Map of the Zoo
Printable Map of the Henry Vilas Zoo (PDF)

The printable version allows you to zoom in to learn about all of our animals, exhibits and amenities, or you can print the map to help you plan your trip to Henry Vilas Zoo!

Buy something to remember your trip to the Zoo!

GIFT SHOP

As you enter the Zoo, the main gift shop is on your left. Here you can find a variety of affordable gifts and novelties as well as a selection of unique, hand-crafted gifts from around the world. There are t-shirts for kids ages 0 - 101 with your favorite Zoo animals and lots of cuddly stuffed plush animals to choose from. Just past the gift shop you'll find Henry's Sub and Ice Cream Shoppe for a great meal or a delectable treat, plus a picnic area and conveniently located restrooms.

A great place for an ice cream cone on a hot summer day!

PLAN YOUR DAY TO INCLUDE A GREAT SNACK OR LUNCH AT THE ZOO!

Enjoy a wide variety of delicious, healthy subs on freshly baked bread at Henry's Sub and Ice Cream Shoppe located by the main gate, or visit our Children's Zoo Concessions for nachos, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs & brats and ice cream treats. Hot and cold drinks are available as well as tasty snacks like sno-cones, popcorn and cotton candy.

Discovering Primates

DISCOVERING PRIMATES

Learn about great apes through many educational, interactive activities and don't miss the chance to visit with our orangutans, chimpanzees and colobus monkeys up close.

Large heated rocks provide warmth for the Big cats on cooler days.

THE BIG CAT COMPLEX

The big cats roam natural like settings. Large viewing windows allow an up-close encounter with these magnificent animals.




TROPICAL RAINFOREST AVIARY

Since the opening in 2003, the Aviary has wowed Henry Vilas Zoo visitors. This impressive addition not only houses many South American birds, it also has aquariums and several mini exhibits.

• Learn about many inverts, including, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, giant millipedes, and spiders.
  
• The orange spotted Fresh water stingray, (potamotrygon motoro) recently moved into the specially designed angular tanks in the Aviary.
  
• More aquariums hold Matamatta turtles, pirannah, oscars and paku.
  
• In the outdoor area of the Aviary, visitors can see the otters at play and the Zoo's unique Capybaras!

CHILDREN'S ZOO

The Children's Zoo is a great place for kids of all ages! It includes our newly constructed Zoo Barn with an opportunity to meet and feed our goats, animal exhibits including white-handed gibbons, meerkats, and red pandas, our electric zoo train giving rides through the Children's Zoo, a conservation carousel, and an amazing adventure play area where kids can run, jump and make new friends! Henry Vilas Zoo's Children's Zoo is full of fun things to do and features many great opportunities for valuable learning experiences, teaching children of all ages about animals and their habitats, diets, and behavior.



THE GEORGE FAIT NORTH AMERICAN PRAIRIE

As Bison, Prairie Dogs, and Badgers coexist in nature, they also share the prairie grass of the North American Prairie exhibit. This unique array of animals gives visitors a thorough understanding of the prairie ecosystem, while also offering breathtaking views of Lake Wingra from the boardwalk located in the heart of the exhibit.

JACK LUSSIER CONSERVATION EDUCATION PAVILION

The Jack Lussier Education Pavilion is located at the heart of the zoo, between the herpetarium and the North American Prairie exhibit. This large, versatile space serves as a home to zoo education programs, such as school field trips and summer camp programs.

THE HERPETARIUM & DISCOVERY CENTER

The Herpetarium and the Discovery Center are Henry Vilas Zoo's educational facilities. The Herpetarium is home to several reptiles, amphibians, and fish, with some of the largest snakes and tortoises you will ever see! In the indoor exhibit, several species of fish are viewable underwater in their simulated habitats, while there are giant tortoises and alligators roaming in the outside area.

The Discovery Center is located in the same building, as the zoo's exciting hands-on learning center. There are several learning stations with microscopes and magnifying glasses to see the finest details of many different types of feathers, scales, and skin. You can also get a close-up look at some very interesting species of tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, and more!