ZooWisconsin, US

Milwaukee County Zoo

The Milwaukee County Zoo offers a global wildlife adventure in Wisconsin.

About

The Milwaukee County Zoo offers a global wildlife adventure in Wisconsin.

This captivating destination, nestled across 190 acres of beautifully maintained parkland, is home to an impressive collection of over 2,200 animals representing more than 340 diverse species. As one of the country's finest zoological attractions, it holds accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is recognized for its commitment to wildlife conservation, education, and providing an entertaining experience for all ages.

Visitors can explore a world of wildlife through thoughtfully designed habitats like the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, where majestic African lions, powerful Amur tigers, and elusive snow leopards roam. The expansive Adventure Africa showcases magnificent African elephants and the immersive Hippo Haven, offering incredible underwater views of hippopotamuses in a 60,000-gallon pool. Inside the Stearns Family Apes of Africa, guests can observe Western lowland gorillas and one of the largest groups of bonobos outside their native Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the Taylor Family Humboldt Penguin Pool brings lively aquatic birds up close.

Beyond extraordinary animal encounters, the zoo provides a host of interactive experiences to delight every visitor. Take a scenic journey on the Safari Train, enjoy educational and entertaining performances at Kohl's Wild Theater, or get a unique perspective on the park from the Sky Safari. With extensive playgrounds, a seasonal Giraffe Experience, and engaging events year-round, the Milwaukee County Zoo ensures a memorable visit that fosters a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom and inspires conservation efforts. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

The Milwaukee County Zoo's rich history began over 130 years ago, tracing its origins to a modest mammal and bird display that opened in 1892 within Washington Park, then known as West Park Zoo. By 1902, this early zoological endeavor had grown to encompass 23 acres and housed over 800 animals. The zoo officially became an entity of the Milwaukee County Park Commission in 1934, setting the stage for significant expansion. In 1958, the zoo embarked on a major relocation to its current expansive 190-acre site, officially opening its doors to the public on May 13, 1961. This new location allowed for the development of larger, more naturalistic exhibits, a revolutionary concept for the time. Over its long history, the Milwaukee County Zoo has been home to notable animals such as Samson, a famous gorilla, and holds the distinction of being one of the first zoos to successfully breed polar bears and siamangs in captivity. Since 1976, it has proudly maintained its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), continually evolving its focus on animal welfare, conservation, and education.

What to do here

Walk through the various geographic zones, attend keeper talks, take a ride on the carousel or Sky Safari, and check out the virtual reality experiences like Gorilla Trek.

Seasonal info

Summer: Expect larger crowds, but enjoy a full schedule of outdoor activities, seasonal exhibits like "Powerful Pollinators," and events such as "Zoo a la Carte". Hippo Haven is typically open from April through October.

Winter: Benefit from fewer crowds and more active cold-weather animals. Indoor exhibits provide a warm respite. The popular "Wild Lights" holiday event transforms the zoo into a festive spectacle. Note that some animals, like grizzly bears and badgers, hibernate and will not be visible.

Accessibility

The Milwaukee County Zoo is highly accessible, with paved pathways and wheelchair-accessible entrances to all public buildings. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for rent. The zoo also partners with KultureCity to offer sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools, and provides designated quiet areas and headphone zones for guests with sensory sensitivities.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for a full day to thoroughly explore the 190-acre zoo and experience its many exhibits and attractions. It's a large park, and seeing everything requires ample time.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer ideal weather conditions and animals tend to be more active. Weekday mornings are highly recommended to avoid larger crowds and increase your chances of seeing animals during their most active periods, potentially including feeding times. Even winter offers unique viewing opportunities, with fewer visitors and animals adapted to colder climates, like red pandas and snow leopards, often being more active outdoors.
Location: Wisconsin, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Children Of All AgesAnimal Lovers And Wildlife EnthusiastsEducators And School GroupsConservation Advocates And Photography Enthusiasts

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Adventure Africa

Home to African elephants, zebras, ostriches, impalas, grey crowned cranes, and the immersive Hippo Haven with its underwater viewing.

Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country

Encounter African lions, Amur tigers, snow leopards, jaguars, and cheetahs in this dynamic exhibit.

Stearns Family Apes of Africa

Observe Western lowland gorillas and bonobos, known for their social structures and intelligence.

Taylor Family Humboldt Penguin Pool

Watch the playful antics of these charming penguins.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

American Robin

Turkey

Canada Goose

House Sparrow

Duck

Chipmunk

Northern Cardinal

Great Horned Owl

Common Grackle

American Goldfinch

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Mourning Dove

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes

** The zoo is expansive, covering 190 acres, so expect a lot of walking on various surfaces.

Buy tickets online in advance

Purchasing tickets online before your visit can save you money and help you bypass lines at the entrance.

Pack your own food and drinks

The zoo allows outside food and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass bottles), which can save you money and provide options for picnicking at one of the many available tables.

Arrive early

Visiting right at opening, especially on a weekday, often means fewer crowds and a better chance to see animals when they are most active.

Check daily schedules

Look up feeding times, Kohl's Wild Theater showtimes, and other animal encounters like the Giraffe Experience to plan your route and catch desired events.

Consider a Zoo Pass

If you anticipate multiple visits throughout the year, a Zoo Pass can offer significant savings, discounts, and early access to certain events.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the Milwaukee County Zoo. Glass bottles are not permitted. There are numerous picnic tables and benches throughout the zoo grounds for guests to enjoy their meals and snacks.
: The Milwaukee County Zoo is open year-round, but its operating hours vary by season. Generally, the zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes between 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., depending on the time of year and day of the week. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. It is always advisable to check the official website for the most current daily hours before your visit.
: Yes, the Milwaukee County Zoo is committed to being accessible to all visitors. All public buildings have wheelchair-accessible entrances, and the grounds feature paved pathways. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for rent. Additionally, the zoo provides sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools, and designates quiet areas and headphone zones for guests who may need them.