Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society
To promote the Henry Vilas Zoo and to work with the Zoo to; provide education about the animal world, support conservation of animals and their habitat, enhance the recreational opportunities and foster community pride, acquire animals and improve exhibits and raise and accept funds to accomplish these goals.
Description:
The Zoological Society raises funds through membership, direct contributions and events in support of the Henry Vilas Zoo, one of only a dozen AZA Accredited FREE Zoos in the United States. Events include; Feast with the Beasts, Kids' Day, Baird Concerts & Halloween at the Zoo.
History:
On June 30, 1904, Col. William F. and Anna M. Vilas gave a large tract of land to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association "for the uses and purposes of a public park and pleasure ground." From 1905 through 1910, the Vilas family donated an additional $42,000 for improvements, and public donations of $10,000 were raised for the enlargement and improvement of the park. The park was named in memory of the Vilas' son, Henry, who died at a young age due to complications from diabetes. In 1911, the first animal exhibits were created, representing the start of the Henry Vilas Zoo.
In what has proved to be a defining and truly visionary move, the Vilas Family stipulated that the park always be admission free. As the zoo developed within the park, it too remained free. Today it's an extraordinary asset that few communities our size can claim. Indeed, our Zoo is one of only a handful accredited zoos nationwide that are free to the public.
In 1983, after studies and community input, it was decided the Zoo would be better served through county control. The Zoo (approximately 28 acres) was "separated" from the city-owned park (about 50 acres), and a County Zoo Commission was formed. Dane County now owns and operates the Zoo, contributing 80 percent of the operating funds while the City of Madison contributes 20 percent.
The Madison Zoological and Aquarium Society was organized in 1914, shortly after the Zoo was founded. In 1926, the Society was reorganized as the Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society, which continues today. In 1964, the society was incorporated as a non-profit corporation. The society's purpose is to build community support and provide funding for Zoo improvements. This includes the acquisition, conservation, and replacement of animals; refurbishing and creating new exhibits; supporting educational programs; and improving the overall educational and recreational value of the Zoo.
The society has been instrumental in providing funding for many zoo improvements, generally in partnership with the county and city.
In recent years lots of exciting exhibits have popped up at the Zoo. We added the Children's Zoo in 1980, and the new penguin exhibit in 1986. In 1992 the Discovery Center/Herpetarium opened, marking the Zoo's first hands-on educational facility with space for indoor classes. Over the last eight years our ReZOOvenation project created the Discovering Primates Complex, Big Cat Complex, a new Zoo entrance,food & gift area and Visitor Center. The Tropical Rainforest Aviary opened in 2003.
The announcement of the Zoo Century campaign in March of 2005 will the most aggressive fundraising campaign in the Zoo's history. $27 million 10-year master renovation plan.
Contact person: Judy Miyagawa, Program Manager, (608)258-9490, (email)
Office fax number: (608)258-1490
Address:
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606 South Randall AveMadison, WI 53715(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.vilaszoo.org
Directions:
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From Rockford/Beloit/Janesville:
From I-90 take the hwy 12/18 west exit
From Milwaukee area:
From I-94, go east on I-90 to hwy 12/18 west exit
From all these areas:
- Once on hwy 12/18 west take the Park Street exit and turn right
- Remain on Park. . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: #4, South Mills St. and Erin St., 5 minute walk |
| Last updated on May 29, 2009 |
