I finally was able to log in for my final blog post after 2 weeks of the website telling me I couldn't log in. I just wanted to say keep supporting the zoo.

Because the zoo is free, they require some financial help to caring for the animals. Some of the animals are expencive, like the Red Panda which cost $114 a day to feed!

Thank you for reading and following our blog.

-Laura

Thank you

Hey guys,
Today is all about the zoo keepers that made this project possible. Thank you Amy, Laura, and Beth for helping us get inside info about the zoo for this blog. All the staff at the zoo were a huge help to this project and we very much appriciate it. Thanks again!
Make sure to go to the zoo and visit the animals soon!
~Sarah

zoo run run

Hey guys,
Thank you for all the wonderful support to make the zoo run run a spectacular success. There were plenty of people there. We saw many amazing animal costumes and loved the idea of that! The animals, and zoo staff really appriciate all the extra help from volunteers and runners.
The construction for the new barn is going very well. There is a wonderful start and we are all very excited to see the ending result of it.
The toys for the animals are still selling at Mounds, so you can go buy one today!
Stop by to see the animals soon, they miss you!

~Sarah

Did you miss the Henry Vilas Zoo, Zoo Run Run? It was soooo much fun! Free carosel rides and Henry the Lion, the Zoo's mascot, was taking pictures with everyone! Even we had to get in on the fun and take a picture with Henry! Sarah's on the left, Brooke (me!) in the front middle, and Laura's on the left.

The next picture is a Cheetah on the Carosel! (That was my ride!)

The third pictures of our troop leader, Carolyn, during the free ride on the carosel! (Regularly $1!!!)

And then there's Laura and Sarah 'acting their age' on the carosel.

Thanks!

~Brooke

Zoo Run Run- A family event!

The Zoo Run Run was a smashing hit. The animals were out and about, Q. 106.3 was playing and there were young children. After the the 5K and 10K runners were started, the children got their chance to shine in the Roo Run.

This was a short "race", about a street long.

McKenna, a 2nd grader, was running with her two younger sisters. It was her first time running and she was doing it because she liked running.

If running isn't your thing though, they had plenty of other cool things to do. The carousel rides were free (normally 1$) and you could always go visit the animals, who were all out to play on this great day.

~Laura

Henry Vilas Zoo Run Run!!!

The music was blaring and the excitment was high. All throughout the zoo, you could see runners warming up for the 10 k, or 5k Zoo Run Run, and charity run/walk for our free Henry Vilas Zoo on September 26th, 2010. Time before the race was full of anticipation yet fun! There was a 'fill your own free gift bag' from Movin' Shoes, and Henry the Lion, the Zoo's mascot, was found taking pictures with kids of all ages! (Even us High Schoolers!) Some people wanted to dress up themselves, people like Alison and Carrie ran the race dressed as their favorite Zoo animal, the Flamigo! "You've got to support the Zoo!" Carrie said as she was getting ready for the race. Other people ran with family and friends. A woman I talked to had talked to ran with her son and her friends family. She told me she and her friend ran togeather on a daily basis, and saw the Zoo Run Run in a pamphlet that was being handed out at the Madison Half Maraton.
Runners of all ages participated in the races, even the real youngin's! Smaller kids got to compete in the Roo Run Run, and many dressed up as their favorite animal as well! There were frogs, gorrillas, giraffes, and more! People love to get creative!
People were tapping their feet to the rocking jams of Madison's Country Station, Q106! They had a D.J. there playing all kinds of music, and even Susie Favor Hamilton got into it! Susie is a famous Olympic runner, and as her charity run of the year, she decided to come back to our terrific zoo and lead the way for the 10k runners. She really got people into the race, talking to a bunch of people, rocking out and dancing to the some Black Eyed Peas music.
After the race, free cookies, bagels, water, and juice, was available to the runners for working so hard. The Zoo Run Run raises a lot of money for the zoo each year, and it's always tons of fun! If you missed out on it this year, I'm sorry! You're just going to have to come and run next year! See you there!
Thanks!
~Brooke

Geoffroy's Marmoset

The zoo now has a Geoffroy's Marmoset pair. Geoffroy's Marmoset are a breeding pair, meaning we're allowed to breed them. This is because the current status of the Geoffroy's Marmoset is Vulnerable.

Geoffroy's Marmosets are a squirrel like animal from the rainforests in Brazil. They live in groups of up to ten, where they have a dominate female, her mate, and their offspring. The offspring stay in the group, even when they grow into adults to help care for the younger Marmosets.

They sleep during the night and have a diet that consists of fruits, nectar, plants gum& sap, insects, and small lizards.

They are vulnerable due to the destruction of their habitat.

-Laura

Arowana

On your next trip to the zoo, don't forget to see the fish!!!!

Arowana are a really cool and pretty fish. Their bodies are covered in large,heavy, mosaic like scales.

These fish are jumpers. They have been reported as to have jumped almost 2 meters to grab a insect. They are nicknamed "water monkeys" for this very reason.

