Racine Zoo — Hive

Hey der!

After purchasing a one-year membership with the Buttonwood Park Zoo, I wanted to take advantage of the AZA Reciprocity benefits. Thus I made some trips into Wisconsin to visit most of the AZA facilities there, along with one unfortunate non-AZA attraction:

E1: Racine Zoo (this post)

E2: Milwaukee County Zoo

Ochsner Park Zoo (Baraboo, WI)
International Crane Foundation (Baraboo, WI)
Timbavati Wildlife Park (Wisconsin Dells, WI) - Not AZA
Henry Vilas Zoo (Madison, WI)

My first stop was the Racine Zoo.

All of the pictures in this post were taken by me except for the map of the zoo.

RACINE ZOO

2131 North Main Street
Racine, WI 53402

Website: https://racinezoo.org/

Hours:

January 1, 2025 - May 23, 2025
10 AM - 4PM

May 24, 2025 – September 1, 2025
10 AM - 5 PM

September 2, 2025 – April 4, 2026
10 AM - 4 PM

Last paid admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Cost (as of 2025):

Regular Admission Rates (March 29, 2025 – October 31, 2025)

Adult: $11
Senior (Age 62+): $10
Child (Age 15 and younger): $9
Military (with ID): $5
Children (2 years and younger): FREE
Members: FREE

Racine County residents get $1 off regular admission prices by showing a valid photo ID.

For Winter Admission (November 1, 2025 – March 28, 2026) the price for Adults, Seniors, and Children is $2 cheaper for everyone. Military price remains the same.

All active and non-active veterans receive FREE admission on Veterans Day.

Parking is free. The parking lot near the main entrance is pretty small but there is also free street parking along both sides of Goold Street. There is also a secondary parking lot on the corner of Walton and N. Wisconsin.

Racine Zoo participates in the AZA Reciprocity program at the 50% rate. Members of all other participating zoos (whether those zoos participate at 50% or 100%) get 50% off the admission rate at Racine Zoo. And Racine Zoo members get 50% off the admission of all participating zoos (regardless of whether that zoo participates at 50% or 100%).

Since I was a member of Buttonwood Park Zoo, I got 50% off admission so I only had to pay $5.50 instead of the full $11.

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours.

I spent 1 hours 45 minutes there and it was enough to visit a few places twice (Great Cat Canyon, Vanishing Kingdom).

Most of the zoo attractions are on the eastern half of the map. While there is a lot of open space on the western half there isn't actually a lot to see or do there. So when pacing yourself based on the map, factor in that you'll go through the western half more quickly.

SUMMARY

The Racine Zoological Gardens (Racine Zoo) is a small zoo in Racine, Wisconsin, 40 minutes south of Milwaukee.

It's reasonably priced for a small zoo. Highlights include Walkabout Creek where you can get really close to kangaroos and Vanishing Kingdom which features a fossa (not very common in zoos) and two orangutans. If you go online you can find extensive biographical information about each of the animals (names, birthdates, etc.) - it's very cute reading as if the animal were talking to you. Alas, such personalized information is not readily available at the actual zoo exhibits.

My biggest point of criticism and one which I shared with the gift shop employee, is that a lot of the windows really need to be cleaned. Many of the windows were grimy and obscured one's view. This was particularly evident at Great Cat Canyon when trying to view the lions and tiger. In fact, I heard several other visitors also complain about the windows.

The giraffe section was cordoned off because the zoo recently got a new giraffe and wanted to give it time to adjust to its new habitat. This also prevented visitors from seeing much of the zebra. And I was not able to see any of the arctic foxes - maybe it was too hot for them and they were hiding.

Overall, I would say the Racine Zoo is a respectable but average 2 stars. It's certainly reasonable for a local and/or small zoo.

