ZOOS WISCONSIN

Shamba Safari is a drive-through wildlife park located in Neshkoro, Marquette County, Wisconsin. Visitors travel a three-mile route through the park at a leisurely pace in their own vehicles, with opportunities to stop and feed the animals along the way. The park is home to an impressive array of species including Indian rhinos, zebras, prairie dogs, ostriches, elands, and various antelope. Open seasonally from May through Labor Day, Wednesday through Sunday, Shamba Safari offers an adventurous and up-close wildlife experience in the heart of rural Wisconsin.

Green Meadows Petting Farm is a beloved family-owned agricultural attraction established in 1964 in East Troy, Wisconsin. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the farm offers visitors warm, close-contact experiences with a variety of animals in a relaxed countryside setting. Guests can enjoy hayrides and pony rides in addition to exploring the petting zoo, creating a classic rural outing for families with young children. The farm prides itself on its locally owned atmosphere emphasizing fun, relaxation, and accessible outdoor entertainment. Its long history as a Wisconsin tradition makes it a cherished destination for families and school groups seeking a wholesome, hands-on connection with farm animals just outside East Troy, a scenic community in Walworth County.

Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary is a spacious zoo and wildlife preserve in West Bend, Wisconsin, that has welcomed visitors since 1979. Spanning four miles of natural habitat trails, the sanctuary is home to an impressive array of animals including big cats, lemurs, capybaras, cougars, elk, and species from savannas and rainforest environments around the globe. Guests can explore the grounds on foot or rent golf carts for a more leisurely tour, and a petting zoo provides close-up encounters with friendlier residents. Knowledgeable zookeepers with backgrounds in biology and zoology guide the animal care program. Group discounts for parties of 20 or more make Shalom a popular choice for organized outings. The sanctuary is open year-round and has earned recognition as one of the top-rated zoos in Wisconsin.

The Menomonie Lions Club Game Park is a community-managed wildlife attraction situated within Wakanda Park in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Operated by the Menomonie Lions Club, a civic service organization, the park features a self-guided walking tour of approximately 20 to 30 minutes through a naturally wooded setting where visitors can observe elk, deer, and bison at close range. The peaceful, shaded environment is ideal for families seeking a relaxing outdoor encounter with native North American wildlife. Maintained annually by Lions Club volunteers, the park reflects the organization's commitment to community recreation and public enjoyment. It is a free and accessible local attraction that combines a gentle nature walk with the opportunity to appreciate large game animals in a parkland setting, complementing the broader recreational amenities of Wakanda Park.

The Milwaukee County Zoo is one of the Midwest's premier zoological parks, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 340 species from around the globe. Notable exhibits include Big Cat Country, where visitors can observe lions and rare snow leopards in expansive habitats, Apes of Africa celebrating great ape diversity, and Adventure Africa, a state-of-the-art environment for the zoo's African elephants. The Northwestern Mutual Family Farm provides hands-on agricultural learning experiences, while the Kohl's Wild Theater combines live entertainment with conservation education. Behind-the-scenes tours offer deeper insight into animal care and breeding programs focused on endangered and critically endangered species. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation through partnerships with international organizations, the Milwaukee County Zoo provides an enriching and memorable experience for families and animal lovers of all ages.

Safari Lake Geneva is a family-owned, seasonal drive-through wildlife conservation park located just five miles from downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Founded by exotic animal expert Jay Christie, the park features a diverse collection of freely roaming animals including giraffes, llamas, buffalo, zebras, camels, yaks, and ostriches, with guests enjoying hand-feeding opportunities directly from their vehicles. VIP tours and group options are also available. The park operates from May 1 through October 31 and requires online reservations, offering a relaxed and intimate wildlife experience in the scenic Wisconsin countryside.

Timbavati Wildlife Park is a family-friendly zoological park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, home to over 400 animals representing more than 75 species. The park is organized into immersive themed areas including the Waterfalls, Grasslands, and Woodlands zones, and features big cats, primates, giraffes, rhinoceroses, red pandas, sloths, kangaroos, and a wide variety of exotic birds. Visitors enjoy hands-on experiences such as the historic Safari Train Ride, giraffe feeding encounters, and up-close animal interactions. The park also hosts birthday parties, school field trips, and special seasonal events. Operating from May through October each year, Timbavati is a ZAA-member facility committed to professional standards of animal care and welfare. Its combination of diverse species, interactive experiences, and engaging exhibits makes it a popular destination for families visiting the Wisconsin Dells area.

Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Safari is Wisconsin's second-largest zoo, located in the Northwoods near Minocqua in Oneida County, and home to over 1,700 animals representing 229 species. The park features a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including snow leopards, African penguins, giraffes, zebras, gibbons, siamangs, kudu, wildebeest, oryx, and many more exotic and domestic species. Visitors can experience the Giraffe Serengeti feeding station, the Safari Tram for guided tours of the open savanna areas, the Parakeet Encounter for a colorful hands-on bird interaction, and a petting area with goats, sheep, camels, and kangaroos. The park's safari grounds showcase animals from across Africa and around the globe in beautifully maintained habitats. Set amid the lakes and forests of northern Wisconsin, Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Safari is a premier family destination offering an exceptional wildlife adventure in the heart of the Northwoods.

Wildwood Zoo, situated within the expansive Wildwood Park in Marshfield, Wisconsin, is a free, year-round municipal zoo established in 1937 and spanning more than 340 acres. The zoo is home to over 20 different species, with notable residents including rare twin Kodiak bears, cougars, wolves, lynx, bald eagles, bison, elk, white-tailed deer, black-tailed prairie dogs, and great horned owls. A newly expanded cougar exhibit and cohabitated enclosures for skunks and porcupines highlight the zoo's creative approach to animal care. The park also features Sensory Gardens designed to engage visitors through sight, sound, smell, and touch. Open to the public at no charge every day of the year, Wildwood Zoo is a cherished community attraction for families across central Wisconsin.

Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm is a licensed family petting zoo located in Waterford, Wisconsin, open on weekends from Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farm is home to a friendly assortment of animals including kittens, chicks, bunnies, calves, llamas, and goats, along with seasonal special guests that rotate throughout the year. Bear Den Zoo prioritizes the health and comfort of its animals, closing during rain or extreme heat to ensure their wellbeing. The facility is federally and state licensed and inspected, and holds membership in the Wisconsin Zoo Association, reflecting its commitment to responsible animal care. Visitors pay cash on-site and enjoy hands-on interaction with the resident animals in a relaxed, countryside setting in southeastern Wisconsin.

Animal Haven Farm Zoo is a sprawling 30-acre walk-through zoo located in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, home to more than 100 animal species from around the world. Visitors can stroll through mature trees and open pastures to encounter lions, tigers, bears, camels, zebras, wallabies, wolves, buffalo, emus, ostriches, llamas, deer, and a wide assortment of barnyard animals. One of the highlights is the opportunity to hand-feed many of the animals, with corn, granola, and carrots available for purchase on-site. The zoo also features a concession stand, gift shop, game room, picnic area, and playground, making it a well-rounded outing for families. Educational displays throughout the grounds highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and responsible animal care.

Menominee Park Zoo is a free, seasonally operated community zoo located on approximately eight acres within scenic Menominee Park in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, near the shores of Lake Winnebago. Open from May through September, the zoo features a rotating collection of 30 to 50 animals, including permanent exhibits showcasing grey wolves, American black bears, river otters, bald eagles, and elk — all native Wisconsin and North American species. Additional animals such as red foxes, skunks, ring-necked pheasants, Rio Grande turkeys, peacocks, and an African spurred tortoise named Dash can also be spotted roaming the grounds. The zoo's accessible, free-admission format and park setting — complete with picnic areas and the nearby Little Oshkosh playground — make it an inviting destination for families exploring the region.

Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, community-supported zoological attraction located at 1215 North 8th Street in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, offering residents and visitors a welcoming place to connect with wildlife. The zoo features a variety of animal exhibits spanning mammals, birds, and reptiles, alongside educational programming, zoo camps, and seasonal events throughout the year. The facility supports wildlife conservation initiatives and engages the community through hands-on activities and nature-based learning. Facility rentals are available for private events, and the zoo's master plan reflects a commitment to continued growth and improvement. As a freely accessible attraction, Lincoln Park Zoo has long been a beloved gathering place for families in the Lake Michigan shoreline community of Manitowoc.

