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NON-STOP TICKET FOR FUN

The train is now boarding, and you can still catch a ride with a Golden Ticket! Once again, the Society is hosting a Golden Ticket contest for the North Shore Bank Safari Train. New this year! North Shore Bank, the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society are giving TWO lucky winners a ticket for free rides every time the train is running through May 2027. The Golden Ticket will also be good for rides during special events like Nights in June, Boo at the Zoo and Wild Lights. You know what’s even better than taking a ride on the train? Going with family! Each winner of the Golden Ticket will also get three more passes for their family members.

If you are a Zoo Pass member and would like to enter this contest, go to zoosociety.org/GoldenTicket by May 15.

MEMBERANDA

We value your relationship with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. The Society does not sell member/donor information to third parties but may share limited information with the Milwaukee County Zoo for the purpose of confirming membership status.

Zoological Society office hours:

Now through May 22, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

May 23-Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Zoo hours:

Now through May 22, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

May 23-Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Note:

The Zoo’s admission booths and walk-in gate close 45 minutes prior to the posted Zoo closing time.

The animal buildings close 15 minutes before posted Zoo closing hours.

Company picnics: For members visiting the Zoo with a company picnic, Zoo Pass members’ free admission or free parking benefits do not apply.

Problems renewing or transacting online If you experience any difficulties transacting a Zoo Pass renewal or animal sponsorship online, please contact us at 414-258-2333 so we can assist with your transaction. Our staff is available seven days a week.

Reciprocal zoos and aquariums: We only reciprocate with AZA-accredited facilities and reserve the right to not reciprocate with zoos and aquariums located within close proximity of the Milwaukee County Zoo. Please be sure to contact the zoo you plan to visit prior to your travels.

Zoo admission Please remember to have your Zoo Pass and identification ready when you arrive at the Zoo. If you’ve lost your card, replacement cards may be purchased for $5. Zoo Pass admission is valid for regular daytime Zoo hours and many events.

Who can use member cards? The person(s) named on the Zoo Pass is the owner of the card, and benefits are not transferable to anyone else. We need to have the number of minor children/grandchildren in your household reflected in your membership records for the Zoo’s admission booths. Foster children are covered on your membership. Day-care providers for children: Your Zoo Pass membership does not cover children for whom you provide baby-sitting or day-care services. The Society and the Zoo retain the right to invalidate any membership being used inappropriately.

JUNE

2-4

THESE NIGHTS ARE JUST FOR YOU

Members-Only Nights in June

Sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.® 5-8:30 p.m.

Fun, food and live entertainment just for you! Nights in June is three nights of festivities for our Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members. Dance along to great music and then grab your favorite snack or try a new dish from a variety of food trucks around the Zoo (Food trucks will donate 15% of their proceeds to the Sponsor an Animal Program!). And new this year, if you’ve enjoyed seeing Reilly perform at Kids Nights in the past, you’ll get the chance to enjoy their music at Nights in June!

Check out this year’s summer exhibit, Powerful Pollinators, presented by Meijer! All members will get free entrance to the exhibit during Nights in June. That way you can save the coupons on your Zoo Pass for another day at the Zoo.

Don’t forget to stop by the new Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center and meet the Zoo’s rhino pair, Zuri and Kianga. Then check out the updated outdoor yards for zebras and red river hogs. This event is only for Society members and their minor children and/or grandchildren covered on their membership, and admission and parking is free!

Remaining members who hold a 1-year Basic Zoo Pass do not receive free parking. All passes sold after Feb. 24, 2026, include parking.

WILD THINGS

Issue No. 177, May-June 2026

Wild Things is a membership newsletter published by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee five times a year.

Editor & Writer: Michael Grennell

Designer: Amber DuChateau & Courtney Lein

Photos taken by Carolyn Lewis or Michael Grennell, unless otherwise noted.

