Racine Zoo Racine Zoo News

[birdsandbats]

Yeah, I suspected that's the case. Still, I do think it's curious they haven't put up a sign in the meantime.


Yeah, I'm very curious if they could acquire any of those three or another caprid such as takin or markhor. Of the five options, or even most rarer caprids, takin is the only one represented in the Illinois and southern Wisconsin area zoos.

Several zoos in Wisconsin keep Aoudad.

 

[Valentinoamor]

For some follow-up on this:

• Fong the sun bear is doing fine behind the scenes, but is rarely out on display - while he does like it sunny (of course) he does not like the wind much, and today was again too windy for him. I did ask specifically out of concern he passed, as I noticed there was no signage for sun bear, but at least one Andean bear sign remained up.
  
• When asked about the stork aviary, I was told the lesser adjutant storks were on loan from Bronx Zoo, and the loan ended.
• No updates on the tur exhibit, sadly.

Additional notes:

• The Discovery Center is open. It was previously reported as closed somewhere for renovations but it is open and matches previous descriptions, although the bats were either absent or in a difficult to observe corner.
  
• I did see Changba the tiger, though she was laying in an awful spot for photographs. I think a lot of people assumed the exhibit was empty. The barriers are gone.
  
• The fennec fox were signed as "off exhibit for the season".
• The arctic fox were signed as off exhibit.
  
• No meerkats were on display, no sign.

It wasn't very unlike my visit in fall besides me being able to see the penguins and mountain zebras this time and visit the Discovery Center and bird of prey aviaries.

I was just there on Friday as well and the bats were present. The box turtle exhibit was full of cockroaches though, they were crawling all over the turtles and seemed to be annoying them.

I also saw the Andean bear through one of the off-show mesh doors.

 

[JVM]

Several zoos in Wisconsin keep Aoudad.

That's good to know. I was only counting the species in the post and other rare caprids. Are any of those in southern Wisconsin? I've not actually seen them before.

I was just there on Friday as well and the bats were present. The box turtle exhibit was full of cockroaches though, they were crawling all over the turtles and seemed to be annoying them.

I also saw the Andean bear through one of the off-show mesh doors.

Very neat about the Andean Bear! I assumed it was just a bad time for the bats and hoped to double check before I left but didn't make it back to the DC.

 

[birdsandbats]

That's good to know. I was only counting the species in the post and other rare caprids. Are any of those in southern Wisconsin? I've not actually seen them before.

Timbavati Wildlife Park and Shalom Wildlife Zoo.

 

[Milwaukee Man]

With the sudden activity going on with Racine, it only figures I'd chime in on the action! For the first time in almost a decade, I paid a visit to Racine Zoo over the holiday weekend, and had an enjoyable experience. Here's some updates/observations/opinions I'd like to share; and as always, I do apologize if some of these have already been mentioned.

*Land of the Giants: The black rhino exhibit was empty. Not only was there the sign discussing the male's shyness, but I was also told by a worker that habitat/enrichment enhancements were taking place. Also, there was a lot of foliage added to most of the viewing area for the Hartmann's mountain zebra habitat. Despite the exhibit's rather tiny size, I thought it made the area look pretty nice and natural. Also, a smaller enclosure off to the side of the rhino exhibit was erected; I was told it once held a small dog or cat species (I heard fennec fox on this site?), but has apparently been empty for years now.

*There is now a net over the African penguin exhibit.

*Vanishing Kingdom: A few Cape porcupines occupy what was once the indoor exhibit for coatis. The fossa was highly active, going back and forth between its two exhibits, scampering along the branches, and briefly investigating a tub of bedding. Based on this and that a couple keepers were watching it when I entered the building, my guess is the fossa is a newer resident.

*I managed to catch a glimpse of Fong the new sun bear! Although the door to the main habitat was closed off, I could see through the chain-link to the off-display holding as he briefly strolled outside for some fresh air. According to a staff member, he only comes out on the warmest of days (it was about 70 degrees during my visit). On a side note, the viewing platform on the side of the exhibit was originally open-air; however, it is now completely enclosed in favor of a little play area, some conservation signage about the world's bear species, and a glass window that looks over the bear habitat.