They take care of their young by having the eggs and babies live in their mouths!!!
A baby may leave the mouth and go back to the mouth until they are old enough to live on their own.

-Laura

Betcha Didn't know-

Did you know that the zookeepers can't just decide to breed an animal?

They have to have animals that are "approved for breeding" This basically means that a bunch of scientist look at all the animals in captivity for a certain species- let's say Lions. These scientist look at the genes of all the Lions in zoos around the world to establish the Lions' gene pool.

The zoo can only breed certain animals, the ones with the best genes to basically make the best cubs. Get it?

This gene pool changes every time an animal dies or is born, so it would be pretty hard to do your job if animals were always being born all over the world...

-Laura

The Badgers: At the Zoo and On the Field

Our Wisconsin Badger are the center of attention during the football season of fall. With their three victories over UNLV and San Jose State AND Arizona State, the Badgers have a hopeful season ahead of them. But the Badgers ture mascot is lonley at the Henry Vilas Zoo! He knows it's football season and he really needs some visiters to keep him company! Hurry and do it before Saturday, september 25 for the badgers next game vs. Austin Peay! It'll give the team some good luck!

Thanks
~Brooke

Snakes

Hey guys,
There is a lot going on at the zoo right now! I hope you have been there recently to see all the things that are happening. At the zoo right now there are 2 endangered snakes; one is the timber rattlesnake and the other one is the massassagua. These snakes specifically are very endangered. Many people are trying to save these precious animals. So come to the zoo soon to visit the animals and deffinetly our endangered snakes!
Also keep in mind that the zoo run run is right around the corner! Come visit the zoo and festival the day of the run!
Hope to see you there
Thanks
~Sarah

Funny Stories from the Zoo

When I visited my zoo keeper Laura at the zoo she told my a really funny story: The time she first worked with a tarantula.

She went to get it out of its cage. She opened the top and it ran out and straight up the wall. It then stop about halfway up the wall. "It was so freaky!!! But I was the only one there so I had to get it back in it cage!" She stood on a chair and managed to get the spider back into its cage. "It wasn't very hard" Laura then explained that tarantulas are like a cheetah. They can run really fast but have to stop.

So next time you freak out about a spider in your house, just remember- you don't have to get it back into a cage!

-Laura

Henery Vilas Zoo Cycling Team!!!

If you're looking to help the zoo and stay active, check out the Zoo's Cycling Team!

The team's mission is to cycle while raising awareness and funds for the zoo. Joining does cost money but it goes to things like
• Funding for EDUCATION about the animal world;
• Support in CONSERVATION of the animals and their habitats;
• Enhancement of quality RECREATION and foster community pride;
• Enrichment through creating or improving animal habitats

That's good stuff. Plus you get this AWESOME jersey!

-Laura

LAST 3 WEEKS!

Hey guys,
Hurry and sign up for the 5th annual zoo run run! Only 3 weeks left to sign up online. Sign up by Thursday September 23rd. The run is on Sunday September 26th, come join us for some fun. After the run there is a celebration with free food and beer and MUSIC! Register online at: Active.com
make sure to come run!
~Sarah

Fun Facts Challenge Awnsers!!!

Here are the awnsers for those questions last week. See how many you got right!

1. How much does a giraffe's heart wiegh on average? -24 pounds
2. How long is the gestation period of a lion? -about 104 days
3. Name three predators of the capybara. -Pumas, jaguars, caimans, ocelots, harpy eagles, anacondas, and humans.
4. What is the average speed of a penguin when it's swimming underwater? -about 15 mph
5. How many species of seals exsist on our planet? -33
6. What's the largest seal species? -Elephant Seal
7. What disease has the Gila monster's venom been used for as an 'experimental drug?' -type 2 diabetes

How many did YOU get right???

Thanks!
~Brooke

Fun Facts Challenge!!!

Are you good at random animal facts? Think you can awnser the toughest of toughest questions! Well, here you go! Here are 7 questions without the awnsers. Comment if you think you know the awnsers to any of them. Next week I'll post the awnsers!!!

~How much does a Giraffe's heart weigh? (On average)
~How long is a Lions gestation period?
~ Name three predators of the capybaras.
~ What is the average speed of a penguin when it's swimming underwater?
~ How many species of seals exsist on our planet?
~ What's the largest seal species?
~ What disease has the Gila monster's venom been used for as an 'experimental drug?'

Okay, start awnsering these questions!!!

Thanks!
~Brooke

The Zoo's Vet!!!