Contact the Zoological Society at: 10005 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226

Phone: 414-258-2333 Web: zoosociety.org

Contact the Milwaukee County Zoo at:

W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226

414-771-3040 Web: milwaukeezoo.org

ENTERING THE ZOO: WHAT’S

NEW AND WHAT’S NEXT

If you’ve been to the Zoo recently, you might have noticed that things are looking a little different. But don’t worry, change is a good thing! The new construction project at the Zoo is aimed at making your visits smoother and easier than before.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE EXPERIENCE AT THE ZOO:

Come On In!

You no longer have to stop at the ticket booth when you visit the Zoo. This will reduce lines into the Zoo and traffic on Bluemound Road while it’s closed down to one lane of travel during construction. Drive straight in and find a parking space.

How To Park The New Way

Just like at other popular attractions, there are QR codes located throughout the Zoo’s parking lots. Even if Zoo Pass and Platypus members have parking included, they will still need to confirm the active membership. Use any of our convenient QR codes throughout the parking lot or near admission. From there you will be asked to enter your license plate, and you will need your membership card. Then enjoy the rest of your day!

Dropping Off and Picking Up is a Breeze

Catching a ride to the Zoo? Drop-offs and pick-ups are easier and safer now for everyone. Drive straight into the Zoo, find a place to stop and drop off your person, then make your way to the exit. As long as you have left the parking lot within the time limit, you won’t be charged!

Gather at the Gathering Place (Or West End)

Now when you visit the Zoo, you will pay for admission (or scan your Zoo Pass/Platypus Circle membership) inside the U.S. Bank Gathering Place. During the summer season, you will also be able to enter through the West End entrance.

You can now get picked up or dropped off by your preferred rideshare service inside Zoo grounds instead of along Bluemound Road — making it a safer and more convenient experience visiting the Zoo!

Because of this change, the gates by the education building and the picnic area will no longer be open for guests to enter through.

COMING IN 2027!

New Ticket and Membership Office!

A new building is being added to the front of the U.S. Bank Gathering Place. This outdoor-facing building will include the new daily admission ticket booth and a new membership office. You can still find us in the Gathering Place, but if you need to renew your pass or buy a gift before walking into the Zoo, this new building is an added convenience.

Green Means Go!

A new traffic light is planned to be installed at the Zoo’s exit onto Bluemound Road. This traffic signal will make leaving the Zoo a faster, safer and more convenient experience than ever before.

SCAN FOR CONSTRUCTION UPDATES!

Mother’s Day at the Zoo*

Sponsored by Peoples State Bank 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Plain and simple — moms are the best! At Mother’s Day at the Zoo, all moms and grandmas will get free admission*, which makes a trip to the Zoo a perfect way to spend your day with your mom. While you’re at the Zoo, make sure to walk around and say hello to the other moms like Holly the De Brazza’s monkey, Elema the bonobo and A.J. the Bactrian camel.

A SONG WORTH SINGING

Your parents raised and nurtured you, and when the time was right they gently pushed you out of the nest to go out on your own and soar. So if you’re looking for a special gift for mom for Mother’s Day or for dad for Father’s Day, give them a gift that will make them sing along with their favorite songbird with a sponsorship of the Northern Cardinals.

For $50, this limited-time sponsorship package comes with a plush-toy cardinal, a colorful fact sheet about Northern Cardinals, an invitation to a special event for animal sponsors in August**, an invitation to a birder talk at the Zoo followed by guided birding on the grounds and more!

Visit zoosociety.org/sponsoranimal to purchase a sponsorship package today. Place your order by May 4 to guarantee delivery in time for Mother’s Day, or by June 15 to guarantee delivery in time for Father’s Day.

**Animal Safari is a behind-the-scenes event for animal sponsors. The tours are predetermined and may not be related to the animal you sponsor.