*Walkabout Creek: I've always considered this Aussie complex to be the best that Racine has to offer, and once again, it didn't disappoint. While the creek was completely drained, the habitat is still excellent with how lush and roomy it is. In my opinion, it's just the right size and design to allow the animals to be visible and sometimes pretty close, but still get away from guests for privacy if they wish. I also saw one marsupial that was quite small compared to the wallaroos and kangaroos. It was hard to tell as the animals were far away from the path, but I wonder if there was a joey born, or if the Zoo just recently acquired a wallaby and hadn't announced it yet? A good-sized aviary for tawny frogmouth was recently added, and it gives the walkabout an extra touch. The two glass enclosures house a red-tailed boa in a nicely designed habitat that is huge for the snake, and next-door is an enrichment-backed space for a ferret.

*A few new exhibits have been put up along the bear exhibit. First was a pair of minimally detailed cages that I believe was there last time in early 2015. One of them still has a red-tailed hawk, and the other housed a great horned owl (I don't know when the owl arrived). Another new addition is the bald eagle aviary; this was a spacious habitat, built on a slope with lush grass, a good amount of perches, and even a nice water feature - it was very well-done for the single raptor I saw! Lastly, there was an interesting enclosure for Arctic fox (off-display) that I don't remember seeing before. While it was okay in size and quality, the oddest feature was how how much height there was to this enclosed exhibit. Maybe snowy owls would be good here?

*At the time of my visit, the lush aviary that once housed the sacred lesser adjutant storks seems to be down to one resident - a tufted deer. It's definitely a large and naturalistic space for the little deer, and I got some great close-up views on my second time passing through, but I'd be curious to know what the future of this area is. I'd love for it to become a full-fledge Asian aviary with a crane species (Sarus, red crowned, or demoiselle), some pheasants, or even some tropical birds.

*The meerkat habitat remains empty; the only thing standing was a sign commemorating the last two residents that passed away earlier this year.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: The Vanishing Kingdom was where two of the most active species were found on my visit. First was the aforementioned fossa, which is always a treat to see especially for a small zoo like Racine. Second, the spider monkeys outside were a joy to watch as they swung all around their decently-sized cage. They'd start from one of the bottom platforms before effortlessly scaling the ropes towards the top of their exhibit.

 

[Valentinoamor]

*Vanishing Kingdom: A few Cape porcupines occupy what was once the indoor exhibit for coatis. The fossa was highly active, going back and forth between its two exhibits, scampering along the branches, and briefly investigating a tub of bedding. Based on this and that a couple keepers were watching it when I entered the building, my guess is the fossa is a newer resident.

I had no idea there were porcupines! Can't believe I missed them. You were lucky to see the fossa active, it was sleeping during my visit.

I'd be curious to see what the future plans for Racine are. I couldn't find anything online! The zoo doesn't seem to get many annual visitors in comparison to the facilities surrounding it, but it is very unique for a facility of its size.

 

[JVM]

With the sudden activity going on with Racine, it only figures I'd chime in on the action! For the first time in almost a decade, I paid a visit to Racine Zoo over the holiday weekend, and had an enjoyable experience. Here's some updates/observations/opinions I'd like to share; and as always, I do apologize if some of these have already been mentioned.

*Land of the Giants: The black rhino exhibit was empty. Not only was there the sign discussing the male's shyness, but I was also told by a worker that habitat/enrichment enhancements were taking place. Also, there was a lot of foliage added to most of the viewing area for the Hartmann's mountain zebra habitat. Despite the exhibit's rather tiny size, I thought it made the area look pretty nice and natural. Also, a smaller enclosure off to the side of the rhino exhibit was erected; I was told it once held a small dog or cat species (I heard fennec fox on this site?), but has apparently been empty for years now.

*There is now a net over the African penguin exhibit.

*Vanishing Kingdom: A few Cape porcupines occupy what was once the indoor exhibit for coatis. The fossa was highly active, going back and forth between its two exhibits, scampering along the branches, and briefly investigating a tub of bedding. Based on this and that a couple keepers were watching it when I entered the building, my guess is the fossa is a newer resident.