Racine Zoo is an AZA-accredited family-oriented zoological park located at 2131 North Main Street in Racine, Wisconsin, featuring a diverse collection of amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo is deeply committed to conservation, supporting the 96 Elephants Campaign, giraffe and orangutan protection initiatives, and participating in the AZA SAFE program. Family programming is a highlight, with Wild Birthday Parties, zoo camps, Slumber Safari overnights, educational field trips, and themed Saturday activities offering crafts and games. Seasonal events such as Boo at the Zoo and Christmas in July draw community members throughout the year. Members benefit from reciprocal access to other zoos nationwide. With its blend of wildlife education, conservation commitment, and community spirit, Racine Zoo is a treasured destination on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Concord Zoo is a free, family-friendly petting zoo established in 2005 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, operating as part of the Concord General Store property. The zoo invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature through close encounters with a variety of gentle domesticated animals including goats, alpacas, miniature horses, donkeys, sheep, cows, pigs, and poultry. Operating daily from 9 AM to 5 PM with a modest capacity encouraging an unhurried atmosphere, the facility relies on patron donations to sustain its operations and animal care. Set in a rural Wisconsin setting, Concord Zoo offers a simple, accessible, and peaceful experience for families, young children, and anyone seeking a genuine hands-on connection with farm and barnyard animals just outside the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre public zoo located in Madison, Wisconsin, and one of just ten remaining free-admission zoos in North America, welcoming over 750,000 visitors annually. AZA-accredited, the zoo is home to more than 100 species including polar bears, grizzly bears, African lions, Amur tigers, flamingos, penguins, Aldabra tortoises, and camels. Key exhibits include the Arctic Passage, a walk-through rainforest aviary, a herpetarium, and a primate building. Families can also enjoy a historic carousel and a zoo train. Open 365 days a year from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Henry Vilas Zoo is a cherished community treasure supported by Dane County, offering high-quality wildlife education and family entertainment completely free of charge throughout the year.

Wilderness Walk Zoo is a family-friendly wildlife attraction nestled in the Northwoods of Hayward, Wisconsin, billing itself as a beloved regional tradition. Visitors can interact with a variety of animals including lemurs, goats, and fawns, with hands-on encounters like petting goat kids making it especially popular with younger guests. The zoo offers educational programming, guided experiences, and animal encounters designed to connect families with wildlife in a natural, forested setting. Season passes and online ticketing make it easy to return throughout the season, and its scenic Northwoods location adds to the charm of a visit.

Ochsner Park Zoo is a free, year-round wildlife facility located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, established in 1926. Home to over 30 different animal species, the zoo features bears, wolves, lynx, river otters, owls, arctic foxes, and other native and rehabilitated wildlife in naturalistic habitats. Most animals are either captive-bred or rescued from the exotic pet trade, and those that cannot survive in the wild find a permanent, caring home here. The zoo participates in AZA Species Survival Plans and breeding programs, underscoring its commitment to conservation. Families can enjoy hands-on experiences feeding domesticated animals such as goats and donkeys, and behind-the-scenes keeper tours and summer keeper chats add educational depth. The zoo attracts approximately 40,000 visitors annually and operates entirely on donations and community support.

NEW Zoo and Adventure Park is a dynamic wildlife and outdoor recreation destination located on 43 acres within the Brown County Reforestation Camp near Green Bay, Wisconsin. The zoo is home to an impressive collection of animals including red pandas, lions, giraffes, African penguins, snow leopards, Japanese macaques, moose, river otters, and bald eagles, with interactive feeding experiences available for giraffes, penguins, and otters. Beyond the animal exhibits, the Adventure Park offers ziplines, a ropes course, a climbing wall, a kids course, and the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour, a treetop walk that bridges the park and zoo over animal habitats. Open year-round and offering gemstone mining, picnic areas, and a gift shop, NEW Zoo and Adventure Park combines wildlife appreciation with outdoor adventure for visitors of all ages.

Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo is a charming, free-admission zoo located in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, offering families a delightful encounter with both domestic and exotic animals in a beautifully landscaped setting. The zoo is home to zebras, ostriches, lemurs, red kangaroos, coatis, Arctic foxes, and a variety of birds, as well as a popular petting zoo area where children can hand-feed goats, sheep, llamas, and a cow. Visitors enjoy well-maintained grounds featuring picnic areas, a play area, and shelter facilities. Open seasonally, the zoo provides a peaceful and accessible outing for residents of central Wisconsin, blending education and recreation in a family-friendly environment. Its welcoming atmosphere and diverse resident animals make it a treasured community institution.

Irvine Park Zoo is a free community zoo located within the historic 318-acre Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, founded in 1906 and home to a zoo that traces its roots back to 1909. The zoo is home to tigers, bobcats, cougars, bison, deer, and other native and exotic wildlife, along with a charming petting zoo for young visitors. Admission is free for all, making it one of the most accessible wildlife destinations in the region. The surrounding park also features hiking trails, a bandshell, historic structures including a preserved log cabin and schoolhouse, and the scenic Glen Loch Dam overlook. Seasonal highlights include the famous Christmas Village lighting display, featuring more than 100,000 lights and 100 decorative displays from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, offering year-round appeal for families throughout the Chippewa Valley.