FOR YOUR SUPER DAD

Father’s Day at the Zoo*

Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s SUPER DAD! To celebrate your dad or grandpa that always seemed to be able to do anything, treat them to a “Zoo-per” day by coming out for Father’s Day at the Zoo. All dads and grandpas will receive free admission to the Zoo, making it the perfect time to come out and visit with some of the Zoo’s “Zoo-per Star” dads like Mariano the Humboldt penguin, Stan the Bactrian camel and Kota the Japanese macaque.

JUNE 17

A DAY FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

Senior Safari*

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

No matter what your age, there are few better ways to spend a day than by taking a stroll around the Zoo. During Senior Safari, the Zoo offers free admission to all guests age 60 and older. It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air and see some of your favorite animals at the Zoo, while also saving a little money. Enjoy Animals in Action talks led by Zoo Pride volunteers — plus meet an ambassador animal during a zookeeper chat.

*Regular parking, attraction and concession rates apply. Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members park for free with the exception of the remaining Basic Zoo Pass members. 7

Photo by Jody Allen

RHINOS RETURN: CARING FOR KIANGA AND ZURI

This winter saw the Zoo get “charge-d up” with the opening of the Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center. The completion of the final phase of the Adventure Africa capital project saw the return of the Eastern black rhinoceros to the Zoo, as you can now visit Kianga, a 22-year-old male, and Zuri, a 16-year-old female, at their new habitat spaces.

Kianga and Zuri are paired at the Zoo under a breeding recommendation for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

Eastern black rhinoceros Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The pair first arrived at the Zoo at the end of October 2025, with Kianga coming here from the Racine Zoo while Zuri arrived from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

“Zuri and Kianga have both settled in really well,” Giraffe, Rhino and Hippo Area Supervisor Joan Stasica Meyers said. “They both came to us with a lot of training experience, so it’s been fun for us to continue working on their training and adapting what they already know to the new barn. They are both very friendly and interactive with their keepers, which of course is a lot of fun for us.”

Guests over the winter have been able to avoid the cold temperatures when they step inside the Rhino Care Center, to observe Zuri and Kianga as they swap habitat spaces during the day. Their indoor habitat space resembles a dry river bed setting that could be seen in the rhinos’ native range.

“I really like how interconnected all the stalls and habitats are, which gives us a lot of flexibility

and allows us to move the animals around to different spaces easily,” Stasica Meyers said. “For example, we switch the rhinos at lunchtime every day, so that they each experience both habitats each day. That’s a nice way to switch up their days and give them some variety. I also really like how the public is now able to see the animals without glass separating them, so they get the full experience — sounds, smells, everything.”

The entrance to the Rhino Care Center is on the south side of the building, while the entrance on the north side of the building, closer to Big Cats, leads to the Robert Dohmen Hippo Indoor Haven. Here, you can see either Zuri or Kianga — depending on the time of day — in their additional habitat space, as well as Happy the hippopotamus in his indoor pool.

“Happy loves his new indoor habitat!” zookeeper Ryan Taylor said. “He is able to fully submerge in his new pool and relax during the day. After 1 p.m. he usually starts to venture on land where guests can see him closer and experience how big he actually is.

I like having the ability to train him up close and in front of guests, and Happy seems to enjoy it too.”

Now that the weather is warmer outside, you’re more likely to see Zuri and Kianga roaming around in their outdoor habitat space — something that Stasica Meyers said she is very excited about.

“I think the outdoor habitat looks great!” she said. “There’s a lot of cool perks built into the yard, like the shade shelter, the pool, the attachment points for enrichment — but let’s be honest, I think the thing the rhinos will enjoy the most is finding a good spot to establish a mud wallow.”

“(Zuri is) very smart and pretty dainty, for a rhino. She loves chewing on and eating branches and can often be seen with a branch sticking out of her mouth.”

– Joan Stasica Meyers

Kianga

“Kianga is a little more laid-back but is kind of a wrecking ball; he has found everything breakable and movable in the new habitats and is testing out our construction every day!”

–

Joan Stasica Meyers

MAY 2

WILD FOR RHINOS!

