The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo, popularly known as the NEW Zoo is owned and operated by Brown County, Wisconsin and fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo, in combination with the Brown County Reforestation Camp, offers 1,560 acres of recreational paths, trails and activities for more than a half million visitors each year.
The NEW Zoo itself covers 43 acres within the Reforestation Camp, divided into 92 exhibits that feature 215 live animals. The Zoo is family-oriented, offering many activities and features that are aimed at younger children, including a Children's Petting Zoo with goats, reindeer and alpaca. Children will also enjoy the Endangered Species Carousel or a ride through the zoo on the Safari Train, which opened in 2007.
New in 2009, the Giraffe Discovery Center gives zoo visitors a chance to meet the zoo's newest inhabitants, a pair of African giraffes. The Giraffe Feeding Station allows visitors to feed the giraffes while learning about their environment and their lives in a series of exhibits and activities in the Giraffe Discovery Center.
The giraffes are only the newest addition to the African Safari, home to a pair of African lions. The pair of female lions are housed in an African-themed exhibit that allows them to wander and laze in the sun. Other themed continental exhibits include an Australian outback, with wallabies and emus, and a Northern Plains exhibit that features animals found on the North American Plains, including bison and elk.
By far the most extensive animal area is the Wisconsin Trails, which includes river otters, black bears, white tail deer and three indigenous cats, and the Northern Trail which features a moose habitat, complete with northern wetlands areas.
The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo is in the process of raising funds for new exhibits as part of an ongoing Master Plan with the aim of widening education and conservation efforts. Among the planned improvements to the zoo are a Great Japanese Snow Macaque Exhibit and a Giant Tortoise Exhibit.
Part of the attraction of the NEW Zoo is its location in the Reforestation Camp, which offers miles of trails and picnic areas for family entertainment and enjoyment. One of the most popular attractions at the Zoo is the Observation Tower, which allows visitors to get a bird's eye view of the animal exhibit areas and the surrounding forest. Those who prefer a more personal view of the area can enjoy a ride on the Safari Train, which makes hourly trips through the zoo area, offering a leisurely, kid-friendly way to view the zoo exhibits in comfort.
The New Zoo is open 365 days a year from 9AM to 6PM, with extended hours on Wednesdays during the summer. Admission is inexpensive, and includes a Family Admission of $15 that covers two adults and their dependent children or grandchildren under the age of 18. The Zoo also offers special activities, including birthday parties, a Zoo Palooza and overnight Zoo Snoozes for both public and private parties. For more information about any NEW Zoo programs or admissions, contact the Zoo at 920-434-7841.
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