Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee: Fantasy Ideas, Dreams, Hopes

MKE Zoo guy

MKE Zoo guy

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
The current Milwaukee County Zoo opened in the early 60's, although it has its origins starting back in the 1890's. Currently the zoo is the midst of its newest master plan endeavor and the plans can be found on the thread Milwaukee County Zoo: Master Plan and Future Renovations. There did not seem to be a central place where people can dream about what can be, wish something demolished, or renovate it.
 
I am hoping that Escape to the Islands contrarians some cool island endemic bird species. Like, for example, make new exhibits for the Guam Kingfishers, Bali Mynas, and Laysan Teals. Maybe add more island bird species that the zoo does not currently have, like Guam Rails, Nenes, Hawaiian Coots, Hawaiian Stilts, Kagu or even (if we are SUPER LUCKY) kiwis or keas. That would be cool.
 
South America? Currently it’s spread out and sparse at best. Wish there was something from the rainforest to the mountains area.
 
Oh don't get me started...too late! :p I actually have two things to say about this, but since they're both quite long, I'll just stick with one now, and the other later.

The first will be focused on a master plan I made for fun a few years back. I realize this now is no longer possible, but why not? Keep in mind this is from about 2015-2016, and the Aviary, Family Farm, Gathering Place entry area, and Macaque Island are untouched:

North America: Remaining in its current spot, this complex would be divided into two parts:
  • Northern Animals - Caribou exhibit would remain the same; grizzly bear and American black bear grottos get demolished in favor of forest-edge habitats, up-close viewing windows, and underwater viewing; elk exhibit is renovated to be more suitable for moose and wild turkey; polar bears get relocated to the empty grassy area across from the caribou with up-close windows, underwater viewing, dig pits, grassy areas, and even pop-up bubbles in white mock-rock to simulate seals coming up for air; and the seal exhibit is expanded into the polar bear exhibit, renovated into a more realistic coastal habitat, and also bring in sea lions. The Lakeview restaurant is renovated into a more Northern woods/Alaskan theme.
  • Great Plains - Consisting of the former moose, wolf, and brown bear exhibits. The moose habitat would be renovated to house American bison, elk, pronghorn, and sandhill cranes. The wolf habitat would be expanded and modified into a predator-prey set up for either Mexican gray or red wolves. The brown bear exhibit is overhauled for bald eagles. New and improved habitats for prairie dogs and badgers would be situated along the boardwalk.
Jambo! Africa: A massive African complex taking up the Small Mammals building and the forested area behind it and the ARC building. Divided into four parts:
  • Forest Edge - A jungle/open forest section featuring an entry point themed around an African forest village, secretary birds, Nile hippo (with underwater viewing), bongo/red river hog, and okapi/marabou stork. Indoor viewing area for hippo, okapi, and African cichlids can be seen here too.
  • Grasslands - Consisting of one large savannah habitat for giraffes (with indoor viewing and feeding deck), zebras, ostriches, antelope (such as greater kudu and impala), ground hornbill, and warthogs (which would also have a separate enclosure); and side habitats for lions and cheetahs for predator-prey opportunities.
  • Kenya Market - A visitor plaza themed like an African market with shops, play areas, educational features, and a restaurant.
  • Kopje - Featuring vultures, spotted hyenas, naked mole rats, invertebrates, indoor/outdoor rotational habitats for dwarf mongoose and meerkats, and caracal.
  • Tembo-Kifaru Crossing - African elephants and black rhinos would rotate through four habitats via gates and a bridge (much like Denver's Elephant Passage), with their indoor housing and visitor viewing in the center of the area. Also included is a new habitat for the African spurred tortoises.
Nocturnal Kingdom: A brand-new nocturnal house that replaces the current Special Exhibits building (Special Exhibit areas may get a new home in the Family Farm area). The zoo's current collection of nocturnal animals would move here, and also feature new species like aye-ayes, aardvarks, and echidnas; along with returning species like black-footed cat and kinkajou.

Australia: The outdoor kangaroo/emu habitat remains the same, while the former koala habitats (indoor and out) are renovated for the tree kangaroos. The Great Barrier Reef tanks get relocated to the original tree kangaroo exhibit, and the building gets extended to house a walkthrough aviary for budgies and/or other Aussie birds.