Comparing Racine Zoo to other zoos, here is where they stand:

5 stars:

Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield, IL)

4 stars:

Milwaukee County Zoo (Milwaukee, WI)

3 stars:

Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL, Free)
Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford, MA)
Butterflies of Cape Cod (Bourne, MA)
International Crane Foundation (Baraboo, WI)
Henry Vilas Zoo (Madison, WI, Free)

2 stars:

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (San Francisco, CA)
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA)
Audubon Insectarium (New Orleans, LA)
Audubon Zoo (New Orleans, LA)
Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota, FL)
Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, MA)
Capron Park Zoo (Attleboro, MA)
Taylor-Bray Farm (Yarmouth Port, MA, Free)
Racine Zoo (Racine, WI)
Ochsner Park Zoo (Baraboo, WI, Free)

1 star:

Cosley Zoo (Wheaton, IL)
Stone Zoo (Stoneham, MA)
Timbavati Wildlife Park (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

THE ROOS OF WALKABOUT CREEK

This is an enclosed area where kangaroos and wallaroos are allowed to freely roam. I must admit I haven't seen anything like this at most other zoos - you can get really close to the kangaroos. The only thing comparable I've seen is at Timbavati Wildlife Park where you can actually pet the kangaroos. However, Timbavati's enclosed area is much smaller and the kangaroos seemed stressed. At Racine Zoo, you're not supposed to pet them and the animals seem much more relaxed. They have a lot more space and have plenty of areas to go if they don't want to be near humans.

Western Grey Kangaroo
Macropus fuliginosus

Josie, Julia, and Noel
Josie was born on July 8th, 2016. Julia was born on August 1st, 2016. Noel was born on January 31st, 2017. We prefer to travel as a pack and graze in the grass together; we feel most safe when we are together! We are one of four kangaroos found in Australia. You can tell us apart by our dark brown grey fur, and our brown face with a white line on our lower jaw.

One of the Western Grey Kangaroos was chilling right next to the walkway so I was able to get a lot of great closeup shots. This little guy seemed very comfortable around humans.

Common Wallaroo
Macropus robustus

Alinga and Jiemba
Alinga was born on September 14th, 2010, and Jiemba was born on November 4th, 2019 and came to Racine in July 2021. We prefer to travel as a pack and graze in the grass together. Jiemba is always on alert and Alinga likes to lounge in the sun. We are one of two types of wallaroos found in Australia. You can tell us apart by our reddish brown and dark blue-gray fur. We are typically smaller with a stockier torso and shorter limbs than kangaroos.

A different area had what looked like one of the Common Wallaroos. It was hanging around either the other wallaroo or one of the Western Grey Kangaroos.

SLEEPING KITTIES

Fossa
Cryptoprocta ferox

Kirindy
My birthday is January 6th, 2006. I am named after the largest wildlife preserve in Madagascar. I am observant and curious when people pass me; however, I can be lazy. My home is in the Vanishing Kingdom. You can often see me moving through the branches in my home to watch what’s going on around me. I also like to sleep in my bowl of pine shavings.

Fossas are cat- or civet-like predators in Madagascar. They are the largest mammalian carnivore on Madagascar (and also are featured in the Madagascar movie). They are known for hunting all types and all sizes of lemurs. They're not technically felines but evolved cat-like features convergently. While they may seem fearsome to lemurs, I think they're kind of cute!

African Lions
Panthera leo

Azizi
Swahili for “precious” or “treasure”
I was born July 28th, 2011 in Tucson, AZ and I came to the Racine Zoo in October of 2012 and since then I have had many cubs, including Zuri! You can tell me and Zuri apart because I’m shorter, darker, I have upside-down teardrop markings near my eyebrows; I often spend time near the guest viewing window.

Amur Tiger
Panthera tigris altaica

Changbai “Chang”
I was born on May 24th, 2007 at the Philadelphia Zoo. I moved to the Racine Zoo in late 2023 from the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut. Over my life, I have mothered at least two cubs, and I am now enjoying my “retirement” in Racine. You can find me over in the Great Cat Canyon.

LAND OF THE GIANTS

Eastern Black Rhinoceros
Diceros bicornis michaeli

Timu Mbano
I was born January 26, 2001. I am the female rhinoceros here. You can tell me apart by my lighter colored skin and my larger horns. I am known for my mischievous and affectionate attitude. I play around my enclosure, but also like to take long mid-day naps. You can find me and my friend Kianga at the Land of the Giants.