So many animals call the Henry Vilas Zoo their home, and they rely on people for everything they need to survive. What happens when an animal gets sick? Injured? That's when Dr. Peterson of Stoughton Veterinary Clinic comes to the resuce! While shadowing the vets there on a monday morning, I met him and found out that Dr. Peterson is the primary vet for the animals at the Zoo. He's able to work on practically any animal and puts lots of time into his work between the house pets at the Vet clinic and the more exotic creatures at the zoo. I thought that was the coolest thing and this was the perfect oppurtunity to ask him a few questions about his life working with zoo animals.
Q: What made you want to become a vet?
A: Mostly my love of animals and growing up with pets around. I loved them so much, I just really enjoyed helping them.
Q: How long have you been working at the zoo?
A: Approxomitly 22 years now.
Q: How often do you check up on the animals?
A: Well, I routinly visit the animals and check them over every wednesday, so once a week. But when there is an emergency or something I need to look at sooner, then I'll go in, and that usually happens about once or twice a month.
Q: What was the most complex/interesting case you've seen at the zoo?
A: Well the muntdjac (a dear like animal) was having trouble giving birth. So we had to perform a Cesarean or a C-section. Everything turned out well in the end, and the mom did great.
Q:Do you work with any other vets at the zoo?
A:I consult with the UW veterinary school, so yes and no.

Thanks again, Dr. Peterson!!!
~Brooke

Picture of a Muntjac and it's baby.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

Hey guys,
Thank you for coming back and reading. The annual zoo run run is coming up, and it wont be possible to run this event without volunteers. Some opportunities are, registration, directions, water stops, and water and ice distribution. There are many more volunteer opportunities. So come out, have some fun, AND VOLUNTEER. Keep in mind the zoo will not be able to hold this event without you. Certain spots fill very quickly so please contact Ann DeTienne at ann@vilaszoo.org. especially if you have a group.
Thanks for your time
~Sarah

Donate your old cell phone or ink cartriges to the Zoo!!!

Have an old cell phone that doesn't work or isn't getting used? Old, empty ink cartriges just lying around? You could really help out the Henry Vilas Zoo by dropping these iteams off in the gift shop collection point year round. You may also drop off cell phones at The Red Gym (716 Langdon St) or Affiliated Engineers (5802 Research Park Blvd). If your buisnees would like to host an eco-cell box please email Ann at ann@vilaszoo.org.
It's so important that you take your empty ink cartriges and old cell phones to the zoo! It helps raise funds for the zoo, plus save the planet as well. The cartriges and cell phones get recycled into newer versions of themselves and sold cheaper in Europe. The recycled phones also get used as emergency cell phones for people in need.
In cell phones, a certain mineral is needed, and mining for this mineral has caused a dangerous threat to gorrillas who live where the mineral is found. If we contine to mine, then we contine to harm our gorrilas and eventually, they will go extinct.

You can do your part and help by donating your old cell phone or ink cartriges to the Henry Vilas Zoo today!

Thanks!
~Brooke

Our Green Zoo!!!

The Zoo is obviously very green and know's the importance of keeping our planet clean, and now, thanks to MGE's generous donation, the Henry Vilas Zoo now has an earth-friendly concervation vehicle. It's known as the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, or NEV. Since it's electric, the NEV gives off no harmful gases, in fact it gives off no gases at all because it's suited up with a batery that is electrically charged instead of being filled up with gasoline. The batery is high powered as well, being able to go 40 miles until needing a good recharge, going up to 25 miles per hour.
The van comes in great use, hauling educational equiptment and animals for the school programs and more.
The NEV found it's way to the zoo and showed itself to the public during the Zoo's Earth Day Celebration.

It's really fantastic, this amazing van, and it's really helped out the zoo. Thanks MGE!
The Zoo hasn't stopped there by helping our planet. They go much further, and not only by helping the animals, they are saving the earth's energy even more by installing a solar powered "Sun Flower" into the old Flamigo yard. Once again, MGE helped our a lot and they desearve much thanks.
Thanks!
~Brooke

Our Followers

I just want to say thanks to our of our followers! We wouldn't be doing this without you and we are so appreciative. Make sure to tell everyone you know about it and how to sign up because, as you may know, we really want to get 500 or more followers! So, just tell EVERYONE to follow the Vilas Zoo Blog!
Thanks!
~Brooke!

zoo run run event :)

Hey guys,
Thanks for coming back to read! You guys know what time of year it is? It's time for the 5th annual zoo run run. The run is Sunday, September 26th. This year there will be a celebration after; that will include free food and beer, fun activities for kids, and ofcourse, MUSIC. This year Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton
has made the zoo run run one of her charity runs!!! At the celebration you will have a chance to meet Suzy. So come join some fun Sunday, 10:00am. Hope you show up for a blast. Sign up now!
http://www.active.com/running/madison-wi/henry-vilas-zoo-run-run-2010
Thanks,
Sarah

Vilas Zoo 100th year Anniversery!!!