Fragile Asia: An overhaul of the Africa/Asia/South America complex. The big cat exhibits get expanded into the prey exhibits and are modified to house Amur tiger, Amur leopard, bear (either sloth or sun), and dhole. The elephant/hippo half of Pachyderm Mall is demolished, with Bactrian camels taking over the elephant and pig exhibits (with an area for visitors to have up-close encounters), babirusa or Visayan warty pig occupying the hippo exhibit, and either a large bird or deer species in the bongo yard. The rhino/tapir half is overhauled to house either Indian rhino or Malayan tapir. The giraffe yard becomes a walkthrough Asian garden. The previous Asian black bear grotto gets overhauled for either small-clawed otter or fishing cat. The Big Cat Country building is converted to a conservation station. Current red panda and snow leopard habitats remain.

Primate Complex: An improvement of the Primates of the World/Apes of Africa section, divided into three parts:
  • Lemur Tropics - a pair of lush islands home to ring-tailed lemurs (alone), black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and red ruffed lemurs, including indoor viewing. To replace the Oceans of Fun arena area.
  • Primate Jungle - An overhaul of the Primates of the World building featuring Tamarin Walk, a mini-jungle featuring marmoset exhibits (Goeldi's monkeys, cotton top tamarin, and golden lion tamarin) with minimal barriers; Monkeys of the African Forest, lush indoor and outdoor habitats for mandrills, colobus monkeys, and de Brazza's monkey; and Asia, a mixed-species habitat for orangutan and siamang, also featuring a deck to allow visitors to get at eye-level with apes in the middle of the trees.
  • Apes of Africa - the interior remains the same, while the outdoor exhibits get replaced by naturalistic forest habitats.
Komodo Dragon Habitat: A small extension of the ARC building, consisting of an indoor/outdoor facility for Komodo dragons, and replacing the African fish tanks.

Belize Research Expedition: Located where Woodland Retreat eating area is, this section would center on one of Milwaukee's most significant conservation programs. New exhibits for spider monkeys, jaguars, Baird's tapirs, and tayras would be found here; along with giant anteaters, a butterfly walkthrough, and possible various reptiles and amphibians. Woodland Retreat would be re-themed into a Mayan temple eatery.

Milwaukee Zoological Museum: Occupying the giraffe barn, this would serve as a celebration of Milwaukee County Zoo's cherished history. Some highlights could be a gallery dedicated to Samson the gorilla, an Animal Wall of Fame, various historical features and notes, old documents and plans, models of exhibits, etc.

Second Entrance: Consists of the current West Entry plans.
 
Milwaukee Man said:
Oh don't get me started...too late! :p I actually have two things to say about this, but since they're both quite long, I'll just stick with one now, and the other later.

The first will be focused on a master plan I made for fun a few years back. I realize this now is no longer possible, but why not? Keep in mind this is from about 2015-2016, and the Aviary, Family Farm, Gathering Place entry area, and Macaque Island are untouched:

North America: Remaining in its current spot, this complex would be divided into two parts:
  • Northern Animals - Caribou exhibit would remain the same; grizzly bear and American black bear grottos get demolished in favor of forest-edge habitats, up-close viewing windows, and underwater viewing; elk exhibit is renovated to be more suitable for moose and wild turkey; polar bears get relocated to the empty grassy area across from the caribou with up-close windows, underwater viewing, dig pits, grassy areas, and even pop-up bubbles in white mock-rock to simulate seals coming up for air; and the seal exhibit is expanded into the polar bear exhibit, renovated into a more realistic coastal habitat, and also bring in sea lions. The Lakeview restaurant is renovated into a more Northern woods/Alaskan theme.
  • Great Plains - Consisting of the former moose, wolf, and brown bear exhibits. The moose habitat would be renovated to house American bison, elk, pronghorn, and sandhill cranes. The wolf habitat would be expanded and modified into a predator-prey set up for either Mexican gray or red wolves. The brown bear exhibit is overhauled for bald eagles. New and improved habitats for prairie dogs and badgers would be situated along the boardwalk.
Jambo! Africa: A massive African complex taking up the Small Mammals building and the forested area behind it and the ARC building. Divided into four parts:
  • Forest Edge - A jungle/open forest section featuring an entry point themed around an African forest village, secretary birds, Nile hippo (with underwater viewing), bongo/red river hog, and okapi/marabou stork. Indoor viewing area for hippo, okapi, and African cichlids can be seen here too.
  • Grasslands - Consisting of one large savannah habitat for giraffes (with indoor viewing and feeding deck), zebras, ostriches, antelope (such as greater kudu and impala), ground hornbill, and warthogs (which would also have a separate enclosure); and side habitats for lions and cheetahs for predator-prey opportunities.
  • Kenya Market - A visitor plaza themed like an African market with shops, play areas, educational features, and a restaurant.
  • Kopje - Featuring vultures, spotted hyenas, naked mole rats, invertebrates, indoor/outdoor rotational habitats for dwarf mongoose and meerkats, and caracal.
  • Tembo-Kifaru Crossing - African elephants and black rhinos would rotate through four habitats via gates and a bridge (much like Denver's Elephant Passage), with their indoor housing and visitor viewing in the center of the area. Also included is a new habitat for the African spurred tortoises.
Nocturnal Kingdom: A brand-new nocturnal house that replaces the current Special Exhibits building (Special Exhibit areas may get a new home in the Family Farm area). The zoo's current collection of nocturnal animals would move here, and also feature new species like aye-ayes, aardvarks, and echidnas; along with returning species like black-footed cat and kinkajou.

