Heart of the Zoo

The 28-acre Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin hosts over 800,000 guests annually and is a well-loved regional destination. Generously supported by Dane County, free admission and parking make The Henry Vilas Zoo one of the most accessible zoos in the nation. The bold vision of the Heart of the Zoo project will guarantee the Zoo’s leadership in engaging animal experiences, animal welfare and conservation education. The project prioritizes facility design that supports year-round animal welfare for a cold-climate zoo with animals that can be always on view and have their stories told. A new entry will create a more structured, welcoming entry/exit sequence that provides better access to guest services and a new Education Hub. Additional education spaces are embedded throughout the project to strengthen educational programs. Plans contain multiple revenue opportunities through event rentals, summer camps, animal feedings, and overnights. The design process is holistically incorporating Campus Ecology strategies that are integral to the project and align with the Dane County Climate Action Plan. Implementation includes several phases for completing the vision.