*I managed to catch a glimpse of Fong the new sun bear! Although the door to the main habitat was closed off, I could see through the chain-link to the off-display holding as he briefly strolled outside for some fresh air. According to a staff member, he only comes out on the warmest of days (it was about 70 degrees during my visit). On a side note, the viewing platform on the side of the exhibit was originally open-air; however, it is now completely enclosed in favor of a little play area, some conservation signage about the world's bear species, and a glass window that looks over the bear habitat.

*Walkabout Creek: I've always considered this Aussie complex to be the best that Racine has to offer, and once again, it didn't disappoint. While the creek was completely drained, the habitat is still excellent with how lush and roomy it is. In my opinion, it's just the right size and design to allow the animals to be visible and sometimes pretty close, but still get away from guests for privacy if they wish. I also saw one marsupial that was quite small compared to the wallaroos and kangaroos. It was hard to tell as the animals were far away from the path, but I wonder if there was a joey born, or if the Zoo just recently acquired a wallaby and hadn't announced it yet? A good-sized aviary for tawny frogmouth was recently added, and it gives the walkabout an extra touch. The two glass enclosures house a red-tailed boa in a nicely designed habitat that is huge for the snake, and next-door is an enrichment-backed space for a ferret.

*A few new exhibits have been put up along the bear exhibit. First was a pair of minimally detailed cages that I believe was there last time in early 2015. One of them still has a red-tailed hawk, and the other housed a great horned owl (I don't know when the owl arrived). Another new addition is the bald eagle aviary; this was a spacious habitat, built on a slope with lush grass, a good amount of perches, and even a nice water feature - it was very well-done for the single raptor I saw! Lastly, there was an interesting enclosure for Arctic fox (off-display) that I don't remember seeing before. While it was okay in size and quality, the oddest feature was how how much height there was to this enclosed exhibit. Maybe snowy owls would be good here?

*At the time of my visit, the lush aviary that once housed the sacred lesser adjutant storks seems to be down to one resident - a tufted deer. It's definitely a large and naturalistic space for the little deer, and I got some great close-up views on my second time passing through, but I'd be curious to know what the future of this area is. I'd love for it to become a full-fledge Asian aviary with a crane species (Sarus, red crowned, or demoiselle), some pheasants, or even some tropical birds.

*The meerkat habitat remains empty; the only thing standing was a sign commemorating the last two residents that passed away earlier this year.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: The Vanishing Kingdom was where two of the most active species were found on my visit. First was the aforementioned fossa, which is always a treat to see especially for a small zoo like Racine. Second, the spider monkeys outside were a joy to watch as they swung all around their decently-sized cage. They'd start from one of the bottom platforms before effortlessly scaling the ropes towards the top of their exhibit.

The meerkat sign and penguin netting must be new from this week. I agree about Walkabout Creek being a highlight. I quite like the zebra exhibit. Shame the aviary also houses only a lonesome deer and to hear the Fennec Foxes are long gone! Lucky on seeing Fong!

I had no idea there were porcupines! Can't believe I missed them. You were lucky to see the fossa active, it was sleeping during my visit.

I'd be curious to see what the future plans for Racine are. I couldn't find anything online! The zoo doesn't seem to get many annual visitors in comparison to the facilities surrounding it, but it is very unique for a facility of its size.

I've seen the fossa active on both visits, seems like an energetic individual, though some of the behavior may have been pacing.

Do we have enough interest for a Racine "speculation" thread? Haha, I have lots of ideas. It's a fascinating facility, weaknesses and all.

 

[Milwaukee Man]

Do we have enough interest for a Racine "speculation" thread? Haha, I have lots of ideas. It's a fascinating facility, weaknesses and all.

Funny you say that because I was brainstorming some ideas for the “Changes You’d Make” thread when I saw this post!

 

[Wild wolverine]

A 2 year old Andean bear named Into has arrived from Salisbury Zoo:
Racine Zoo welcomes newest resident, an Andean Bear named Inti!