Australia: The outdoor kangaroo/emu habitat remains the same, while the former koala habitats (indoor and out) are renovated for the tree kangaroos. The Great Barrier Reef tanks get relocated to the original tree kangaroo exhibit, and the building gets extended to house a walkthrough aviary for budgies and/or other Aussie birds.

Fragile Asia: An overhaul of the Africa/Asia/South America complex. The big cat exhibits get expanded into the prey exhibits and are modified to house Amur tiger, Amur leopard, bear (either sloth or sun), and dhole. The elephant/hippo half of Pachyderm Mall is demolished, with Bactrian camels taking over the elephant and pig exhibits (with an area for visitors to have up-close encounters), babirusa or Visayan warty pig occupying the hippo exhibit, and either a large bird or deer species in the bongo yard. The rhino/tapir half is overhauled to house either Indian rhino or Malayan tapir. The giraffe yard becomes a walkthrough Asian garden. The previous Asian black bear grotto gets overhauled for either small-clawed otter or fishing cat. The Big Cat Country building is converted to a conservation station. Current red panda and snow leopard habitats remain.

Primate Complex: An improvement of the Primates of the World/Apes of Africa section, divided into three parts:
  • Lemur Tropics - a pair of lush islands home to ring-tailed lemurs (alone), black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and red ruffed lemurs, including indoor viewing. To replace the Oceans of Fun arena area.
  • Primate Jungle - An overhaul of the Primates of the World building featuring Tamarin Walk, a mini-jungle featuring marmoset exhibits (Goeldi's monkeys, cotton top tamarin, and golden lion tamarin) with minimal barriers; Monkeys of the African Forest, lush indoor and outdoor habitats for mandrills, colobus monkeys, and de Brazza's monkey; and Asia, a mixed-species habitat for orangutan and siamang, also featuring a deck to allow visitors to get at eye-level with apes in the middle of the trees.
  • Apes of Africa - the interior remains the same, while the outdoor exhibits get replaced by naturalistic forest habitats.
Komodo Dragon Habitat: A small extension of the ARC building, consisting of an indoor/outdoor facility for Komodo dragons, and replacing the African fish tanks.

Belize Research Expedition: Located where Woodland Retreat eating area is, this section would center on one of Milwaukee's most significant conservation programs. New exhibits for spider monkeys, jaguars, Baird's tapirs, and tayras would be found here; along with giant anteaters, a butterfly walkthrough, and possible various reptiles and amphibians. Woodland Retreat would be re-themed into a Mayan temple eatery.

Milwaukee Zoological Museum: Occupying the giraffe barn, this would serve as a celebration of Milwaukee County Zoo's cherished history. Some highlights could be a gallery dedicated to Samson the gorilla, an Animal Wall of Fame, various historical features and notes, old documents and plans, models of exhibits, etc.

Second Entrance: Consists of the current West Entry plans.
Click to expand...

Really great vision! So well thought out. Very nice. This would make for quite an exciting zoo!
 
It would be cool to see an indoor aquarium building added to Alaska's Cold Coast. The fish in the current kelp forest tank in AARC could be moved here, along with the octopus and the tide pool animals in the tank next to the octopus. The tide pool animals could be put in a tank that actually resembles a tide pool (possibly a touch tank?). Those tanks in the AARC could be turned into something else (a coral reef maybe?).
 
