The Milwaukee County Zoo has welcomed several exciting new additions to its animal family in 2024.
Whether you’re an avid zoo visitor or planning your first trip, here are five new animals you won’t want to miss:
1. Japanese Macaque
On April 23rd, a baby Japanese macaque named Mai was born on Monkey Island. Known for their playful and social nature, macaques are always a delight to watch.
The name Mai means brightness or dance in Japanese, fitting for this lively little one who can be seen playing with her troop on Macaque Island.
2. Male Silverback Gorilla
Azizi, a male silverback gorilla, arrived at the zoo in January from the Lincoln Park Zoo. He now leads a troop in the Stearns Family Apes of Africa building. As a critically endangered western lowland gorilla, Azizi’s presence is crucial for breeding efforts.
He has already formed strong bonds with his troop members, Dotty and Nadami, and zookeepers are hopeful for a baby gorilla in the future.
3. Amur Tiger
Natasha, an 11-year-old Amur tiger, has recently made the Milwaukee County Zoo her home. Amur tigers are critically endangered, and Natasha’s arrival is part of a breeding program aimed at conservation.
She is currently undergoing treatment for blastomycosis, a fungal infection, but zookeepers are optimistic about her recovery. Natasha can be seen in the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, alongside two other tigers, Kash and Tula.
4. Baird’s Tapir
Frida, a five-year-old Baird’s tapir, joined the zoo last October from the Houston Zoo. This species is endangered, and Frida’s presence is part of a conservation effort to protect them.
Visitors can find her in the South American Yard, where she enjoys her spacious and enriching environment.
5. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupette
The Small Mammal Building has a new resident: a female prehensile-tailed porcupette, born on June 4th.
These nocturnal creatures are known for their unique tails that help them grasp branches as they navigate the trees. You can spot the baby porcupette with her parents, exploring her new habitat.
What’s New at the Zoo?
In addition to these new animal residents, the Milwaukee County Zoo has been busy with several exciting projects and updates:
Renovated Exhibits
The zoo is currently renovating the Humboldt Penguin Habitat, tripling the pool size and improving viewing areas. Penguins are temporarily housed in the Flamingo Building during construction.
Additionally, phase three of the Adventure Africa exhibit is underway, with plans to reintroduce rhinoceroses by next summer.
Whether you’re there to meet the new animals or explore the latest renovations and events, the Milwaukee County Zoo promises an engaging and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
