#GivingZOOday

THANK YOU! #GivingZOOday was a success! It is because of generous friends like you that we are able to provide more than 300 animals with exceptional care while also providing our visitors with a unique and wholesome conservation education experience. Your gift had TRIPLE the impact with a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge up to $5,000 provided by RUUD Family Foundation and $2,500 from Educators Credit Union. Thank you to these wonderful Zoo patrons!

For those who missed it and are interested in supporting the Zoo, we will be accepting donations toward #GivingZOOday through Sunday, December 3.

#GivingZOOday, in partnership with #GivingTuesday, is about the impact zoos and aquariums have on their communities by engaging visitors to be stewards of the environment and saving species from extinction. It's also about how these institutions give back by mentoring their staff and volunteers to support a wide range of causes. This year, we would like to ask you to reach into your hearts and help the Racine Zoo make a difference.

Racine Zoo provides more than 300 animals with exceptional care each and every day. We are held to the "gold standard" in the zoological community, recently earning our accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Just like you, our animals need to eat and have dentist visits! As a nonprofit, the price tag is steep for the special care our animals require.

In addition to animal care, we strive to provide a unique and wholesome conservation education experience and the opportunity to develop a deep appreciation and respect for our natural world. Whether it's through preschool classes, summer camp, or a program with our animal ambassadors in Wildlife Theater, we have many opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to become connected and inspired.

Donors play a crucial role to keep our 100-year-old zoo running. Through the generous support of the community, our zoo can continue to create new experiences and memories for guests for years to come.

Highlights of the Specialized Care We Provide

A Rhino Wearing a Fit Bit?

Over the summer, our team participated in the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) Research Project. Our staff, Timu and Kianga, and the AIRS researchers participated in several research studies that will ultimately help further rhino husbandry. Both rhinos were outfitted with a rhino "Fit Bit" that recorded their daily activity. Body measurements were taken, and voluntary blood samples were submitted. All of the data collected was done so by the rhinos choosing to participate. The keepers gave them plenty of time to get comfortable with the equipment and supplies that would be needed. The Racine Zoo is proud to be able to be a part of these research efforts and your support helps make this possible!

Home to the Oldest Penguin in AZA Zoos

The Racine Zoo is proud to be home to the oldest African penguin currently in an AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited zoo. Our resident penguin, known as "Blue Yellow" turned 39 in October. The median life expectancy for African penguins is 17.8 years old. Because of the excellent medical care AZA accredited zoos provide their animal residents, it is common for them to live longer than their wild counterparts. Blue Yellow has been at the Zoo since 1992 and is overall a very healthy bird. Short of a little arthritis and cataracts, she doesn't have any other medical concerns. She has raised many chicks here at the Zoo, too! This is another testament to the amazing care that Racine Zoo provides for its animal residents. Your support helps us maintain this level of care!

Winter Blues?

Do you feel under the weather or get the winter blues? Here at the Racine Zoo, we are striving to meet the ever-evolving standards in animal well-being. Recently, we have started adding in UV (ultraviolet) lights for our animals to be sure they are receiving enough vitamin D! It has been known for some time that UV light is critical to the proper well-being of reptiles, helping them to absorb and utilize calcium appropriately. Recent studies show that avian and mammalian species can also benefit from exposure to ultraviolet light, too. Many birds can see ultraviolet wavelengths and often choose spaces with UV light over spaces lacking it. Racine Zoo Animal Care staff have been working diligently to update the UV lighting for many of the Zoo's residents, from reptiles and amphibians, parrots, and even the rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. Your support allows us to make these enhancements to our animals' care possible!

Making an Impact Through Conservation Education

Education Programs

Conservation education is at the heart of our mission here at Racine Zoo. One example of our many programs is Wildlife Explorers. This program reaches every 3rd grader in the Racine Unified School District and has been running for over 10 years. This established program with schools helps us make those vital connections between children and nature and inspire them to become interested and take action. Every year, we reach over 90,000 people from preschoolers to seniors through our programs and none of this would be possible without your support!

Triple Your Gift!

Support the specialized care we provide our animals and the conservation programs our community depends on. Make a gift that will keep Racine Zoo growing and thriving for generations to come!

Triple the impact of your gift with a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge up to $5,000 provided by RUUD Family Foundation and $2,500 from Educators Credit Union. Thank you to these wonderful Zoo patrons!

Donate online below or mail your donation check to the Racine Zoo at 200 Goold Street, Racine, WI 53402. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with the IRS Tax Code.

A sincerest thank you for your support from all of the animals and staff at the Racine Zoo.

How far will your donation go?

In addition to specialized veterinary care, our animals need to eat! Our keepers craft specific diets for each animal to keep them healthy and strong. However, since the animals require food and vitamins every day just like you, the cost adds up quickly!