Sadly, this summer is almost through. But the thoughts of next summer, the summer of 2011, are already on people's minds. Why? Because the Henry Vilas Zoo is celebrating their 100th year anniversery! Almost an entire century has gone by with the zoo always there, and they want you to tell your most treasured stories from your adventrues at the zoo, or send in the best pictures of your adventures there! They will be on display at the zoo, honnoring it's 100th year. Send your stories or pictures to 606 S. Randall Ave. Madison, WI 53715. Or email digital files and scanned photos to jenna@vilaszoo.org Include "100th Anniversary" on the email subject line please.
The best photo submissions and stories will be put into an upcoming Zoo News issue AND on the zoo's website, www.vilaszoo.org.
Send your's in today!
Thanks!
~Brooke

New Zoo Barn!!!

Wisconsin is incredibly agricultural, and the Henry Vilas Zoo wanted to include a little bit of that into the zoo! This soon-to-be barn will be in the Childrens Zoo with animals such as sheep, goats, alpaca, and more!
On July 30th, 2010, construction began and Kathleen Falk, the county executive was there, along with Mayor Dave Cieslewicz to share a few words. It was a big event, and thanks to the Rennebohm Foundation and their donation, it wouldn't have happened.

Construction is expected to be completed by winter and the barn is slated to open to visitors in early 2011.
I can't wait for the barn to open up! I know it's going to be really great! Can't wait to see you there in 2011!
Thanks!
~Brooke

Childrens Zoo!!!

Now, a whole section of the zoo is made just for kids! (of any age!) The Childrens Zoo is near the Discovery Center and Herpetarium building. As you walk in, the Flamingos to your right glimmer in the sun, their radiant pink glow dazzles the air. The aroma of sweet flowers entices you to go further as you pass the Butterfly Garden. Look closly and you may be able to see a beautiful Monarch Butterfly drifting by. You continue walking and you stop when you spot the Carousel, it's grand building so enviting you must go in. Laughing and cheerful hollars surround you in the blissful air. Vibrant colors dance around as the many species of animals statues go round and round, and there is abundace with the childrens smiles and laughter. You walk a little farther and you pass a large Kangaroo and huge tree house, a playground for the energetic children. Farther, and another building is spotted, the new animals exibit, now holding live, playful animals! The White Handed Gibbons fly through the air off of their own playground, and the meerkats scramble around. Afterwards, you can hear the faint whistle of the Electric Zoo Train. So much fun comes from the Childrens Zoo you find yourself not wanting to ever leave!

Go check it out and have a blast!
Thanks!
~Brooke

Hey Kids! Bring your School to the Zoo!

Looking for a fun, educational way for the kids to learn more about the Henry Vilas Zoo? Well this is the perfect oppurtunity! The Zoo is offering a program called the Outdoor Bleacher Program. Classes run for about 45 minutes, and in that time the kids learn about the animals through live animal presentations. The bleachers seat 150 people, and there is a request that each student donates $1.
Presentations run at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon from May through the end of the school year (early June).
Teachers must call ahead to schedule their class in the bleacher program. To schedule a bleacher presentation, please call the Zoo office at
(608) 266-4943.
It's still pretty early, but just a fun thought for an end of the school year trip for your kiddo's class!

If you're looking for a year round program that's lasts up to 90 minutes and is for Pre-schoolers all the way to highschoolers, then you want to sign up for the discover center program. They host specialized programs based on the age group with live animal presentations, a fun workbook for pre-schoolers to 5th grade/tour of the zoo for 6-12 grades. The Topics are always changing!
Call the Education Director at (608)266-5922 for more information.


Thanks!
~Brooke

Capybaras by Laura

Capybara are the largest rodents in the world.

Description: Capybaras have heavy, barrel-shaped bodies with short heads. Their fur is reddish brown on the upper parts and yellowish brown underneath. Adult capybaras may be as long as 130 centimeters (more than four feet) and 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) tall, and weigh more than 100 pounds.

Range and Habitat: The Capybara is found in Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas and Peru, south through Brazil, Paraguay, northeast Argentina, and Uruguay. Semi-aquatic, they frequent dense vegetation surrounding lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, and ponds.
Diet: The Capybara is a grazing herbivore, eating mainly grasses and aquatic plants.
Behavior: Capybara are highly social and live in groups controlled by a dominant male.
Conservation Status: Capybara populations are considered stable through much of their range, but hunting in some areas has reduced their numbers.
Fun Fact: Capybara dive and may remain underwater for as long as five minutes.

(http://nationalzoo.si.edu)

The Capybaras at our zoo are very friendly and work well with the zookeepers. My zookeeper, Laura, even says they sometimes try and climb up on her lap (which is a problem seeing as they're over 100 pounds.

go to mounds!

hey guys,
I went to mounds pet food warehouse the other day! While I was there i bought a toy that was donated to the zoo. You may also go there and pick out a toy/dish that is on the wish list for the zoo and donate it for the animals. The animals really enjoy the new toys, you could be giving an animal at the zoo a new toy today! So go to mounds and donate. Come back soon to read more! :)
Thanks,
Sarah

Meet Shawna and Diane- Two Faces of the Zoo!

