I wasn't sure if Cossette was old enough
She’s six years old, in the early years of breeding age. If the pup was indeed born in Milwaukee, I think this would be her first.
I wasn't sure if Cossette was old enough
I believe there are two spots on where you can see red river hog(s) at the zoo. One in the old location and the other with the bongos. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the one doesn’t get along with the others hence the split areas you can observe them in.The Zoo is home to a young female seal named Cossette. Unless the pup is a rescue (how old did the pup look @Wild wolverine?), I imagine she and Ringo are parents. Despite no new construction or rhinos, Milwaukee seems to be making up for it in other areas with the baby boom, new species, and a couple other moves like the red river hog move to Adventure Africa.![]()
The pup was tiny and still had it's spots. I'm no expert but I'd say less than a week or two old. Cossette was protective of the pup, so I would assume she is the mother.The Zoo is home to a young female seal named Cossette. Unless the pup is a rescue (how old did the pup look @Wild wolverine?), I imagine she and Ringo are parents.
Yes, two brothers Mort and Dudley came to the zoo from Dallas in late 2020. They live in the "main" river hog exhibit next to hippos. Mango was recently moved to African Forest with the bongos (introductions still ongoing) only a few weeks ago. Mango had been living down in winter quarters, but arrived in 2014 from Charles Paddock Zoo with his brother, Radish. He and Radish got along fine for several years but began to get aggressive in 2019 and had to be separated. Due to lack of space for 2 hogs that don't get along, Radish was sent to another zoo (does anyone know which zoo?) and Mango moved to winter quarters.I believe there are two spots on where you can see red river hog(s) at the zoo. One in the old location and the other with the bongos. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the one doesn’t get along with the others hence the split areas you can observe them in.
I understand everyone's frustration, but I think some of these complaints aren't being very fair to the zoos circumstances.
Right now the zoo is experiencing the natural growing pains associated with significant change and development. Keep in mind that Milwaukee has a lot of catching up to do after two decades of minimal changes and no major additions. Until construction begins on the last Adventure Africa phase, the entire central part of the zoo (mainly what remains of the pachyderm mall) is going to be a bit messy for a while. I give the zoo credit for filling the space with temporary additions like yaks and tortoises instead of just leaving them empty to at least show that they are doing there best to keep things active. It's not like they are removing species and leaving exhibits empty with no future plans, they are actively pursuing a very promising looking development to take over the space with the rhino and hippo house. These things take time, but it's also important to remember that we are coming off of three major projects opening in back-to-back-to-back years: Otter Passage and the West Entrance in 2018, the elephant complex and antelope paddocks in 2019, and the hippo exhibit in 2020. Even though we all have some mixed opinions about how some of these exhibits turned out, they were all multi-million dollar endeavors that were delayed countless times in the past before things finally aligned and it should be commended that the zoo was able to constantly open a major exhibit three years in a row. This year is also the calm before the storm of construction that is on the horizon. Next year three more major capital projects are on track to start development: The new rhino/hippo house, the penguin expansion, and the revamped main entrance. Until then it's to be expected that things are going to be quiet this year while the zoo is preparing for the surge in development to come in 2023. Don't let the empty exhibits fool you, Milwaukee is the most progressive now than it's ever been.
With all of that said, I do agree that things are far from perfect.
This is all very true. Milwaukee is a very rough around the edges at the moment. The signage and railings are very dated and in dire need of being replaced. Again, this is something that will be fixed all at once as these areas are replaced entirely in the future. A lack of proper upkeep is a pattern I will admit is an issue though, as the crumbling pathways and rusted fencing are not a good look and give a very dated vibe to the grounds. The ape yards have also been blocked off since before covid which is really quite ridiculous at this point.
The status of the Alaskas Cold Coast project is unknown at this point, but by all means a new North American zone replacing the current one is definitely the next big thing post Adventure Africa. Mr. Morris alluded to plans for exhibits focusing on cold tolerant species and while plans will have changed from the old master plan, the same general idea of an Alaskan exhibit taking up the entirety of the North American exhibits is still a go. In fact from what I hear moose, elk and wolves may be folded into the plans from the since scrapped Wild Woods exhibit. I agree that it would be nice for prairie dogs to be back, but the former polar bear enclosure is a concrete dumpster fire not suited for any species and it should stay empty until its demolished.
Now this I concur is inexcusable. It's one thing to have commentary on ocean pollution, but to just fill is an exhibit with garbage with no explanation is foolish. Looks like there taking notes from the Beaver Springs Aquarium. Side Note: You never want to emulate the Beaver Springs Aquarium, for anything.
There were plans to bring in a male bongo from San Fransisco before covid hit, but any mention of those plans has been ceased and I have no idea why. I agree that the zoo is missing a big opportunity by not following through with this.
No he's there, you just never, ever see him.