Mark your calendars for May 2, as the Zoo celebrates the return of the Eastern black rhinos! There will be crafts, giveaways, behindthe-scenes tours, and zookeeper Q&A sessions. And don’t miss out on animal enrichments at 12:30 p.m. (rhinos) and 2:15 p.m. (hippo) as they enjoy a tasty springtime snack of watermelons!

JULY

THANKING THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED

Military & Veterans Family Day

9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Milwaukee County Zoo gives a salute to all individuals who have served at Military & Veterans Family Day. All military service members, veterans and their immediate families will enjoy a free day at the Zoo to walk around and see their favorite animals. Tickets are required and must be acquired through local County Veterans Service Offices, with a limit of 10 tickets per family.* While at the Zoo, service members can also browse the vendors and expo tables near the main entrance.

*Free admission is not available at the Zoo gates. Guests must get their tickets in advance through a CVSO.

13-15

S’MORES, TENTS & MORE!

Snooze at the Zoo

Sponsored by Educators Credit Union 5 p.m.

Get ready for the wildest night of the year! You, your family and friends are invited for a night of camping under the stars at the Zoo. All you need is a tent, pillow and sleeping bag — we’ve got you covered on the rest. We will provide dinner, breakfast, campfire entertainment and — of course — s’mores! This is a unique opportunity to sleep near the animal habitats and listen to some of their nighttime sounds. Your participation helps support the Zoological Society’s mission of conservation and education. Make sure to visit zoosociety.org/snooze for more information!

Thank you to our supporting sponsors Prairie Farms Dairy, Lifeway Kefir and Racine Danish Kringles.

Member priority registration begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 18. Non-member registration begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19.

Zoo Ball | Saturday, june 27, 2026

Guardians Of The Wild Realm

Spend a regal night out where you’ll feel like Zoo nobility at the 43rd annual Zoo Ball — the largest fundraising event of the year for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. This year’s theme is The Court of Horns — Guardians of the Wild Realm, and will be an immersive evening put together by Zoo Ball chairs Kaye and Mark Kass and Betsy and Jim Olson. As you browse the silent auction, dine on delicious food and drink and enjoy live entertainment and dancing, you will be making a difference in helping the Society fulfill its mission to Conserve, Educate and Support the Milwaukee County Zoo.

The silent auction opens the week before Zoo Ball and is open to everyone! Bid on VIP tickets to major sporting events, indulge in Milwaukee experiences or secure behind-the-scenes encounters with the animals at the Zoo that can’t be found anywhere else. With hundreds of exciting items up for grabs, guests and non-attendees alike can start placing bids early by logging in online.

Scan the QR code to learn more and register now, or visit zoosociety.org/zooball.

TEE UP FOR WILDLIFE

Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament

GET TO KNOW … THE ZEBRAS ... AND THE RED RIVER HOGS

With the completion of the final phase of the Zoo’s Adventure Africa project, not only are there new indoor and outdoor habitats for the Eastern black rhinos, there are also updated outdoor habitats for the zebras and the red river hogs! So before you head over to the Zoo to see them, here’s everything you need to know about the zebras and red river hogs and how to identify them.

Kelly (Burchell’s Zebra)

Born:

June 7, 2006, at the Milwaukee County Zoo

Physical Characteristics:

Darker in color than Thelma. Has “shadow stripes” within her stripes that appear more brown in color. Kelly is a little taller and slimmer than Thelma, and the stripe that runs along her back from head to tail looks more squiggly.

Personality:

Adventure Africa zookeeper

Stephanie English says that Kelly is a very calm zebra and appears to like interacting with the members of her animal care team.

Born:

Aug. 9, 2006; arrived April 2025 from Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Physical Characteristics:

Thelma is lighter in color and appears to look whiter than Kelly. The stripe that runs along her back from head to tail looks like a straight line.

Personality:

According to English, Thelma can be a little timid at times but also can display a tendency to be more headstrong than Kelly.

