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Henry Vilas Zoo Madison Wisconsin
702 South Randall Avenue
Madison, WI 53715-1665
(608) 266-4732
FREE ADMISSION!!
GROUNDS HOURS BUILDING HOURS |
The Vilas Zoo is closed afternoons on these days: |
| FRIENDS OF THE ZOO HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | |
In 1904 the city received 50 acres 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". 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 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.