Speak for yourself, I think Watusi are cool.I doubt that will be happening though, as the reason the yaks were brought it is because they can be exhibited during the winter. I'm not sure how cold tolerant Watusi are, but Wisconsin winters are no joke and I don't think they would bring in a species to exhibit them outdoors for five months tops before locking them indoors for another four months before demolishing the whole area.
I don't think I've ever missed seeing the badger.Really?I didn't know that!
Bonobos definitely need something better than the outdoor cages. I'm excited about this if it turns out good.Midway through 2022 and here's the 5 year outlook capital request for the Zoo 2023-2027.
2023
2024
- (Planning) Front entrance/Admission Reconstruction
- (Construction) Aviary Air Conditioning replaced
- (Planning) Bonobos
- Skylights
- Outdoor Exhibit
- (Planning) Zoofari Conference Center Renovation
2025
- (Construction) Adventure Africa Rhino
- (Construction) Front Entrance/Admission Reconstruction
- (Construction) Bonobos
- Skylights
- Outdoor exhibit
2026
- (Construction) Zoofari Conference Center Renovation
2027
- (Construction) Family Farm Splash pad
- (Planning) Alaska Gold Coast
- (Construction) New Carousel/Rental Facility
First reaction, there has been much changed per se, things have just been shift around. That being said, either things were dropped or just grouped under a one name. The front entrance and admission has been pushed up to 2023 which makes sense, trying to get into the zoo is a nightmare, sometimes waiting over 30 mins or more just to get in. That being said, it seems that the penguin expansion has either been dropped or grouped into this project. The other thing that I notice is that the bonobos are getting some attention. I am not sure exactly what that means but seems interesting. Lastly, it seems the that Alaskan Gold Coast is being severely pushed back, they have the planning for it starting in 2026 and not even starting construction by 2027. Hopefully this project can be completed by the end of the decade but who knows.
Honestly, I was expecting more with this request cycle, new director, thought would be showing a glimpse of what he hopes to do with the zoos future. Though I guess he may with the bonobos exhibit work, and that the rest seems pretty vague, so hopefully as the years pass more ambitious projects will come to light?
That's would be such an improvement I wouldn't care.
You joke, but just wait until Indianapolis announces that rumored chimpanzee center. They already have the animals for it on site.
It's only a speculation but I can't imagine that the new director was thrilled about the cage outdoor exhibit.You joke, but just wait until Indianapolis announces that rumored chimpanzee center. They already have the animals for it on site.
Before we all get too excited about this, I think it's important to wait and see what exactly the zoo means here. This could be as simple as maintenance to the existing tunnels or as ambitious as a brand new exhibit. If they were to net off a portion of the surrounding forest that would be incredible, but I personally am not expecting something of that caliber.
This capital request seems to be very vague with its time tables. It seems to insulate that the rhino construction won't begin until 2024, but an article (which I will link below) from about a week ago reiterates that the last Adventure Africa phase will break ground in 2023. With the yaks leaving in February, probably within the first or second quarter of the year. Rest assured that the penguin expansion is very much still a thing that is happening, it's just being tied in with the entrance revamp since the two are being done in tandem with each other.
https://www.bizjournals.com/milwauk...al-society-nears-end-of-adventure-africa.html
I thought it was weird that the budget showed that it was later than next year. Wondering if it has something to do with paying when the job is completed or that the society hasn't raised their portion yet? I know that the zoo has done several press releases about how close they are to starting construction this upcoming winter and all, just seems weird budgetary that its been pushed into 2024.You joke, but just wait until Indianapolis announces that rumored chimpanzee center. They already have the animals for it on site.
Before we all get too excited about this, I think it's important to wait and see what exactly the zoo means here. This could be as simple as maintenance to the existing tunnels or as ambitious as a brand new exhibit. If they were to net off a portion of the surrounding forest that would be incredible, but I personally am not expecting something of that caliber.
This capital request seems to be very vague with its time tables. It seems to insulate that the rhino construction won't begin until 2024, but an article (which I will link below) from about a week ago reiterates that the last Adventure Africa phase will break ground in 2023. With the yaks leaving in February, probably within the first or second quarter of the year. Rest assured that the penguin expansion is very much still a thing that is happening, it's just being tied in with the entrance revamp since the two are being done in tandem with each other.
https://www.bizjournals.com/milwauk...al-society-nears-end-of-adventure-africa.html
- There is a new harbor seal pup! I'm guessing a very new addition as there has not been an official announcement yet.
It’s been confirmed!The Zoo is home to a young female seal named Cossette. Unless the pup is a rescue (how old did the pup look @Wild wolverine?), I imagine she and Ringo are parents.
Does the zoo only have 4 nowTwo new kudu have gone on exhibit: Say Hello to Our New Kudu | Milwaukee County Zoo
One of the females got frostbite during the extreme cold in Texas last year, and had to get parts of her ears removed.
Not 100% sure, but the article makes it seem that way.Does the zoo only have 4 now
I believe that we have 3 female and one male greater kudu. There was another male but he was sent to another facility earlier this year.Not 100% sure, but the article makes it seem that way.