I've been thinking about Australia and how it can still be incorporated into the current plan. As they are planning on building out the AARC I thought of a way to include Australia. The area closest to the Wild Woods would get an extension and here their would be native fish to the great lakes and Wisconsin, similar to whats in the middle of the building currently. As you move through the building it transforms into a coral reef. This would tie in the Great Barrier Reef.

Now in the space between the AARC and the Monkey Island. Here the Australian building could be either connected or its own building. The building would include both a day and night time exhibits of the Australia animals, and the walk about area possibly in the back of the building. Then looking over into the Aviary building, the side closest to monkey island would include an Australian Rainforest that transitions into the rest of the aviary. The whole idea is to tie in the sea, the outback, and the rainforests of Australia among what is already planned.
 
Milwaukee Man said:
Oh don't get me started...too late! :p I actually have two things to say about this, but since they're both quite long, I'll just stick with one now, and the other later.

The first will be focused on a master plan I made for fun a few years back. I realize this now is no longer possible, but why not? Keep in mind this is from about 2015-2016, and the Aviary, Family Farm, Gathering Place entry area, and Macaque Island are untouched:

North America: Remaining in its current spot, this complex would be divided into two parts:
  • Northern Animals - Caribou exhibit would remain the same; grizzly bear and American black bear grottos get demolished in favor of forest-edge habitats, up-close viewing windows, and underwater viewing; elk exhibit is renovated to be more suitable for moose and wild turkey; polar bears get relocated to the empty grassy area across from the caribou with up-close windows, underwater viewing, dig pits, grassy areas, and even pop-up bubbles in white mock-rock to simulate seals coming up for air; and the seal exhibit is expanded into the polar bear exhibit, renovated into a more realistic coastal habitat, and also bring in sea lions. The Lakeview restaurant is renovated into a more Northern woods/Alaskan theme.
  • Great Plains - Consisting of the former moose, wolf, and brown bear exhibits. The moose habitat would be renovated to house American bison, elk, pronghorn, and sandhill cranes. The wolf habitat would be expanded and modified into a predator-prey set up for either Mexican gray or red wolves. The brown bear exhibit is overhauled for bald eagles. New and improved habitats for prairie dogs and badgers would be situated along the boardwalk.
Jambo! Africa: A massive African complex taking up the Small Mammals building and the forested area behind it and the ARC building. Divided into four parts:
  • Forest Edge - A jungle/open forest section featuring an entry point themed around an African forest village, secretary birds, Nile hippo (with underwater viewing), bongo/red river hog, and okapi/marabou stork. Indoor viewing area for hippo, okapi, and African cichlids can be seen here too.
  • Grasslands - Consisting of one large savannah habitat for giraffes (with indoor viewing and feeding deck), zebras, ostriches, antelope (such as greater kudu and impala), ground hornbill, and warthogs (which would also have a separate enclosure); and side habitats for lions and cheetahs for predator-prey opportunities.
  • Kenya Market - A visitor plaza themed like an African market with shops, play areas, educational features, and a restaurant.
  • Kopje - Featuring vultures, spotted hyenas, naked mole rats, invertebrates, indoor/outdoor rotational habitats for dwarf mongoose and meerkats, and caracal.
  • Tembo-Kifaru Crossing - African elephants and black rhinos would rotate through four habitats via gates and a bridge (much like Denver's Elephant Passage), with their indoor housing and visitor viewing in the center of the area. Also included is a new habitat for the African spurred tortoises.
Nocturnal Kingdom: A brand-new nocturnal house that replaces the current Special Exhibits building (Special Exhibit areas may get a new home in the Family Farm area). The zoo's current collection of nocturnal animals would move here, and also feature new species like aye-ayes, aardvarks, and echidnas; along with returning species like black-footed cat and kinkajou.

Australia: The outdoor kangaroo/emu habitat remains the same, while the former koala habitats (indoor and out) are renovated for the tree kangaroos. The Great Barrier Reef tanks get relocated to the original tree kangaroo exhibit, and the building gets extended to house a walkthrough aviary for budgies and/or other Aussie birds.

