TRAVEL GUIDE

Wisconsin Travel and the Racine Zoological Gardens

When on your Wisconsin travels, Mayfair Rent-A-Car has the perfect activity for the entire family. Since its humble beginnings in 1923 when a local merchant donated three monkeys to the Zoo at Island Park to the two deer, two badgers, two gray foxes and Rocky Mountain goats at the Racine Zoological Gardens, the Zoo has certainly grown since then. Pretty soon, the Zoo had over 250 animals of 76 different species in total including giraffes, lions, rhinos, kangaroos, orangutans and so much more! As more animals were being added, there was a need for expansions, which meant a new location for the Zoo. Today, the modest Zoo is now the 32 acres Racine Zoological Gardens which is located on the idealistic shores of Lake Michigan. In 1936 and 1939, two new buildings where built, the Elanor K. Benstead Discovery Center and the main building housing the large cats. In 1994, major reservation methods were made to enhance the animals keeps to give them a more natural habitat. The Racine Zoological Gardens is now home to various reptiles, birds, and mammals including the reticulated python, African penguin, European white stork, Amur tiger, blue eyed black lemur, and Masai giraffe to name some of the Zoo's most popular inhabitants. So why don't you try taking a walk on the wild side when on your Wisconsin travel with Maryfair Rent-A-Car?

A zoo with big dreams...

The Racine Zoological Gardens prides itself in having an educational mission to provide all visitors with a better understanding of threatened and endangered animals as well as the conservation of their ecosystems. With their partner zoos, they promote positive attitudes towards the biodiversity of life on earth in hope that visitors to the Racine Zoological Gardens will foster a better appreciation of the natural world and to protect it from further exploitations. Educational opportunities that the Racine Zoological Garden provides include college internships, Zoo-Snooze overnight adventures, educational volunteers / docent program, Suitcase for Survival Teacher Training, Volunteer Projects and more. Make sure to call Racine Zoological Gardens for current listings when on your Wisconsin travel.

Not just your average zoo...

On your Wisconsin travel with Mayfair Rent-A-Car there is plenty to do at the Racine Zoological Gardens. At the Racine Zoological Gardens it's not just the animals, but they also have several events and informational sessions. After an exciting tour around the Racine Zoo you are encouraged to have a meal at the picnic grounds which overlooks the lake, and perhaps have a stroll along the beach as well. If you are lucky, on the day you visit, maybe there even will be an evening band concert such as the Animal Cracker Jazz Series.

Try something new for a change...

The Racine Zoological Gardens has educational demonstrations which are interactive and suitable for all ages. For $125 you can also celebrate a birthday party at the Zoo or even in your own private home!

Some more information to help you enjoy your trip

• Entrance to the Racine Zoological Gardens is FREE but there is a suggested admission donation: $3.00 for children (3-15) and seniors (62+), $4.00 adults, and children under 3 are free.
• The Racine Zoological Gardens is open daily except for Christmas Day. During the holidays their also may be some changes in hours. Otherwise Memorial Day through Labor Day are 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• For the safety of other, no pets are allowed on the Racine Zoological Garden grounds.

Visit the Racine Zoological Gardens at http://www.racinezoo.org/ for more information

Racine Zoological Society
2131 North Main Street
Racine, Wisconsin 53402
Phone: (262) 636 9189
Fax: (262) 636 9307