Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee County Zoo News 2024
- Thread starter Wild wolverine
- Start date
This was reported on the post before yours.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
The baby has been gendered as 0.1 and also now has a name, Mai.Their female Japanese Macaque Rikka did indeed give birth to her third infant on April 23rd!
Baby Alert! | Baby Alert! Join us in welcoming the newest member of our Japanese macaque family, born April 23 to Rikka! Both mom and baby are doing great! Rikka... | By Milwaukee County ZooFacebook
New at Milwaukee County Zoo: A giraffe departs, a new baby name, more
Cyclone101
New Member
A few things from today’s visit which may or may not be new to everyone. The Southern Screamers are back, and are in the outside habit right next to the Whooping Cranes. There was a male and female pair of African Pygmy Geese in one of the Rainforest habitats in the Aviary that I hadn’t seen before. They are tiny and adorable! The elk were still off exhibit but my daughter and I could see them in their off exhibit area from the train when we went past. And we had an Oscar the Badger sighting today, which is always exciting!
The African Pygmy Geese on exhibit is exciting. What exhibit were they in? In the exhibits prior to the shorebird exhibit or the ones when you are leaving by the hornbills?
Cyclone101
New Member
If you are walking through from the free flight room, they were in the second “room” of rainforest habitats, on the left hand side (before you get to the African Savanna and the Shorebird Habitats). They were on display with Red-billed Hornbill, Red-and-Yellow Barbet, and Hotentot Teal. I was surprised and excited to see them!
Another weekend, another tour around a Zoo - this time it's my home one. 
Here's some updates:
- Construction: With Adventure Africa - Phase 3, visitors can walk through the indoor area that used to be for rhinos and yaks, while the indoor viewing for hippos, former outdoor elephant, and outdoor red river hog is fenced off with no access. The outdoor hippo habitat can only be accessed by walking through parts of the Family Farm. The only construction work that has taken place so far is bringing down the wall in preparation for the pathway between the gazelles and hippos. With the Humboldt penguin habitat, construction is in full swing with a slight idea of where the pool will be extended. The pool extension seemed smaller than I expected, but perhaps it's just too early to tell.
- The scimitar-horned oryx are now in the "African Waterhole" habitat with the waterbuck and greater kudu. It must've been a recent move as the oryx were mostly hanging out near the door to the "Winter Quarters." By the way, it looks like some new trees were planted in the exhibit as well.
- Adventure Africa: The biggest news is that the long-rumored male bongo has arrived!
During my visit, the "African Forest" habitat was devoid of life apart from the spurred tortoises and the red antelope. Staff was nearby monitoring as it was one of his first days out; they explained his name was Groot and that he came from a facility in Florida. Also, for the first time ever, I saw the elephants interacting with one of the feeding walls. Brittany, followed by Ruth, took trunkfuls of hay out of the holes, sometimes peeking their trunks through the empty holes in a vain attempt to search for leftovers, and Ruth even played with an enrichment toy that was strung and attached to the wall. Lastly, Patti the female hippo was outside on my visit - first time I've seen her in the new habitat, which was nice to see.
- North America: After a fairly long time, the prairie dog habitat is back in business. It was a delight to see an active rodent dart through the lush grass! Next-door, the elk habitat was still empty although I could see one of the females resting behind-the-scenes. The enclosure was severely overgrown the last couple years, so I wouldn't be surprised if addressing this was the reason for them being off-exhibit.
- In the Small Mammals Building, the first two small primate exhibits, which formerly held various tamarin species, has been converted into a training space for the lemurs.
- Primates: the youngest de Brazza's monkey, Heri, has been separated from his parents, who were in the off-display outdoor cage. It must've been very recent as he hung out by the window the entire time I was there, never taking his eyes off the others. In addition, another interesting first took place in which one of the Japanese macaques took a brief dip in the water moat. I've seen macaques splashing about before at another zoo, but never at Milwaukee.