Kianga
I was born September 16th, 2003. My name means “sunshine”. I am the male rhinoceros here. You can tell me apart my darker colored skin and my sharper, more defined horn. I am more nervous and timid, but I am curious and inquisitive about my surroundings.

Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra
Equus zebra hartmannae

Obi
I was born on August 28th, 2015. My home is over in the Land of the Giants, where I live with my mate, Promise. You can tell me apart from her because I am slightly bigger in size, and have longer “bangs” at the front of my mane. I am inquisitive and friendly. I love getting pets from our keepers and scampering around when I am outside.

TORTOISE

African Spurred Tortoise
Geochelone sulcata

Dewey
I was born on July 3rd, 2004, and arrived at the Racine Zoo in 2013. During the warm summer months, I live next to the gift shop, but spend the winter months off-exhibit to keep me safe from the harsh winter weather. Make sure to come say “hi!” if you see me out and about!

Lunch for Dewey:

Posing with the concrete rhino:

CONCRETE RHINO

VANISHING KINGDOM

White-Handed Gibbon
Hylobates lar

Black Handed Spider Monkey
Ateles geoffroyi

Emperor Tamarin
Saguinus imperator

Family Group: Pitino and Amelie, Tomasso and Tonetta, Infant 1 and Infant 2
We live in the Vanishing Kingdom next to the Spider Monkey habitat! Pitino (born on August 8th, 2017) and Amelie (born on December 27th, 2017) are the parents, also known as the breeding pair. Together, they have had many tamarin babies including Tomasso and Tonetta (born June 21st, 2022), and the two new unnamed twins (born September 15th, 2023). They are also parents to the sister group of tamarins located on
the other end of Vanishing Kingdom!

Orangutan
Pongo abelli x pygmaeus (hybrid)

Max
I was born on March 6th, 1986 at the Henry Vilas Zoo and came to the Racine Zoo on September 3rd, 1986. I live in the Vanishing Kingdom with my half-sister, Jenny! You can tell us apart because I am much bigger, and have large cheek flaps and long dark hair. I like to hang out on my blue barrels, and like to make art with sidewalk chalk and
water in my home.

Jenny
I was born on May 15th, 1985 at the Henry Vilas Zoo and came to the Racine Zoo on September 3rd, 1986. I live in the Vanishing Kingdom with my half-brother, Max! One of my favorite places to relax is in my hammock. In the mornings, I like to watch my keepers clean the glass, and mimic their movements by wiping the inside glass with my own pieces of fabric.

Both of the orangutans together:

African Cape Porcupine
Hystrix africaeaustralis

Bristle and Nettle
We are the father and son pair in the Vanishing Kingdom. Nettle was born on December 3, 2021, and Bristle was born October 6, 2019. We are timid and shy; however, if it is quiet enough, we come out of our shells and become curious and witty. Our favorite activity is chewing on sticks, eating “veggie burritos” (food wrapped in newspaper), and playing with other puzzle feeders.

Yellow-Crowned Amazon
Amazona ochrocephala

Buster
I was born on July 1st, 1986. You can find me in the Vanishing Kingdom next to the African cape porcupines! I love to have visitors, and will often welcome guests into the building with a loud “Hi Buster!” I am curious and observant; I am always eager for an audience to “talk to.”

DISCOVERY CENTER

Straw Colored Fruit Bats
Eidolon helvum

Hi, we are the Straw-Colored Fruit Bats, we like climbing and hanging upside down! We like to live in a large group. The following bats live in the Discovery Center: Butterfinger, Atomic Fireball, Junior Mint, Nougat, Tac, Snickers, Hershey, Razzle, Juju Bee, Twix and Wrigley. We also have two education ambassador bats who live off-exhibit named Seamus and Lemonhead.

White Umbrella Cockatoo
Cacatua alba

Miranda
I was born on June 28th, 1991 in Racine, WI. I live in the Discovery Center, and during the warm summer months you can see me through my window up by the main entrance gate! When I get excited I like to talk, and you can often hear me saying phrases like “Hi Miranda!” and “Go Packers!”

Sudan Plated Lizard
Broadleysaurus major

Mandinka
I was born on August 16th, 2014. I arrived at the Racine Zoo in 2015. You can come and visit me in the Discovery Center near the front entrance. I am usually a little shy, and prefer to keep to myself.