Thelma (Grant’s Zebra)

“Zebras are a lot of fun to work with. They are beautiful animals that have spunky personalities and keep us on our toes.”

“One of my favorite things about working with red river hogs is watching them interact with enrichment. They’re very inquisitive and smart animals, and it’s fun being able to watch them interact with a new toy or sniff perfume that’s been sprayed around their habitat.”

– Adventure Africa zookeeper Steve Marsho

Dudley

Not only are Mort and Dudley habitat-mates, they’re also brothers!

Born: Physical Characteristics:

Personality:

March 25, 2015, at San Diego Wild Animal Park; arrived Oct. 2020 from Dallas Zoo Mort has a darkercolored face compared to Dudley, and he has a notch in his left ear from a previous organization. According to Marsho, Dudley is very enthusiastic when it comes time for training and is a quick learner when it comes to behaviors his animal care team wants to encourage.

Born: Physical Characteristics:

March 25, 2015, at San Diego Wild Animal Park; arrived Oct. 2020 from Dallas Zoo

Dudley’s face appears lighter in color compared to Mort, and he has a notch in his right ear from a previous organization.

Personality:

Adventure Africa zookeeper

Steve Marsho says that Mort is the dominant one of the duo, as he’ll often be the first to choose what food or enrichment items he wants. But at the same time, he can be a little more cautious when it comes to anything new.

14-16

KIDS ROCK AT THE ZOO!

Members-Only Kids Nights

HELP THE POLLINATORS THIS SPRING!

With the snow melted and springtime showers coming through, yards everywhere are beginning to grow once again. Now is the perfect time to sit back and relax rather than do yard work, as we invite you to take part in Slow Mow May!

By limiting or eliminating pesticides, planting native, pollinator-friendly plants and creating designated zones in your yard where mowing is limited or avoided entirely, you are allowing key pollinator species — like the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee — the chance to come out from where they have overwintered, and grow and thrive. Your choice will help them make a difference in the environment around you!

We don’t need one perfect yard for pollinators — we need

MAY 16

EMBRACING WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Celebrate Diversity

Presented by Meijer 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Diversity is one of the most important aspects of our world. Every person, animal and plant provides something different that, when combined, makes our environment a better place! Guests will get the chance to explore part of the Zoo’s forest to look for wild animals and identify different plants. And don’t forget to check out the Sustainability Market, featuring handmade crafts, near the Penguins of the Pacific habitat!

This event is free for Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members.

Regular parking, attraction and concession rates apply. Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members park for free with the exception of the remaining Basic Zoo Pass members.

There are five species of rhinos: Sumatran, Javan, black, white and greater one-horned (Indian rhino). The Zoo is home to Eastern black rhinos.

Page 8

HAPPENING WHAT’S

Evenings just for YOU! Enjoy our members-only events in June and July.

May 10

Mother’s Day at the Zoo, sponsored by Peoples State Bank*

May 16

Celebrate Diversity, presented by Meijer*

May 18

Member registration for Snooze at the Zoo, sponsored by Educators Credit Union, opens at 9 a.m.

May 19

Summer Exhibit, Powerful Pollinators, presented by Meijer, opens

May 23

Kohl’s Wild Theater’s summer season at the Zoo with free shows Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays)*

June 2-4

Nights in June, a members-only evening event, sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.®*

June 10

Summer Zoo Camps, sponsored by Penzeys, begin

June 17

Senior Safari

June 21

Father’s Day at the Zoo, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy*

June 27

Zoo Ball — The Court of Horns (pre-register)

July 4

$4 admission on the Fourth*

July 5

Military & Veterans Family Day

July 14-16

Kids Nights, a members-only evening event, sponsored by Lifeway Kefir*

July 27

Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament, sponsored by GRAEF (pre-register)

*Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members get free regular admission and parking with their Zoo Pass. Remaining members who hold a 1-year Basic Zoo Pass do not receive free parking. All passes sold after Feb. 24, 2026, include parking.