The Milwaukee County Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is home to 3,100 animals representing 350 species. Averaging 1.3 million visitors annually, the zoo is committed to conservation and education. Among its many attractions, the Stearns Family Apes of Africa exhibit stands out as a unique and immersive experience.
Milwaukee County Zoo Main Entrance
A Naturalistic Habitat
Apes of Africa is designed to closely represent the West African rainforest. This exhibit provides gorillas and bonobos with surroundings similar to their natural environment.
The Zoo added an expansive outdoor public viewing area for the bonobo group, allowing the highly endangered apes to enjoy 500 feet of elevated mesh passageways in the Zoo’s forest.
The exhibit aims to provide a naturalistic habitat for these primates, enhancing their well-being and allowing visitors to observe them in an environment that mimics their natural homes.
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Milwaukee County Zoo Welcomes New Gorilla Troop
Meet the Residents
The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to two adult male gorillas, Maji and Hodari, and two females, Dotty and Nadami.
The Zoo’s first bonobos were named after two major rivers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Maringa and Lomako. And when new bonobos are born at the zoo nowadays, their names are in one of three languages spoken in the Congo: Swahili, Lingala or French. Since 2000, bonobo babies have been given names that start with subsequent letters of the alphabet - "A" for a baby born in 2000, "B" for 2001 and so on.
Currently, the bonobos at the exhibit are Zomi, Kitoko and Noki Noki.
Conservation Efforts
Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species in the wild. By providing a safe and enriching environment for these animals, the zoo contributes to their conservation.
Other Notable Exhibits at the Milwaukee County Zoo
While the Stearns Family Apes of Africa is a highlight, the Milwaukee County Zoo offers a diverse range of exhibits:
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- Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country: Provides natural-looking spaces for felines like jaguars and African lions.
- Herb and Nada Mahler Family Aviary: A vibrant tropical paradise with birds from around the world.
- Aquatic & Reptile Center (ARC): Displays a fascinating underwater world, including a 55,000-gallon Amazon Flooded Forest aquarium.
- Northwestern Mutual Family Farm: A renovated area that recreates life on an actual farm.
- Modern Woodmen Otter Passage: Home to a playful colony of North American river otters with underwater viewing.
African Lions at the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country
The zoo simulates nature by seeming to exhibit predator and prey in the same enclosure. However, the prey is protected from its stalkers by invisible dry moats weaved between the foreground and background exhibit areas.
In the African Waterhole, greater kudu, waterbuck, and stork live in close proximity to the African lions. Also, the African Savanna displays the cheetah overlooking the Thompson’s gazelles, impalas and crowned cranes.
Visitor Information
The Milwaukee County Zoo is located at 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The zoo is open year-round, and all animal buildings and exhibits are accessible to visitors with disabilities.
For more information on hours, admission prices, and special events, visit the Milwaukee County Zoo website.
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Admission Prices
Milwaukee County residents with I.D. receive $1.75 off regular Zoo admission every day. Every Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents with I.D. receive discounted admission.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Senior Citizen (60+) | $13.25 |
| Bus Parking | $16 |
| Parking | $12 |
The Milwaukee County Zoo offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all ages. From the immersive Apes of Africa exhibit to interactive encounters at the Family Farm, there's always something new and exciting to discover.
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