Spring Is In Full Swing At The Zoo!


Sunday, May 11

A special day for Mom at the Zoo!
All Moms receive free admission on Mother's Day
courtesy of Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort

Mother’s Day is special at the Milwaukee County Zoo, as all mothers receive free admission on their special day, Sunday, May 11, thanks to Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort. (No coupon necessary).

The Zoo is home to a wild bunch of animal moms and babies this Mother’s Day. The most affecting story might be that of our orangutans, Mahal and MJ. His inexperienced mother did not accept Mahal when he was born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in April of 2007. Our Zoo’s resident female orangutan, MJ, took over as a surrogate mother in February of this year. They are now getting along well together, and can be seen in their exhibit in the Primates of the World Building.

In recognition of Mahal’s new life here at the Zoo, and to raise awareness of the importance of saving this precious species, primate zookeepers and volunteers will host a special outreach booth at the indoor Orangutan Exhibit, called “Project M.O.M.” Our Zoo is partnering with other zoos across North America to pay tribute to “M.O.M. – Missing Orangutan Mothers” on this significant holiday.

As Mahal and MJ demonstrate, orangutan mothers and babies have an incredibly close relationship. Baby orangutans don’t have a support network around to give them the many lessons of finding fruit, building nests and other survival techniques. Today, because of the growing demand for palm oil, more and more orangutan mothers are being killed every year in Indonesia. Their rainforest homes are literally being wiped out to make way for palm oil plantations – leaving hundreds of helpless orphans.

During your visit, visit the outreach booth to learn how you can help the plight of these beautiful red apes – fliers, info sheets, games, quizzes and pictures will be available. And, kids can make a personal “welcome greeting” for Mahal, coloring a copy of his very own handprint! Activities here (Stearns Family Apes of Africa) take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Some of the other animal offspring include a Matchie’s tree kangaroo joey in the Australia Building and a nicobar pigeon chick and three green aracari chicks in the Herb & Nada Mahler Family Aviary. Also in Stearns Family Apes of Africa and Primates of the World, meet two more ape babies: a siamang and a bonobo.

For more details, call the Zoo’s Public Affairs and Services Division: 414.256.5466.


Zoo Hours
Monday — Saturday:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays & Holidays:  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Zoo accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
Unfortunately, we do not accept personal checks.

Milwaukee County residents with I.D. receive $1.75 off full price admission every day except Wednesdays.  On Wednesdays, Milwaukee County residents with I.D. are admitted at a reduced rate of $6.00 for adults and $3.50 for children.

 

2008 Admission Rates
April – October
Adults -- $11.25 
Child (3 to 12) -- $8.25 
Child (2 and under) – Free
Seniors (60 and over) -- $10.25

November -- December
Adults -- $9.75
Child (3 to 12) -- $6.75
Child (2 and under) -- Free
Seniors (60 and over ) -- $8.25   
Parking is $10.  

For more information, please call the Zoo at 414.256.5466.