Milwaukee County Zoo
A female Snow Leopard cub was born on 5/11 per the zoo facebook page.