There are so many volunteers that give their time around the zoo, and Shawna is one of them. She’s one of the Face’s of the Zoo, and she told me that during her time there, she hands out maps, animals trading cards, and gets people informed and interested in a membership. She really interacts with the people. Shawna really loves her volunteering because she loves her interaction with the kids and their excited smiles as they come to the zoo. And to top it all of, her favorite animal at the zoo is the Red Panda.(You can find him in the Childrens Zoo in the building behind the carousel.)
Another volunteer is Diane. She's been Voluneering as a Face of the Zoo since this may, 2010. She said she thought it would be interesting to volunteer, and boy was she right! She loves her job, especially handing out animal trading cards tothe kids. "It seems to add to the experience of their adventure," Diane says. She finds all of the animals at the zoo interesting, but her absolute favorite are the primates. "There's often activity and the animal's facial expressions are interesting." But she did inform me that she's excited to see the polar bear in his soon to be home, the Arctic Passage, which is being built for the polar bears and seals.
Thanks Shawna and Diane!
~Brooke

Meet Nancy: A Dedicated Volunteer

Between the Zookeepers, there’s so much to be done! Taking care of the animals is a full time job. But who makes the zoo look so fabulous and well groomed? The volunteers and I would like to recognize a very dedicated worker: Nancy. She grew up in Madison, so the Henry Vilas Zoo has always been there for her and she’s always loved it. Her career as a volunteer started in 2007 when the zoo needed people to take care of the relatively new Koi Pond by the carousel. Before she began at the zoo, she and her husband donated 75 rosebushes to line the sides of the pond. But when the bushes became ambushed by weeds, she knew she had to do something. Ever since, she and her husband have been the care-takers of the plants. She’s a very good gardener, and she helped plant the vegtable garden with fun facts that say what the animals eat that leads to the carousel. Plus, she’s always there when the zoo needs her to do something. They’ve both worked on spreading out mulch around the zoo, and helped fix up the visitors center after they put in a new video screen. But wait! She’s still not done! Along with maintenance of the garden and zoo grounds, Nancy also helps out at the carousel and greets people as they walk in as the Face of the Zoo. And recently, she’s been involved with the Art Zoobilee as chairperson on the committee. She’s glad to be able to help out the Children’s hospital including the zoo.
Nancy gives so much of her time to the zoo, and she says it’s simply because she loves the feeling she gets when she’s able to help out. All of the comments she hears are always positive and she loves it!
FUN FACT: Nancy has MANY favorite animals at the zoo: she like Mishka, the polar bear, Gracie the Rhino, Cyber the Tiger, Jabari the Giraffe, and all of the penguins!!!
THANKS NANCY!!!
~Brooke

paddle for the polar bears:)

hey guys,
Quick note, tomorrow is the paddle for the polar bears! Come and participate in the paddle:) It is at Lake Wingra. At 10:30am there will be lessons for beginners, they end about 2:30pm. After that you are welcome to race at 3:00pm, it is only $15.00 to rent a board and all the proceeds go towards the construction of the new Arctic Passage exhibit at the Henry Vilas Zoo.
So come join us for the paddle!!! :)
Thanks,
Sarah

my zoo keeper amy :)

Hi guys,
Thanks for coming back to read more about the zoo and the people who take care of it. Today the topic is Amy. Amy is a relief keeper at the zoo. A relief keeper has the job to roam around and do different jobs everyday. They never have the same 2 days. On a daily basis Amy and other relief keepers have to make sure the animals are in the right spot, and healthy for the day! She has to check if the animals are breathing right and they ate the right amount of food. Usually alot of the jobs they do involve cleaning, cleaning cages, food dishes, and many more things for the animals. Amy herself has some favorite parts to her day, for example: providing an enrichment for the animals. Enrichment is anything that isn't routine that allows the animal to make a choice. It is usually something they can play with, or investigate (like a scent or a spice), or something that encourages an animal's natural behavior (like foraging for food). One of Amy's most life changing events happened to her as a keeper which was, when she learned about operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a special kind of training. It is when the keepers have to build a good relationship with the animal you will be working with. The better relationship, the more the animal will participate in the training sessions. So thats my zoo keeper Amy!
~Sarah

Hi I'm Laura

Hi I'm Laura and I am finally posting after several technical issues. I am 14 and I like to act, write and do anything creative.

My zookeeper is Laura Reisse and she works mainly in the Aviary and the animals in the surrounding habitats. Animals like Otters, Capybaras, and Golden Lion Tamarin and the newer Geoffrey Marmoset. Check them out, these animals are amazingly cool.

all about you and your animals :)

Hey guys, having fun at the zoo I’m sure? Today is all about you! We would like to know what your favorite animal at the Henry Vilas zoo is! I want to see a lot of comments of your favorite animals and I challenge you to tell me 3 facts about that animal, If you don’t know a lot about your animal ask some questions and one of us will answer them as best as we can! We are very excited to hear about your likes of animals! Don’t forget to visit your favorite animal at the zoo! They are there everyday for you to see them!!! Go to the zoo and come check back in with us for more updates.
Thanks, Sarah

Scavenger Hunt!!!