Prehensile-Tailed Skink
Corucia zabrata

Harley
I was born on December 1st, 2015. I came to the Racine Zoo in 2016. My home is in the Discovery Center, but you may occasionally meet me during an education program as I am one of the zoo’s ambassador animals! You can often find me blending in with the vines and leaves in my habitat or basking under my heat lamp.

New Caledonia Giant Gecko
Rhacodactylus leachianus

Andre
I was born on September 15th, 2015, and arrived at the Racine Zoo in 2016. I live in the Discovery Center, and prefer to spend my time lounging in the branches of my enclosure. I’m usually not very active during the day time, as I am a nocturnal animal, but I can sometimes be seen sticking to the front glass door of my home. I have a reputation with my keepers to be quite mischievous, and often jump on their hands when they are giving me my snacks!

Asian Forest Scorpion
Heterometrus spinifer

Buttercup
I was born on June 21st, 2021, and came to the Racine Zoo on November 21st, 2021. I live on exhibit in the Discovery Center. I am a nocturnal animal, so it may be hard to see me while I am sleeping during the day. I like to spend my time hidden under the structures and leaves in my habitat. My siblings, Bubbles and Blossom, also live at the zoo!

Lake Malawi Cichlids
Mbuna Cichlid
Gromphadorhina portentosa

We live in the Discovery Center at the Racine Zoo. There are over 70 of us swimming in our tank, and we come in a variety of bright colors and patterns. We are collectively referred to as Mbuna because we are several different species of cichlid (rather than just one) that are found only in Lake Malawi in southeastern Africa. Mbuna (pronounced Mmm-boo-nah) means “rockfish” in the language of the Tonga people of Malawi.

MORE BIRDS

African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus

Male Penguins: Linus, Eon, Bob, Stevie, Kobe Dragon, Stanley, D2, Nelson, Oswald
Female Penguins: Yellow, Robben, and Harper
We live together in the penguin exhibit next to Meerkat Manor. You can view us outside with our pool or if its cold, we can be seen through our indoor window. We all have quirky personalities ranging from bossy to social. We like to swim in our pool or huddle together.

Red-Tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis

Rudy
My birthday is February 28th, 2014. I am observant and questioning. You can find me perched on my roost at Raptor Roast watching people pass me. I was originally from the wild until I had an injury and came in to be rehabbed. I was deemed non-releasable, so I now call Racine Zoo my home.

Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus

Mario
I arrived at the Racine Zoo April 21st, 2017. You can find me at Raptor Roost. I was born in the wild; however, I became injured and was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Due to the severity of my injuries, they deemed me unreleasable; which is why I now call Racine Zoo my home.
I am a cautious and observant owl who is on the lookout if I am not resting on one of my perches. I like to hop to one branch to another to get different views.

OTHER CRITTERS

Andean Bear
Tremarctos ornatus

This fella is rarer than your average North American black bear! This is a South American Andean bear!

Slender-tailed Meerkat
Suricata suricatta

A meerkat giving me the side eye....

Nubian Goat
Capra aegagrus hircus

Jobie and Earl
Jobie was born April 6th, 2023 and Earl was born March 29th, 2023. We live in the Barnyard Safari with our other goat and sheep friends! You can tell us apart from our friends Barley and Hops because we are a darker, chestnut brown with big white spots on our bodies. Jobie has a light pink nose, whereas Earl has a darker brown/black nose.

Barley and Hops
Barley was born March 31st, 2023 and Hops was born March 29th, 2023. We live in the Barnyard Safari with our other goat and sheep friends! You can tell us apart from our friends Jobie and Earl because we are a lighter tan color. Barley has white ears with tan speckles, and Hops has plain white ears. Come visit us all in the goat yard during the summertime!

Columbian Red-Tailed Boa
Boa constrictor

Red
I was born August 4th, 2005. I used to be one of the Racine Zoo’s educational ambassador animals, but as I got older, I decided going on programs wasn’t for me and I wanted a little more time by myself. You can find me enjoying my retirement over in my home at Walkabout Creek!