Milwaukee County Zoo

The Milwaukee County Zoo is one of the top family attractions in Wisconsin, home to more than 3,000 animals across 200 acres of wooded parkland.

Recommended For

Families with children
Experience hands-on animal encounters and fun educational programming.

Animal lovers
Explore 11 different habitats featuring 402 species from around the world.

Students & educators
Participate in field trips, summer camps, and interactive shows.

Outdoor explorers
Walk or ride through expansive natural habitats and forested trails.

History

The Milwaukee County Zoo began in 1892 as a small animal exhibit in Washington Park. By the 1930s, it had become a key entity of the Milwaukee County Park Commission. In 1958, the zoo moved to its current 200-acre location near highways 94 and 45. Over the following decades, the zoo grew dramatically—adding primate and reptile houses, large mammal habitats, and immersive educational attractions. Today, with continued investment and conservation efforts, the zoo serves as both an entertainment hub and a center for animal care and education.

Animal Exhibits

The Milwaukee County Zoo is divided into 11 major habitats, each offering unique environments and species. Visitors can explore these areas with the help of maps available online or on-site.

Aquatic & Reptile Center: 28,000-gallon tank with Pacific marine life, plus reptiles, amphibians, and Lake Wisconsin species
Mahler Family Aviary: Walkthrough aviary featuring global birds like Gentoo Penguins and King Vultures
Humboldt Penguin Exhibit: View penguins up close in a 15,000-gallon freshwater habitat with underwater viewing
North America: Includes Alaskan Brown Bears, Harbor Seals, Reindeer, and other regional wildlife
Northwestern Mutual Family Farm: Petting zoo and educational farm animal experiences
Borchert Big Cat Country: Home to lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, snow leopards, and more
Africa/Asia/South America: Features elephants, giraffes, rhinos, tapirs, zebras, camels, and tropical animals
Stearns Family Apes of Africa: Exclusive habitat for Western Lowland Gorillas and Bonobos
Primates of the World: Orangutans, macaques, spider monkeys, and other lively primates
Small Mammals: Nocturnal and diurnal species including bats, lemurs, and sugar gliders
Winter Quarters: Special shelter for tropical species during cold months (not open to the public)

Educational Programs

The zoo’s Education Department offers robust year-round programming, including:

Daily animal feedings and live shows (Birds of Prey, Sea Lions, Animals in Action)
Field trips and classroom programs aligned with school curricula
Summer Zoo Camps and Scout workshops
Internship and volunteer opportunities for teens and adults
Teacher and homeschool resources available online

Visitor Tips

Admission: Tickets and seasonal discounts available online
Parking: On-site parking with additional overflow during peak months
Dining: Multiple cafés, snack stands, and picnic areas throughout the zoo
Accessibility: Fully accessible pathways and rental strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs
Extras: Gift shop, carousel, zoo train, and family rest areas

Location

Milwaukee County Zoo
10005 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone: 414-771-3040
Website: milwaukeezoo.org