Do you know your way around the zoo? Got the eye of an eagle? Then you need to try our scavenger hunt challenge!!! I've taken pictures of some pretty cool things all over the zoo, and it's your job to find them! Have fun!~Brooke
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Scavenger hunt

Water Lovers!!!

Since summer is sadly just about over, I thought I'd put some animals cooling off in water during the hot summer days!
Thanks!
~Brooke

Peguins!!!!

Poor Peguins, being a flightless bird. But that doesn't stop them from being one of the zoo's favorites! They're are just so cute, and I had to make them the featured animal of the week!!! (These pictures are of the penguins from the Henry Vilas Zoo!!!)
Penguins:
~The penguins markings are called countershading, which helps them hide from predators.
~Penguins eat krill, fish, and squid, but penguins near the equator eat fish, while penguins near Antarctica eat more krill and squid.
~The life of a penguin is spent mostly in the water. (75% of it's life)
~Every Penguin has it's own unique "voice" or call so that when they call out, their chicks or mate would be able to know where they are.
Now that you've seen some of these penguins online and know more about them, go see what they're up to now!

Bird Pictures!!!

I had so many pictures of exotic birds from the zoo, that I knew I had to do a little tribute to them!
Thanks!
~Brooke

Animal Pictures!

I didn't have enough room in my other blog, so here's more awsome pictures!
Thanks!
~Brooke

Animals at the Zoo!

Are you up to date with your favorite animals at the zoo? They've been missing you! But just for you, I took some pictures so we can all check up and see how these marvolous creatures are doing!
Thanks!
~Brooke

The Art Zoobile!!!

Have you been to the zoo lately? If you have, that means that you've seen the incredible pieces of art from the Art Zoobile! What's the Art Zoobile, you ask? Well, right now at the zoo through september 26th, there are 34 animal shaped figures with incredibley detailed and beautiful murals painted onto them. But they won't be there for long: The Zoo is putting them into a silent auction held on Octoper 22 at the Madison Marriott West. Proceeds from the auction event will benefit American Family Children's Hospital and the Henry Vilas Zoo.The Art Zoobilee art display was unveiled on Saturday, June 19 and is open to the public at the Henry Vilas Zoo from 9:30am-5pm daily. Go check it out!
Just to give you a little preview before you go and see these amazing pieces of art for yourself!
Thanks!
~Brooke

Art Zoobile Scavenger Hunt!!!

Now that you've seen some of the incredible pieces of art that are the Art Zoobile Statues, it's time to put your skills to the test! The sheet that I've attached to this blog is the sheet that you can use on your trip to Henry Vilas Zoo.(Just hit print at the bottom of the black box) I took pictures of multiple Zoobile figures patterns and put them on the Scavenger Hunt sheet. Find them all: You can make a day out of it with your kids at the zoo, or even you to can find them all yourself! Have Fun!!!

Thanks!
~Brooke

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Henry vilas zoo scavenger hunt

Frequently Asked Questions from visiters at the Zoo

FAQ’s about the Zoo
Many people go to the Henry Vilas Zoo, and many of those people think up questions; questions that Beth the Zookeeper have gotten time and time again. Here are some frequently asked questions that many visitors of the zoo have:
Q:“Why can’t I see the animals?”
A: Wild animals don’t really care to have people right up next to them, and many people go right up to the glass and expect to see the animals right away. Usually, you have to spend a little time just looking through the exhibit in order to spot the animal.

Q:“Why don’t any of the animals have babies?”
A: If there is a certain species of animal that is thriving in the wild that’s living in the zoo, then it wouldn’t be responsible for the zookeepers to let those types of animals to have babies with no place to put them: They’re wouldn’t be enough room. ‘If we let the animals have babies all the time there would be zoos full of just prairie dogs or just camels. No one wants a zoo of just camels! There are a lot of issues that come into play when we decide if any of the zoo animals are going to have babies,’ Beth explains.

Q: (To a Zookeeper) Is that pepper spray you’re wearing?”
A: Yes, all of the Zookeepers are required to carry mace with them in case an animal attacks them or puts a life in jeopardy. It’s should distract them for long enough so that any human could escape.

Thanks!
~Brooke

The Laughing Kookaburra

With their loud, powerful voices, Kookaburra’s have become natural musicians, composing some of the most intriguing of pieces, landing them the spot as the featured animal of this week.
Here are some fun facts about these incredible birds:
~Their scientific name is Dacelo novaeguineae
~The Kookaburra, or the Laughing Kookaburra as it’s called for its unique voice, usually makes its kook-kook-kook-ka-ka-ka call early in the morning.
~Kookaburra’s are usually about 47 cm tall and weighs 500 grams.
~These animals originated in eastern Australia
~They can be found in woodlands, forests, orchards, parkland, farmland with trees, and sometimes, towns.
~Kookaburra’s diet consists of large insects, lizards, snakes, frogs/toads, small rodents, birds, and fish.
~It takes three weeks for hatchlings to open their eyes and finally see.
~Kookaburra ‘families’ stay together, the parents feeding the babies, until the next year when the mating season begins again.
Now that you know more about them, go check out the Kookaburra’s at the Henry Vilas Zoo, and see if you can catch them in the middle of one of their cheerful tunes.

