Nestled on the sandy shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, the Racine Zoo is home to some of the world's most remarkable and endangered wildlife. The walk is easy for kids and seniors, making the Racine Zoo a great way to enjoy the outdoors with the family.
Voted #1 "Best Place to Bring Kids" in Racine County 2023 by Racine Journal Times
Voted #1 "Best Nonprofit" in Racine County 2023 by Racine Journal Times
Voted #1 "Best Place to Work (under 49 employees)" in Racine County 2023 by Racine Journal Times
Voted Hometown Favorite for "Best Family Fun" in Racine County 2023 by Racine Journal Times
Voted #7 "Top Place to Take Kids In and Around Milwaukee" 2023 by Kids Out & About
Winner of the 2022 Governor's Tourism Service Excellence Award
Voted #1 "Best Place to Take Kids" in Racine County 2022 by Racine Journal Times
Voted Hometown Favorite for "Best Place to Work (Under 49 Employees) in Racine County 2022 by Racine Journal Times
Voted Hometown Favorite for "Best Family Fun" in Racine County 2022 by Racine Journal Times
Voted #3 "Top Place to Take Kids In and Around Milwaukee" 2022 by Kids Out & About
Voted #1 "Most Loved Place to Go" 2022 by Hulafrog
Voted #1 "Best Place to Take Kids" in Racine County 2021 by Racine Journal Times
Voted #1 "Best Place for Summer Jobs" in Racine County 2021 by Racine Journal Times
Voted Hometown Favorite for "Best Place to Work" in Racine County 2021 by Racine Journal Times
Voted Hometown Favorite for "Best Family Fun" in Racine County 2021 by Racine Journal Times
Voted #1 "Top Place to Take Kids In and Around Milwaukee" 2021 by Kids Out & About
The Racine Zoo, a 501(c) nonprofit located in Racine, Wisconsin, was established in March 1923 by Jacob Stoffel, Jr. That winter, the Racine Zoological Society was formed to work with the park board and to increase interest in the Zoo.
The Zoo’s first animals were donated by Stoffel himself. After that, many organizations throughout Racine donated animals such as badgers, foxes, and mountain goats to add to the collection.
Currently, the Racine Zoo cares for approximately 75 different species and over 300 individual animals from Wisconsin and around the world.
- The Racine Zoo is one of only 238 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
- Each year, more than 140,000 guests visit the Racine Zoo’s 32-acre park on the shores of Lake Michigan.
- The Racine Zoo maintains a staff of 25 full-time employees including animal care specialists, administration, and facility managers.
Mission
To foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.
Vision
Provide a sanctuary for positive interaction between people and the natural world.
Education
The Conservation Education Department of the Racine Zoo is dedicated to promoting awareness of conservation issues through engaging, educational, and entertaining Zoo experiences.
The Racine Zoo Conservation Education Department offers a multitude of popular programs to spread a positive message about wildlife including: live animal educational programs, birthday parties, Zoo Slumber Safaris, holiday events, the Wildlife Explorers school program, Zoo summer camps, scout programs, and Behind-the-Scenes Encounters and Tours.
Conservation and Animal Care
The Racine Zoo is involved in many local, national, and international conservation initiatives including the ornate box turtle head-start program, Frog Watch USA, population monitoring of the Johnstone’s frog, and many others.
Declaration of Inclusion
Too often overlooked throughout the course of history is the strength found in inclusion and diversity. Racine Zoo recognizes that we can only achieve our mission of improving the bond between people and nature by including the varied perspectives, knowledge, and skills of all people. We understand that environmental burdens and benefits are not equally distributed, and that we have the responsibility to foster inclusive experiences and discourse regarding the natural world. We strive to create a welcoming culture and campus for individuals of all races, skin colors, religions, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, abilities, disabilities, and learning styles who engage with our work.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of respect and reconciliation, the Racine Zoo recognizes that our home sits on the traditional lands of many Great Lakes Nations, including Peoria, Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo). We honor and acknowledge generations of Indigenous Peoples on this land for their stewardship of these lands and waters since time immemorial.