- Aviary: It was nice to see the crested screamers on-display once again, even if their new mesh exhibit is on the small and fairly barren side. Other notable highlights were seeing a Chinese hwamei in the walkthrough room, which I have to admit I don't think I've ever seen this bird species so it was cool to knock a "first" off the list, and hearing the call of a red-and-yellow barbet from high up in the trees.
- This summer's special exhibit, "Dinosaur Discovery," was in full swing. The exhibition showcases entirely carnivorous dinos with the occasional signage relating to modern day predators such as wolves. Most of the dinosaurs seen were ones that have been in Milwaukee before like Dilophosaurus, Carnotaurus, and Coelophysis; I think the only ones I didn't recognize from previous exhibits were Suchomimus and Allosaurus. On the whole, I felt that most of the previous dinosaurs displays the Zoo had were more successful due to the wider variety of species (strange that Tyrannosaurus rex wasn't present
), but it still made for an enjoyable loop - and hey, it's dinosaurs so I can't complain!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: A prehensile-tailed porcupine was born on June 4th, and it was wonderful to see the baby in its brown and more fluffy form. It stuck close to its mother, but was not afraid to try out some climbing of its own. The Small Mammals Building recently has been feeling quite empty, though that's not necessarily a bad thing, so to have an active baby born is a sweet bonus that adds a little life.
Here's some updates:- Construction: With Adventure Africa - Phase 3, visitors can walk through the indoor area that used to be for rhinos and yaks, while the indoor viewing for hippos, former outdoor elephant, and outdoor red river hog is fenced off with no access. The outdoor hippo habitat can only be accessed by walking through parts of the Family Farm. The only construction work that has taken place so far is bringing down the wall in preparation for the pathway between the gazelles and hippos. With the Humboldt penguin habitat, construction is in full swing with a slight idea of where the pool will be extended. The pool extension seemed smaller than I expected, but perhaps it's just too early to tell.
- The scimitar-horned oryx are now in the "African Waterhole" habitat with the waterbuck and greater kudu. It must've been a recent move as the oryx were mostly hanging out near the door to the "Winter Quarters." By the way, it looks like some new trees were planted in the exhibit as well.
- Adventure Africa: The biggest news is that the long-rumored male bongo has arrived!
During my visit, the "African Forest" habitat was devoid of life apart from the spurred tortoises and the red antelope. Staff was nearby monitoring as it was one of his first days out; they explained his name was Groot and that he came from a facility in Florida. Also, for the first time ever, I saw the elephants interacting with one of the feeding walls. Brittany, followed by Ruth, took trunkfuls of hay out of the holes, sometimes peeking their trunks through the empty holes in a vain attempt to search for leftovers, and Ruth even played with an enrichment toy that was strung and attached to the wall. Lastly, Patti the female hippo was outside on my visit - first time I've seen her in the new habitat, which was nice to see.- North America: After a fairly long time, the prairie dog habitat is back in business. It was a delight to see an active rodent dart through the lush grass! Next-door, the elk habitat was still empty although I could see one of the females resting behind-the-scenes. The enclosure was severely overgrown the last couple years, so I wouldn't be surprised if addressing this was the reason for them being off-exhibit.
- In the Small Mammals Building, the first two small primate exhibits, which formerly held various tamarin species, has been converted into a training space for the lemurs.
- Primates: the youngest de Brazza's monkey, Heri, has been separated from his parents, who were in the off-display outdoor cage. It must've been very recent as he hung out by the window the entire time I was there, never taking his eyes off the others. In addition, another interesting first took place in which one of the Japanese macaques took a brief dip in the water moat. I've seen macaques splashing about before at another zoo, but never at Milwaukee.
- Aviary: It was nice to see the crested screamers on-display once again, even if their new mesh exhibit is on the small and fairly barren side. Other notable highlights were seeing a Chinese hwamei in the walkthrough room, which I have to admit I don't think I've ever seen this bird species so it was cool to knock a "first" off the list, and hearing the call of a red-and-yellow barbet from high up in the trees.
