Land area 28 acres (11 ha) Memberships AZA Opened 1911 Notable animal Leo Pold | Annual visitors 750,000 Website www.vilaszoo.com Area 11 ha Phone +1 608-258-9490 | |
Location Madison, Wisconsin, United States Address 702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA Hours Closed now Thursday9:30AM–5PMFriday9:30AM–5PMSaturday9:30AM–5PMSunday9:30AM–5PMMonday9:30AM–5PMTuesday9:30AM–5PMWednesday9:30AM–5PM Similar Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Monona Terrace, Wisconsin State Capitol, Overture Center for the Arts, Camp Randall Stadium Profiles | ||
Madison henry vilas zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre (11 ha) public zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, United States that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Owned by Dane County, the zoo charges no admission or parking fees. It receives over 750,000 visitors annually.
Contents
Vlog henry vilas zoo
History
In 1904, the city received 50 acres (20 ha) of land from William and Anna Vilas under the conditions that it be used "for the uses and purposes of a public park and pleasure ground". The park was named in honor of the Vilas's son, Henry, who died at a young age from complications related to diabetes. The family stipulated that the park always be admission-free.
By 1911, 28 acres (11 ha) of the park were partitioned into an animal exhibit, marking the creation of the zoo. The Madison Zoological and Aquarium Society was founded in 1914, and in 1926 became the Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society, which continues today. In 1964, the society was incorporated as a non-profit corporation.
For the hundredth anniversary of the zoo, the society operated a "Zoo Century" campaign to support a $27 million redevelopment of the zoo over the next 10 years. Plans call for a new Arctic Passage exhibit and a redesigned Children’s Zoo. The Arctic Passage which includes a major expansion that includes a new restaurant, and new enclosurees for seals and returning grizzly and polar bears opened May 23, 2015.
The zoo hosts an annual Zoo Run Run with a 5K-10K run/walk. The race starts and finishes in the zoo, and uses portions of the adjacent University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum.
Wildlife
The zoo houses amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals, and reptiles from several continents.