| Location | Madison, Wisconsin, USA |
|---|---|
| Land area | 28 acres (11 ha)[1] |
| Annual visitors | 500,000 |
| Memberships | AZA[2] |
| Website | www.vilaszoo.com |
Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre (11 ha) public zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, United States.
The Henry Vilas Zoo receives over 500,000 visitors annually. It charges no admission or parking fees, and is one of a few free zoos in the world accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). It is one of the few AZA zoos that has always been admission free due to the wishes of the Vilas family.
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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".[3] 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.
In anticipation of the hundredth anniversary of the zoo, the Society has commenced its 'Zoo Century' campaign to support a $27 million redevelopment of the zoo over the next 10 years. Almost $8 million in private gifts and commitments have already been secured, and Dane County and the City of Madison have committed $5 million to the first phase of the major redevelopments. The renovations resulting from the campaign are designed to ensure that the zoo is able to provide the best possible animal exhibits and animal care as it moves into its second century.
On September 23, 2006, the zoo hosted the first annual Zoo Run Run, with over 1,000 registrants for a 5K-10K run/walk. The races started and finished in the zoo, and used portions of the adjacent arboretum.
Primates living in the zoo include orangutans, chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, and white-handed gibbons. Other mammals represented at this zoo include grizzly bears, Bactrian camels, and tigers. Reptiles include alligators and anacondas. Birds include ostriches, flamingos, penguins, and peacocks. Amphibians residing include the marine toad, poison arrow frog, and tree frog.[4]
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