Thanks!
~Brooke

Daily Life of the ZooKeepers

The animals at the Zoo all have daily schedules, so that means the zoo keepers usually do as well. Beth, the zookeeper I’m paired up with told me that every morning, everyone checks up on the animals and takes account for them, and making sure they are alive and well. No one’s patrolling them overnight, and the zoo just wants to make sure nothing is wrong. Then she says that the rest of her day is filled with a lot of “cleaning, feeding, and medicating.” All of those animals, all 1,200+, need to have a clean place to live, be healthy, and eat! That’s a lot of work that these zookeepers do. Beth said that many people think that she get to cuddle with the animals and play around, but she says that’s completely wrong. ‘They are still WILD animals. Your average squirrel in the backyard doesn't want anything to do with you and most of the zoo animals are just the same.’ They’re may be a very few cases where the zookeepers would get to make contact with the animals, but not many.

Thanks!
~Brooke

The Daily Life of a Chimpanzee at the Henry Vilas Zoo

All was quiet and calm as my eyes fluttered open from my much needed sleep. I felt a sharp pang of hunger gnawing at my stomach, crying out for food. I felt the time had come; we were going outside, to the food. I glanced over to see the male had awakened as well, yet his heavy eyelids revealed that he wished he hadn’t. Soon, we had both become anxious. My eyes wandered to the secret opening; the place where we could escape into our outdoor playground.
Without warning, the sun shone through the compartment and its door flung open. Right on time, too. I love the fact that I can rely on such an organized day. It seems to keep me in synch.
I started towards the opening, the male close behind. I caught the delectable aroma of food in the air, and my pace increased.
After eating my fill of bananas and some other chow, the humans began to flood into the zoo, their exotic words amazed me, my interest becoming hard to resist. Their voices comfort me, even the little ones with their higher pitched tones. There are days when I’ll just watch them, many of them quickly turning their heads, trying to take in everything as soon as they possibly can. Others are more calm and serene, with mellow voices and dispositions. I love them all, though, no matter their personalities!
For some odd reason, the humans seem to take an interest in my male companion or myself when we play around our playground. Swinging and hopping around high in the air always pleases the crowd, drawing out their ‘oooos’ and ‘awwwws’ in a heartbeat.
The cheery morning had turned into a fast paced afternoon, and I felt my tummy rumble once again. I checked the opening again, expecting it to open any minute, and to my satisfaction, it did. With one last hurrah of the day, I swung across the play ground and swiftly onto the ground and scuffled back indoors.
The scent of food drifted to my nostrils, and I knew my stomach timer hadn’t let me down. I quickly hustled over, only to be surprised by a large bang. I spin around and spot the male slamming his feet against the glass. A twinge of annoyance slips through me: everyday he must announce his arrival back into the indoors. Of course, everyone has to know. Soon, I turned my attention back to my food, contempt with such an easy day. And when I awake the next morning, the cycle will continue and I couldn’t be more excited!


Thanks for Reading!
~Brooke

Have you been to the zoo lately? The animals are waiting to see you! There are very fun things that are happening at the zoo right now Come on over and see what is going on here. The zoo is open 7 days a week, completely free, no charge for parking either! You are allowed to bring food into the zoo and there are grills on the zoo property so you can have a grill out! The animals are here for you and your families to see so come visit the animals! When you are at the zoo you are welcome to check out the visitor’s center if you have any questions or just want to see the upcoming events at the zoo! Come back and check out the blog for more zoo updates
~Sarah~

flamingos:)

Flamingos happen to be my favorite animals at henry vilas zoo!Flamingos are large pink, wading birds. They have some very rare things about them:) some interesting facts about flamingso...
~They get their color from algae and diatoms that the flamingos eat
~There is only 6 species of flamingos
~On average flamingos live 20-30 years
~Flamingos rest on one leg
~Adult flamingos grow to be 3.3-4.6 feet tall
Thats it about flamingos now on to some things that are happening at the zoo! As of right now, construction for the new childrens barn has begun! The new barn will be a home for pigs, goats, sheeps and many more animals! I cant wait to share more info about how it is going. Come visit the animals at the zoo! :)
~Sarah

Paddle for the Polar Bears

Here it is!! Your time to shine as you paddle through Lake Wingra standing on a surfboard! You can take lessons,(10:30 A.M.-1:15 P.M.)compete in challenge events, (1:30 P.M.) then it's the NAISH race series at 3:00 P.M. It's a great cause and all proceeds go to the Henry Vilas Zoo so that they can build an Arctic Passage for the Polar Bears and Seals. The next dates for these events at Wingra Park/Lake Wingra are:
~Saturday, August 7th
~Sunday, August 15th
Come and join the fun and support your local zoo while you're doing it! For more information, go to http://www.vilaszoo.org/events/index.php?category_id=4832
Thanks and hope to see you there!!! ~Brooke

Grizzly Bears(Featured Animal of the Week)

Since Beth really likes to care for the Grizzly Bears, I thought that I'd make them my featured animal of the week. Here are some facts about these fantastic and powerful creatures.

