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Milwaukee County Zoo Free Day
March 2 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
2023-2024 Milwaukee County Zoo Free Days
Milwaukee County Zoo Day is FREE during winter break! Whether it’s been years, months or days since you’ve been to the Zoo, there is always something new to explore. Family Free Days are a perfect opportunity for you, along with your family and friends, to come and enjoy the Zoo, free of charge (parking and concession fees still apply). Family Free Days are held January-March and October-December, one Saturday a month + winter break. Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members get free parking.
ALL VISITORS RECEIVE FREE ZOO ADMISSION, BUT THE PARKING FEE REMAINS IN EFFECT.
{March 2023} Stop at the Primates of the World building to meet a returning species to the Zoo, a pair of DeBrazza’s monkeys, Holly (female) and Hugo (male). Both individuals arrived at Milwaukee County Zoo from other AZA-accredited institutions and are a colorful and dynamic species known for their white facial hair, which resembles a beard. With their white belly, speckled grayish coat and black extremities, they have an elegant appearance.
DeBrazza’s monkeys are arboreal and spend most of their time in the trees and shrubs between the forest canopy and the ground. They can swim and usually choose to live near water sources. Their diet primarily consists of fruit and seeds and DeBrazza’s monkeys play an important ecological role as a seed disperser.
They are one of the most widespread African forest monkeys, though they face potential threats from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
In the Small Mammals building, meet a new species to the Zoo, a male Provost’s squirrel named Kopi. In the wild, Provost’s squirrels are found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and are arboreal.
Animal care staff is excited to work with Kopi, and they’re taking everything very slow as he acclimates to his new home. He’s been climbing all over his habitat and exploring any item they add to it. He likes to lay flat on the tree branches and sleep in his crate, bedded with leaves for a “nest.”
This species faces threats from illegal pet trade trafficking and deforestation for palm oil plantations. Provost’s squirrels and other species that share their habitat can be helped by people choosing products made with sustainable palm oil.
{May 2023} The Milwaukee County Zoo is pleased to announce a partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin for the Zoo’s new Universal Changing Station.
“We are so happy for this new partnership with Variety for the Universal Changing Station, as it only enhances our continuing efforts to serve as an accessible and inclusive attraction for ALL Zoo guests,” said Zoo Director, Amos Morris. The Universal Changing Station is not required by law; however, we want to act as a community leader in offering services for all guests. Had we not been able to offer this accessible space, some families may not be able to visit, and we want all people to have access regardless of their accessibility needs.”
The Universal Changing Station (formerly the Ambulance and First Aid Station) offers people with physical or developmental needs to have a safe, private space for toileting or managing personal hygiene. Equipped with a height-adjustable adult changing table, addressing the needs of guests who use wheelchairs, the Universal Changing Station is a much-needed facility for those raising children with disabilities.
“The Milwaukee County Zoo is such a community and cultural asset, and this partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin reflects the commitment by both organizations to demonstrate that everyone belongs, and everyone can have a positive experience at the Zoo,” said Variety’s Associate Executive Director, Dua Vang-Ramirez.
“Families and caregivers can now extend their Zoo visit simply because of this new space, continues Vang-Ramirez. “The feedback we’re already receiving from our families, sponsors, and donors has been extremely positive and there’s a lot of “chatter” among the families who have benefitted from the Universal
Changing Station.”This renovated area also includes an ADA-compliant bathroom stall, sink, and a small private area. The facility is conveniently located near other restrooms close to the Zoo entrance.
The Universal Changing Station is available to guests during the Zoo’s operating hours. Entrance to the Universal Changing Station requires a key from the Zoo’s Administration Office, located in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin was established in 1935, dedicated to enriching the lives of children with physical or developmental needs and their families. Variety has raised nearly $30 million to support children throughout Wisconsin since the inception of the organization.
Variety also provides families with children with disabilities assistance such as ramps, lifts and adaptive chairs and driving equipment – necessary items that may not be covered by insurance.
{October 2023} Fall is the perfect season to visit the Zoo, with colorful leaves throughout the forest and the crisp autumn air. As an added perk, on this special day — Oct. 7 — all guests are admitted FREE! (Parking and regular attraction fees remain in effect.) We’re open from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet a newer species added to our population: three female scimitar-horned oryx, residing in the former Elephant habitat. Currently extinct in the wild, these graceful animals are a type of antelope from the deserts of North Africa.
The Zoo is open from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on
Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, call the Zoo at 414.771.3040.
See our zoo fun HERE from August 2020.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing 330 species. While it’s always exciting to explore, it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. Click on the links below for overviews of major exhibit locations and a list of animals you’ll find there!
- AQUATIC AND REPTILE CENTER
- HERB AND NADA MAHLER FAMILY AVIARY
- TAYLOR FAMILY HUMBOLDT PENGUIN EXHIBIT
- AUSTRALIA
- NORTH AMERICA
- NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FAMILY FARM
- FLORENCE MILA BORCHERT BIG CAT COUNTRY
- AFRICA / ASIA / SOUTH AMERICA
- STEARNS FAMILY APES OF AFRICA
- PRIMATES OF THE WORLD
- SMALL MAMMALS
- WINTER QUARTERS
- ANIMAL LIST
The Milwaukee County Zoo began in 1892 as a miniature mammal and bird display in Milwaukee’s Washington Park. The display proved to be a very popular attraction, and by the turn of the century it grew to over 800 animals on 23 acres of land.
During the next one hundred years, the Zoo experienced near-constant expansion, moving to a new 200-acre wooded site, now home to over 3,300 animals and 377 species.
See our 124-year history
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