Event Calendar

This year’s International Polar Bear Day Celebration will take place on February 23rd from 12:00 – 3:00pm.

Schedule:

12:00-12:30pm: “The Scoop On Ice Bears”, Hear from UW polar bear researcher Tricia Fry on the effects of climate change on the health of polar bears in Alaska
12:30-3:00pm: Polar bear-themed games and activities (in the Discovery Center)
12:30-3:00pm: Learn about polar bears at our docent cart (outside the polar bear exhibit)
12:30-3:00pm: Polar bear thumbprint pledge (Glacier Grille)
12:30-1:00pm: Teddy bear story time (Animal Health Center)
1:00-1:30pm: Polar bear enrichment (outside the polar bear exhibit)
1:30-2:00pm: Zoo keeper chat (between polar bear and grizzly bear exhibits)
2:00-2:30pm: Bear training (between polar bear and grizzly bear exhibits)
2:30-3:00pm: Seal training (seal exhibit)

The Henry Vilas Zoo participates in a variety of wild animal conservation programs. Our Conservation Education Celebrations, which focus on helping save the wild counterparts of the animals at our zoo, are not only fun but also give you the chance to make a difference in the lives of wild animals.

Join us for Membership Appreciation Night on May 16th, where we honor those who have generously contributed to helping make the Henry Vilas Zoo a powerful catalyst in the effort to conserve and protect the wonders of the living natural world.

More information about our Membership Appreciation Night will be available soon!

This year’s Big Cat Conservation Day Celebration will take place on May 18th. More information will be available soon!

The Henry Vilas Zoo participates in a variety of wild animal conservation programs. Our Conservation Education Celebrations, which focus on helping save the wild counterparts of the animals at our zoo, are not only fun but also give you the chance to make a difference in the lives of wild animals.

Make your reservation for conservation and experience a culinary adventure without leaving Madison! Join us for our 4th annual event (21+) to enhance our community-supported zoo and our future exhibits. Guests will visit the animals, savoring tastes and spirits and enjoying live entertainment. Plus, participate in an exclusive silent auction featuring unique items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

More information will be available soon.

This year’s World Giraffe Day Celebration will take place on June 22nd. More information will be available soon!

The Henry Vilas Zoo participates in a variety of wild animal conservation programs. Our Conservation Education Celebrations, which focus on helping save the wild counterparts of the animals at our zoo, are not only fun but also give you the chance to make a difference in the lives of wild animals.

Join us for our second annual mixology competition (ages 21+)! We’re bringing together the most distinguished bartenders from around the greater Madison area or a chance to demonstrate their boozy creations and compete drink for drink. In addition to a unique trophy and an up-close animal encounter, the winner will enjoy bragging rights as Madison’s wildest mixologist.

More info, including tickets and participating bars/restaurants, will be available soon.

This year’s Orangutan Caring Day Celebration will take place on August 19th. More information will be available soon!

The Henry Vilas Zoo participates in a variety of wild animal conservation programs. Our Conservation Education Celebrations, which focus on helping save the wild counterparts of the animals at our zoo, are not only fun but also give you the chance to make a difference in the lives of wild animals.

This year’s International Red Panda Day Celebration will take place on September 21st. More information will be available soon!

The Henry Vilas Zoo participates in a variety of wild animal conservation programs. Our Conservation Education Celebrations, which focus on helping save the wild counterparts of the animals at our zoo, are not only fun but also give you the chance to make a difference in the lives of wild animals.

September 29, 2019

Get your running shoes on and join the Henry Vilas Zoo for the 14th Annual Zoo Run Run & Kids’ Roo Run Run on Sunday, September 29, 2019! Join us as we bring back the much loved Predator vs. Prey Edition, and improve on the already popular kids race.

The Zoo Run Run and Roo Run Run help us to keep the Henry Vilas Zoo forever free. Please join us to help us make our 14th Annual Race another record breaking year. And don’t forget to register your kids early.

Race Registration & Fees
Registration is now open for our 14th annual Zoo Run! Click here to sign up today.

Prices:
5k run, 10k run, and 5k walk – $35 (prices increase March 31st
Kids’ Run – $20

How does predator vs. prey work?
All participants will have the choice to sign up to be a predator (polar bear) or prey (seal). See how much prey you can catch OR if you can keep from getting caught! Prey (seals) will get a one minute head start before predators (polar bears) start running after them! (Start times will be adjusted for accurate race results).

What do I get with my registration?
All runners will receive a complimentary Zoo Run Run Predator/Prey Super Soft cotton t-shirt with registration.

All 5k and 10k runners will receive a unique, zoo-themed finisher’s medal! All runners over 21 will receive a free beer!

Individual and Team Fundraising
We are once again challenging all Zoo Run Run participants to get involved by participating in our team and individual fundraising challenge. The top teams will win amazing prizes only available at the zoo! All dollars raised at the Zoo Run Run and Roo Run Run directly support the Henry Vilas Zoo! The top three teams and individuals who raise the most money win amazing prizes!

Kids Roo Run Run
All kids participating in the Roo Run Run will have two distances to choose from: a half mile or a full mile. Kids races are NOT timed, but each child will receive a finisher’s medal.

Post Race Party
Stick around after the race to enjoy refreshments, animals, and much more!

Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up info will be available soon!

Race Routes
Race routes will be posted soon!

This year’s African Penguin Awareness Day Celebration will take place on October 12th. More information will be available soon!

The Henry Vilas Zoo participates in a variety of wild animal conservation programs. Our Conservation Education Celebrations, which focus on helping save the wild counterparts of the animals at our zoo, are not only fun but also give you the chance to make a difference in the lives of wild animals.

Halloween at the Zoo

October 27th, 2019 | 9:30am – 3:00pm

Dress up as your favorite goblin, ghoul, or witch and head to the zoo for our annual Halloween celebration. Halloween at the zoo is a FREE celebration for the entire community that includes holiday-themed activities, a costume contest, special Halloween enrichment for our animals, and much more! Stay tuned for more information.

Join our Young Professionals Group, PACK, for another 21+ event at the Henry Vilas Zoo. Sip on bubbles of beer under the sparkle of lights at our 3rd annual beer tasting! Grab some holiday cheer and help us toast to Zoo Lights and the holiday season!

More information our our 2019 event, which will take place on November 20th, will be available soon.

Zoo Lights

When the animals go to sleep at night, the zoo comes alive with light!

Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane, browse our holiday market featuring new vendors each weekend (full schedule will be available soon), and enjoy the festive sights and sounds of the season. More information will be available later in the year.

Zoo Lights

When the animals go to sleep at night, the zoo comes alive with light!

Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane, browse our holiday market featuring new vendors each weekend (full schedule will be available soon), and enjoy the festive sights and sounds of the season. More information will be available later in the year.