Grizzly Bears (Scientific name; Ursus arctos horribilis)
~A Grizzlies’ diet consists of berries, nuts, leaves, and roots. Yet they can eat meat, such as rabbits, or even a moose.
~Grizzly cubs are born during the hibernation months
~Cubs are usually born twins
~These bears can run up to 30 miles per hour
~There are only about 1,000 Grizzly Bears left in Northern America under protection
~It is normal for Grizzly’s to travel alone, but in some occasions they may travel as a group
~In Alaska, many Grizzlies’ can be seen gathering around fishing spots during the summer months where they can get the nutrients they need for the harsh winter months of hibernation
~Grizzly Bears usually live up to 25 years in the wild
~Average height for these bears is about 5-8 feet, and they usually weigh 800 pounds of power


Thanks to National Geographic for the information and photo!!!
~Brooke

Meet Zookeeper Beth

Now that you know who I am, it's time for everyone to meet the Zookeeper behind the scenes. All the girls in my troop were assigned their own Zookeeper, and I was partnered up with Beth, a woman who's been a Zookeeper for eight years, working at four years during that time. Her education really proves she's got what it takes, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Biology, and she minored in communications. She really loves her job, and it might be thanks to the variety of animals she gets to take care of daily. Instead of caring for just a few certain animal species, Beth is able to look after all of them. She's called a 'relief keeper' and moves around the zoo to where she is needed, and most often she ends up at the primates headquarters. Beth may be around the crazy primates a lot, but she told me that she really enjoys caring for the Grizzly and Black bears at the Henry Vilas Zoo.
Caring for so many animals day in and day out may seem repetitive, but it's what Beth loves to do. Her favorite part of her job is finding fun 'jobs' for the animals to do. "I think wild animals thrive off of being busy and having "jobs" to do and I like finding "jobs" that the captive animals in the zoo can do too," Beth told me in an interview.
I can only wish to have a job as cool as hers!!! Thanks again, Beth!
~Brooke

Meet Zookeeper Amy

Hey everyone. Thanks for coming back to read our blog! Did you know this past week was national zoo keeper week?
Well since it was I think I should let you know about some of the zoo keepers at Henry Vilas Zoo. I’ll start with the zoo keeper that I am matched up with, her name is Amy. Amy is one of 12 zoo keepers at Henry Vilas Zoo; she has been at this zoo for about a year and a half. Her favorite animal is the rhino, Gracie.
Another zoo keeper that works with Amy is Beth. Beth went to college for 4 years, she got an internship, and now she works at the Henry Vilas zoo. There are 10 other zoo keepers who work at Henry Vilas Zoo.
There are also 1200 plus animals in the zoo, that is counting every little bird, every single animal that is there. Every day the animals need to be checked and all the zoo keepers need to shift animals to the exhibits in the morning and put them away at night. All the animals in the zoo were born in the zoo or born in a different zoo and got brought to Henry Vilas Zoo. Only .5% of a zoo keeper’s day they get to play with the animals.
Ok now on to something you can do to help the animals at the zoo, you can go to the store Mounds and buy a zoo approved toy, and it goes to the zoo! Thanks for reading. Have a good rest of the week and check in soon for more updates about the zoo.
~sarah~

Brooke's introduction blog

Hello!! My name is Brooke and I'm one of the girls who are going to be blogging for the Henry Vilas Zoo. I'm going to be a Freshman in highschool, and I'm working with Sarah and Laura to write blogs for friends and fans of the zoo to follow and keep updated with the animals and the people that devote so much to the zoo. As you've read on Sarah's blog, we are working for our Silver Award in Girl Scoutes, which requires 50 hours of community service, and I'm so excited to have the oppurtunity to work on it with the Henry Vilas Zoo!!! We'll all keep you updated, so keep coming back for more soon!!!

Thanks!!! ~Brooke

Introduction: Sarah

Hello my name is Sarah, I’m 14 years old and I’m going to be a freshman in high school this year. I am in girl scouts and my troop is trying to get our silver award, we need to do 50 hours of community service to get the award. We are planning on doing our hours with the zoo; we are doing an online blog for the Henry Vilas Zoo. There are 3 girls in my troop and we are all helping with the blog. All three of us have been assigned to a zoo keeper and will be getting more info from them for the blog. We will have daily updates about the zoo on here so come check it out!

Thanks, Sarah