Thought I'd get a news thread going for the Henry Vilas Zoo. Unfortunately, it starts with the passing of the zoo's longtime resident orangutan. Henry Vilas Zoo Mourns Loss Of BB The Orangutan | News | Madison Near West News
Three new arrivals to start off the new year: a male red panda, a male agouti, and a female Malayan tapir! http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines...n_2012_With_Three_New_Animals__136744248.html 2012 should be a pretty good year for Henry Vilas - the new arrivals, a lion cub born a little over a year ago, baby Geoffroy's marmosets, and hopefully the opening of Arctic Passage, the new polar bear habitat! (though I doubt it because I haven't heard anything about construction even beginning)
The 3-acre, $15 million Arctic Passage complex is due to open in 2012, according to this 2011 article. The zoo has been posting record attendance numbers lately (although it is a free establishment) but is Arctic Passage a reality?: Henry Vilas Zoo's 'Arctic Passage' exhibit to open next year A model of the new exhibit: http://www.alvineaquatics.com/files/2011/09/3-Henry-Vilas-Polar-Bears.pdf This press release seems to indicate that 2013 or 2014 could be more hopeful dates for the opening of Arctic Passage: http://www.wisbusiness.com/1008/111219_Vilas_Zoo.pdf
The Arctic Passage exhibit is a reality but probably not the same reality as seen in the model in your link. Raising funds has been an issue I believe, and i'm sure the new director wil have a slightly different vision for this project than retired former director Jim Hubing. I would say the 2013 / 2014 completion date is more realistic.
News from the zoo...a baby harbor seal was recently born. Appartently it was a pleasant surprise as I am told the pair of seals here are thought to be the oldest in captivity. The story as I heard it was that a keeper thought that the seal might be pregnant but it was soon dismissed because she was thought to be too old. If a baby seal can't help sell potential donors on the new Arctic Refuge exhibit I don't know what will...Congrats HVZ!
Some good news and bad news: Good news is that the baby seal has been named Lucille according to the zoo's home page (no article unfortunately). The bad news is that the zoo's female white rhino, Gracie, has passed away. Gracie the Rhino dies at Vilas Zoo | News - Channel3000.com
A pair of capybaras has arrived from the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Capybara siblings newest residents of Henry Vilas Zoo
The zoo just began construction on a new animal hospital. As soon as that is done, Arctic Passage construction will start. (zoo says it needs more proper quarantine for the animals)
Heart disease is likely the cause of death for this chimp. Heart disease cited in probe of Vilas Zoo chimpanzee's death : Wsj
The new Animal Health Center will open in late May, so that might mean Arctic Passage construction will start soon. https://www.vilaszoo.org/uploads/media/Animal_Health_Center_Matching_Gift_Challenge.pdf
Two new male Giraffes have joined the zoo. Meet Wally: Young giraffe joins zoo | News - Channel3000.com
The Animal Health Center opened yesterday. http://www.vilaszoo.org/uploads/media/Grand_Opening_Ceremony_Showcases_Animal_Health_Center.pdf This should mean construction for Arctic Passage will start either later this year or the next. I plan on visiting sometime over the summer and will find out more. Also, an interesting summer exhibit based on prehistoric North American mammals is open until September 2nd. http://www.vilaszoo.org/uploads/media/Zoology_Exhibit_press_release.pdf
Another article about the Animal Health Center. Zoo officials go ape over new Animal Health Center : Wsj
Some good news and bad news: The good news is that Arctic Passage is set to begin by the end of the year. Also, it seems the grizzly bears will also get a new habitat, and a new cafeteria will be added as well. Vilas Zoo unveils plans for new cafeteria, Arctic exhibit, 'Forever Free' fund : Madisondotcom The bad news is that Mishka, the last polar bear, was euthanized. http://www.wkow.com/story/22448035/2013/05/29/henry-vilas-zoos-poalr-bear-mishka-euthanized