Fragile Asia: An overhaul of the Africa/Asia/South America complex. The big cat exhibits get expanded into the prey exhibits and are modified to house Amur tiger, Amur leopard, bear (either sloth or sun), and dhole. The elephant/hippo half of Pachyderm Mall is demolished, with Bactrian camels taking over the elephant and pig exhibits (with an area for visitors to have up-close encounters), babirusa or Visayan warty pig occupying the hippo exhibit, and either a large bird or deer species in the bongo yard. The rhino/tapir half is overhauled to house either Indian rhino or Malayan tapir. The giraffe yard becomes a walkthrough Asian garden. The previous Asian black bear grotto gets overhauled for either small-clawed otter or fishing cat. The Big Cat Country building is converted to a conservation station. Current red panda and snow leopard habitats remain.

Primate Complex: An improvement of the Primates of the World/Apes of Africa section, divided into three parts:
  • Lemur Tropics - a pair of lush islands home to ring-tailed lemurs (alone), black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and red ruffed lemurs, including indoor viewing. To replace the Oceans of Fun arena area.
  • Primate Jungle - An overhaul of the Primates of the World building featuring Tamarin Walk, a mini-jungle featuring marmoset exhibits (Goeldi's monkeys, cotton top tamarin, and golden lion tamarin) with minimal barriers; Monkeys of the African Forest, lush indoor and outdoor habitats for mandrills, colobus monkeys, and de Brazza's monkey; and Asia, a mixed-species habitat for orangutan and siamang, also featuring a deck to allow visitors to get at eye-level with apes in the middle of the trees.
  • Apes of Africa - the interior remains the same, while the outdoor exhibits get replaced by naturalistic forest habitats.
Komodo Dragon Habitat: A small extension of the ARC building, consisting of an indoor/outdoor facility for Komodo dragons, and replacing the African fish tanks.

Belize Research Expedition: Located where Woodland Retreat eating area is, this section would center on one of Milwaukee's most significant conservation programs. New exhibits for spider monkeys, jaguars, Baird's tapirs, and tayras would be found here; along with giant anteaters, a butterfly walkthrough, and possible various reptiles and amphibians. Woodland Retreat would be re-themed into a Mayan temple eatery.

Milwaukee Zoological Museum: Occupying the giraffe barn, this would serve as a celebration of Milwaukee County Zoo's cherished history. Some highlights could be a gallery dedicated to Samson the gorilla, an Animal Wall of Fame, various historical features and notes, old documents and plans, models of exhibits, etc.

Second Entrance: Consists of the current West Entry plans.
Click to expand...
Whats the second thing?
 
I believe it was mentioned that this mysterious fifth hoofstock would be in the savannah exhibit, not the forest yard. Even if it was, I think okapi are very unlikely. Being such a solitary and skittish species I can't imagine them taking well to a mixed species exhibit, mainly with the bongos, as duikers and okapi have been successfully mixed before. I would say steenbok or Nyla would be more likely.
 
pachyderm pro said:
I believe it was mentioned that this mysterious fifth hoofstock would be in the savannah exhibit, not the forest yard. Even if it was, I think okapi are very unlikely. Being such a solitary and skittish species I can't imagine them taking well to a mixed species exhibit, mainly with the bongos, as duikers and okapi have been successfully mixed before. I would say steenbok or Nyla would be more likely.
Click to expand...
Those would be nice to see as well. I would have enjoyed seeing okapi in Milwaukee. Maybe sometime in the future who knows.
 
I thought that it would be fun to see what people would design if they could edit the zoo in anyway. I created some blank maps people could use as a base line to redraw, edit, update the zoo how you see fit. I already went ahead and added in phase 1 based on the design present to Milwaukee County Parks Committee, although it sounds like the bridge is gone so you can ignore the feature. Happy designing!

Blank Maps of the Zoo
 
What would be one animal that you would like to see at the zoo that isn’t there? It could be one that was previously had or one that they never had, either way I want to hear your thoughts.
 
I have a few wishlist animals for Milwaukee...
-Koalas
-Wolverines
-Tree kangaroos
-Bald eagles (exhibit, not the bird show)
-Proboscis monkeys
-Giant anteaters
-Tamanduas
- I'd love for Milwaukee to get some more rare bird species; kiwis, kagus etc.
 
I'd like to see:
Ostrich
Speke's gazelle
Lowland Nyala
Blackbuck
white-handed gibbon
Squirrel monkey
Diana monkey
Any other primates
Capybara
Kangaroo
Malaeos
lesser bird-of-paradise
 
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