Behind the Scenes Weekend
March 12 & 13, 2011
10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Tri City National Bank

Do you know where the Zoo train goes after it’s done
carrying Zoo visitors for the day?

Or…

Do you know our zookeepers work with the animals to
exercise their minds through enrichment activities?

These, and other intriguing “Zoo Trivia” will be revealed during this once-a-year special event!

See the Zoo like never before!

We welcome you to this special weekend when visitors can view areas not normally open to the general public. Our zookeepers and Zoo Pride volunteers will serve as your tour guides for the day, and you’re encouraged to ask questions.

Brief waiting times and early closings may occur at the more popular locations. Because of the nature of some of the tours, we apologize that certain areas are not handicapped accessible. 

Behind-the-Scenes Tour Locations

Sensory Safari  (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
See how the Zoo caters to our special needs’ visitors through Sensory Safari. View the animal mounts that visitors can touch to experience what a live animal is like.
Located in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place

Mahler Family Aviary
Venture into the Aviary kitchen to see the different types of foods our many exotic birds like to dine upon.

Aquatic & Reptile Center (ARC)
At the ARC’s Lake Wisconsin Exhibit, you’ll meet the species that call Wisconsin waters home.

Winter Quarters
Your tour ventures underground to the Winter Quarters area to see where the warm-weather animals reside during the winter. 

Camel Barn
On your way out of Winter Quarters, stop at the Camel Barn, and you’ll learn how our hearty Bactrian camels handle the cold winter.

Small Mammals
This building uniquely houses both animals of the day and night. In the kitchen, you’ll see the different foods that complete the animals’ diets and the enrichment items they enjoy.

Moose – Brown Bear – Wolf Woods
At this “North American” stop, you’ll see the behind the scenes holding “carousel” for the bears, the outdoor Moose Barn, and the hidden areas of the Wolf Woods Exhibit.

South End / Commissary – Train – Greenhouse - Grounds
In this busy area, see the holding area for all of the animal food, talk to our train engineers, meet the horticulture staff and get up close to the large equipment used by the grounds department. Board the zoomobile located at the Australian Outback Picnic Area to the South End

Stearns Family Apes of Africa / Video
Through a special video, learn more about the gorilla holding areas. You’ll see where the keepers train, feed and interact with the animals (visitors cannot access the area due to the possibility of passing germs).

Zoo Library
Established in 1988, our Library is a central location for information on topics from animal nutrition and management to zoological science and zoo administration.  Learn about the scientific and veterinary journals, and the historical archives housed here.

Remains to be Seen Carts (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
These special carts are filled with fun facts on mammals, birds, fish and reptiles -- all of who call the Zoo home.  Touch and feel authentic animal artifacts and learn more about wild animals.
Located at Feline, Giraffes and Primates

Zoo Pride
Visit our valuable volunteers, and purchase candy bars and wristbands, all to benefit the Zoo’s collection.
Located near the indoor Orangutan Exhibit

Enrichment / Demonstrations & Talks

See firsthand the behind-the-scenes work keepers are doing through enrichment activities to enhance the well-being of our animals.

All tours are free with regular Zoo admission; no reservations are needed. For further details, please call the Zoo’s Public Affairs and Services Division at (414) 256-5466.

Special thanks to our Behind the Scenes Weekend sponsor:

Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226
Information: (414) 256-5412 | Main Office: (414) 771-3040
American Zoo and Aquarium Association | Milwaukee County Zoo | Zoological Society of Milwaukee County