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. There are many T-shirts with your favorite Zoo animals and lots of cuddly stuffed plush animals to choose from. Just past the gift shop are the public restrooms followed by one of the Zoo food stands.

Printable of the Henry Vilas Zoo (PDF)

The printable version allows you to zoom in to see where certain animals are or print the entire map to take with you to the Zoo.

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

Find your favorite "Zoo Food" here!

Indulge on nachos, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs & brats. Hot and cold drinks are available as well as many tasty snacks. Feast on french fries, cheese curds, sno-cones, popcorn and cotton candy. Start your tour just across from the food stand, Discovering Primates houses the Zoo's apes.

Discovering Primates

DISCOVERING PRIMATES

Learn about great apes through many educational, interactive activities, including an opportunity to test your "hang time" as compared to an orangutan.

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 magnificient 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!

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

Our new Lussier Education Pavilion is located at the heart of the zoo, between the herpaterium 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. However, the multipurpose design of the pavilion makes it available for renting for any kind of programs or events!

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!

Children's Zoo
The Children's Zoo, completed in 2008, includes new animal exhibits, an electric train, carousel and an adventure play area. The reborn Children's Zoo is a valuable learning expirience, teaching children about animals and their habitats, diets, and behavior.