- This summer's special exhibit, "Dinosaur Discovery," was in full swing. The exhibition showcases entirely carnivorous dinos with the occasional signage relating to modern day predators such as wolves. Most of the dinosaurs seen were ones that have been in Milwaukee before like Dilophosaurus, Carnotaurus, and Coelophysis; I think the only ones I didn't recognize from previous exhibits were Suchomimus and Allosaurus. On the whole, I felt that most of the previous dinosaurs displays the Zoo had were more successful due to the wider variety of species (strange that Tyrannosaurus rex wasn't present
), but it still made for an enjoyable loop - and hey, it's dinosaurs so I can't complain!HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: A prehensile-tailed porcupine was born on June 4th, and it was wonderful to see the baby in its brown and more fluffy form. It stuck close to its mother, but was not afraid to try out some climbing of its own. The Small Mammals Building recently has been feeling quite empty, though that's not necessarily a bad thing, so to have an active baby born is a sweet bonus that adds a little life.
Does that make 4 Bongo now?Another weekend, another tour around a Zoo - this time it's my home one.
- Construction: With Adventure Africa - Phase 3, visitors can walk through the indoor area that used to be for rhinos and yaks, while the indoor viewing for hippos, former outdoor elephant, and outdoor red river hog is fenced off with no access. The outdoor hippo habitat can only be accessed by walking through parts of the Family Farm. The only construction work that has taken place so far is bringing down the wall in preparation for the pathway between the gazelles and hippos. With the Humboldt penguin habitat, construction is in full swing with a slight idea of where the pool will be extended. The pool extension seemed smaller than I expected, but perhaps it's just too early to tell.
- The scimitar-horned oryx are now in the "African Waterhole" habitat with the waterbuck and greater kudu. It must've been a recent move as the oryx were mostly hanging out near the door to the "Winter Quarters." By the way, it looks like some new trees were planted in the exhibit as well.
- Adventure Africa: The biggest news is that the long-rumored male bongo has arrived!
- North America: After a fairly long time, the prairie dog habitat is back in business. It was a delight to see an active rodent dart through the lush grass! Next-door, the elk habitat was still empty although I could see one of the females resting behind-the-scenes. The enclosure was severely overgrown the last couple years, so I wouldn't be surprised if addressing this was the reason for them being off-exhibit.
- In the Small Mammals Building, the first two small primate exhibits, which formerly held various tamarin species, has been converted into a training space for the lemurs.
- Primates: the youngest de Brazza's monkey, Heri, has been separated from his parents, who were in the off-display outdoor cage. It must've been very recent as he hung out by the window the entire time I was there, never taking his eyes off the others. In addition, another interesting first took place in which one of the Japanese macaques took a brief dip in the water moat. I've seen macaques splashing about before at another zoo, but never at Milwaukee.
- Aviary: It was nice to see the crested screamers on-display once again, even if their new mesh exhibit is on the small and fairly barren side. Other notable highlights were seeing a Chinese hwamei in the walkthrough room, which I have to admit I don't think I've ever seen this bird species so it was cool to knock a "first" off the list, and hearing the call of a red-and-yellow barbet from high up in the trees.
- This summer's special exhibit, "Dinosaur Discovery," was in full swing. The exhibition showcases entirely carnivorous dinos with the occasional signage relating to modern day predators such as wolves. Most of the dinosaurs seen were ones that have been in Milwaukee before like Dilophosaurus, Carnotaurus, and Coelophysis; I think the only ones I didn't recognize from previous exhibits were Suchomimus and Allosaurus. On the whole, I felt that most of the previous dinosaurs displays the Zoo had were more successful due to the wider variety of species (strange that Tyrannosaurus rex wasn't present
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: A prehensile-tailed porcupine was born on June 4th, and it was wonderful to see the baby in its brown and more fluffy form. It stuck close to its mother, but was not afraid to try out some climbing of its own. The Small Mammals Building recently has been feeling quite empty, though that's not necessarily a bad thing, so to have an active baby born is a sweet bonus that adds a little life.