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

A 2 year old Andean bear named Into has arrived from Salisbury Zoo:
Racine Zoo welcomes newest resident, an Andean Bear named Inti!

This article also confirms that Fong the Sun Bear is indeed still alive, so that is really great to hear!

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

1.0 white-handed gibbon "Yule" passed away on October 22nd at the age of 58 years.
One of the Racine Zoo's longest-term residents, a gibbon, has died

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Some good news and bad news about the zoo's Masai giraffes; 1.0 Mac passed away on Tuesday, November 5th at the age of 19 years from age-related health complications, and a new 2.5-year-old 1.0 Masai Giraffe named Shaq arrived in Racine from the Los Angeles Zoo on Wednesday, November 6th as a companion for Jabari, their other giraffe.
Racine Zoo giraffe euthanized; animal suffered age-related health issues

 

[Milwaukee Man]

Missy the two-toed sloth has arrived from Cleveland.

Racine Zoo welcomes sloth; made trip from Cleveland Zoo | FOX6 Milwaukee

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

1.0 Masai Giraffe Jabari has passed away after a fall. This leaves the zoo with only Shaq, a young male who arrived from Los Angeles in November.
Giraffe dies after fall at Racine Zoo - Kaukauna Community News

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

A Hartmann's Mountain Zebra foal was born April 25th.
Racine Zoo welcomes newborn Hartmann’s Mountain zebra

 

[JVM]

Racine Zoo will be closed tomorrow (May 16) to clean up and assess damages from today's storm and ensure the animals are safe and comfortable.

Link

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

An African penguin chick hatched May 3rd.
Racine Zoo: Healthy African Penguin chick hatches

 

[Smaggledagle]

Piece of February / June 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On February 6th, it was reported that due to avian influenza, the zoo installed roofs over several bird exhibits, including their African penguins and red-tailed hawk.

https://www.wpr.org/news/milwaukee-county-zoo-closing-aviary-avian-flu

A Hartmann's Mountain Zebra foal was born April 25th.
Racine Zoo welcomes newborn Hartmann’s Mountain zebra

On June 11th, the zoo announced they named the zebra Timotheus.

Racine Zoo

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An African penguin chick hatched May 3rd.
Racine Zoo: Healthy African Penguin chick hatches

On July 13th, the zoo announced they sexed the penguin as female (0.1).

8.3K views · 274 reactions | It’s a… Learn about how this little chick came to be, and stay to the end to see if they’re a boy or girl! On behalf of the entire Racine Zoo staff, we are incredibly thankful and proud to have a happy, healthy African penguin chick added to our colony! | Racine Zoo

On July 24th, the zoo announced their (0.1) common emu named Sydney passed away at age 31 on July 21st due to a rapid decline in health.

Racine Zoo

* Worth mentioning that the zoo filled up the pool in the eastern black rhino yard, expanding space inside the exhibit, as well as created a new exhibit and walkway for the bearded emperor tamarins inside the Castle building, both sometime in 2024.

 

[Milwaukee Man]

Meerkats have returned to Racine with the addition of four siblings from Henry Vilas!

Racine Zoo Welcomes Four Meerkats to New Exhibit

 

[brown bear 555]

Made a stop at the Racine Zoo today with a few updates:
- I can confirm that Fong, the elderly Sun bear that was brought to Racine in 2023 to live out his golden years, has passed away. a sign at the Andean bear exhibit confirms his passing, although it does not seem shocking since he was at an old age that went beyond the average sun bear longevity
- The lesser adjutant stork aviary still has a tufted deer, and the indoor aviary viewing panel is closed
- The fennec fox exhibit next to the black rhinoceroses was barricaded, meaning that either they moved their fennec fox or it passed away
- The eastern screech owl exhibit that stood close to the entrance is completely gone, and was replaced by a rhinoceros statue
- The former west caucasian tur mountain, now abandoned for a few years, has new barriers up and a new indoor building. I overheard from a train conductor that they are likely to be bringing back mountain goats. While I do not believe it is west caucasian tur, since those were extremely rare, I feel like the mountain could exhibit Rocky Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or even ibex