Donors Help Open a Window to the Wild

MILWAUKEE – The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is pleased to recognize donations to its capital campaign from local foundations. The first phase of the Window to the Wild Capital Campaign will create a new area called Adventure Africa. This project will transform 25% of the developed footprint of the Zoo and will create new homes for the elephants, African hoofstock, hippos and rhinos. Adventure Africa will be the largest physical change to the Milwaukee County Zoo since its opening in 1961.
As a partner with Milwaukee County, the Zoological Society has set a goal to raise $25 million for its portion to support Adventure Africa. Thanks to these organizations, the Society has raised more than $17.8 million. The donations include $250,000 from The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation; $100,000 from the Ralph Evinrude Foundation; $50,000 grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation; $30,000 from the Richard & Ethel Herzfeld Foundation and $80,000 from Bert L. & Patricia S. Steigleder Charitable Trust.
“These donations are great examples of a community coming together to help transform our beloved Zoo,” says Jodi Gibson, Zoological Society president and CEO. “This capital campaign will not only create new homes for the animals but a new and educational experience for guests of all ages.”
The Milwaukee County Zoo is the only zoo within a six-hour drive that houses elephants. The new elephant exhibit and African hoofstock yards are expected to open in spring 2019. Plans for a new hippo exhibit include an underwater view of the animals. There are currently only seven zoos in North America with that feature.
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ABOUT THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE
The mission of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee is to conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and support the Milwaukee County Zoo.