Yes - this new male Groot, the new young female Nyota, and the two older females Sydney and Zuri.
I am glad that would I signalled a few months back has now become reality. This move had been long in planning ...., and I assume to get first all females in and well socially integrated before they took on the bull. I would expect that in the next 2 months he will be allowed to run with the FF bongo herd and that we may welcome some 2025 calves at some point.
@Milwaukee Man, it seems you had a great visit and from your report / review it seems there is a new dynamic and vibrancy about the place with loads of "new" arrivals and spruced up exhibits. It is best represented by allowing the general zoo visiting public to take a peek-a-boo visit to part of the old Pachyderm House and see what is ahappening....!
I’m really excited for what Milwaukee County Zoo has coming in the next 10 years. It seems like the effort to bring in animals to start breeding programs is at an all time high. Just the last year or two the zoo has brought in a snow leopard, giraffe, bongos, tapir, de brazzas, gorilla, tiger etc. and sounds like more animals will be arriving within the next couple years. Having a bunch of success with breeding programs will really boost the overall view on the zoo and bring in plenty more guests. Anyone have a list or know of other potential breeding programs the zoo is trying to partake in?
They breed a ton of bird species. I am unsure if they breed many of the reptiles or amphibians, but they may begin doing that once a new exhibit area for them is constructed. They are still a part of the bonobo breeding program, but they have not had a baby in several years due to unavailable space.
I could be wrong but don’t they host the SSP for the bonobos, and if so it seems strange for them not to have more breeding happening?
I certainly did - it's been a few years since I've been to Milwaukee during peak season so it was a breath of fresh air to see everything in full gear!
Exhibits being improved/extended for the current occupants, new additions to fill some of the voids, new and vibrant signage - it all points to a new era for Milwaukee if you ask me thanks to this new leadership. All that's left is waiting for that master plan. By the way, I thought that was supposed to come out around this time - what's going on?I've always thought the Zoo has had a resurgence in breeding in the last 10 years. Of course, there was the occasional birth(s) here and there, and around the time there was a fair amount of elderly animals or those that were too young to breed at the time; however, you're right in that there seems to be a major boost recently and a more serious role in breeding is being taken. To add to the list, I believe a female jaguar is supposed to be imported sometime this year, so restarting jaguar breeding seems to be in the cards.
I have heard the rumors of a male lion and female jaguar within the next year or so. With the rhino renovations, hoping for calves. Would be really nice if it was same for the hippos but I don’t know if that will be the plan or not. In addition to the many successful breeding programs at the zoo there are other species I feel the zoo could be apart of breeding programs for (to name a few from each area) would be some of the primate species (colobus, siamang, ring tailed and red ruffed lemurs), for North America area, caribou, elk, seal, for Africa it would be nice to see the herd animals (impala, gazelle, waterbuck, oryx) have success breeding like the kudu historically have at MCZ. I say this all as a dream scenario and understand it is tough for the zoo to get breeding for all the animals with the limited space. But as mentioned, this new leadership has taken this zoo and turned it in the right direction. So excited for the master plan, future renovations and expansions to exhibits additions to the animal collection and any other changes/upgrades coming to Milwaukee!
Patti and Happy are being managed as elderly/retired individuals and are kept apart for their own safety given their age, per discussion with a keeper last year. I wouldn't expect any changes to the zoo's hippo situation until both pass on.
The bonobos are part of the EEP now due to them not meeting the new SSP requirements. There is a lack of breeding due to there being no space in U.S. facilities. Everyone is basically at - or over - max capacity.
The "lack of space" argument seems a bit ... lame. There is only less than 10 zoos involved with bonobos. Chimpanzees is not much better and basically managed to extinction / phase out, more than keeping a sustainable population in place (and one that is actually pure-bred and along ESU lines in the various recognised subspecies.
