Milwaukee County Zoo

I was going to Milwaukee County Zoo. I pocketed my disposable cardboard and plastic camera. My nylon wallet’s Velcro closure secured paper but no plastic.

The radio dial pulled in more static than music. Air conditioning from the Old World—let’s call it— buffeted through the vents and open car windows. It was hot, sunny, and I was about to face the full southern exposure.

The stubborn midsummer air that refused to budge was thick and steamy. The network of broad paved walkways blasted heat upward like a flung open oven door. Food was scarce and refreshments were scant. My wallet was a poor excuse for a passport to survival or souvenirs. And Peacocks were roaming freely, strutting around—feasting on my folly.

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That was my first visit years ago. It’s been a minute.

Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Milwaukee County Zoo.

“The Safari Train is a fun way to see Milwaukee County Zoo. Traveling through the deep woods gives a refreshing experience of the entire Zoo. Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor is a treat for the kid in everyone. I also appreciate how the animals can be seen up close!”

Look how far I’ve come. All this time there’s been a refreshing train tour of the Zoo through the deep woods? Check the history on it. And how long has there been ice cream? “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams.”

My mom (another second-time visitor after a long drought), Lisa (a first-time visitor) and I walked into a completely different Zoo from what my mom and I remembered. There were no unrelenting deserts of rigid exhibits and hot pavement. Everything was green, wooded, shady, and cool. We encountered several refreshment areas. And I only saw one peacock close enough to see his face. I made sure to show him that I was reinvigorated from ice cream.

It couldn’t have been a more perfect subtropical setting for the flamingos that greeted us so close. They basked in all our excitement. Afterwards we went to see the birds, primates, and seals. The layout of the Zoo was very easy to follow since it centered around the train loop, another way to see everything and let out a little steam.

“I went to Milwaukee County Zoo about 40 years ago. Everything was plain in the open. I like that the Zoo is more modern now. There is a lot to see. I really like the train ride!”

The modernization of the Zoo was impressive. The animals were very easy to see without obtrusive bars or other obstacles. There were plenty of indoor exhibits along with the Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience. An adventurous Sky Adventure Zip Line impressed everyone at the Zoo’s entrance. There was a diverse variety of animals including some aquariums and underwater exhibits. The large mammals and Adventure Africa are situated appropriately near the end of the circle as the main draw.

As we closed the loop at the end of the day, we found our oasis called Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor located in the Family Farm. We ordered single cones but in the Dairy State, a single is double good. The ice cream was heavenly. Feeling rejuvenated, we took off for a refreshing Safari Train tour of the Zoo, open late May to early September. The beauty and conservation efforts of Milwaukee County Zoo could best be appreciated from this encompassing experience. Our new memories went by; and, just like that, our day was done.

“Milwaukee County Zoo is very walkable. The Zoo’s layout is well organized with peaceful shady woods. The habitats are impressive with some exotic animals. The train tour is the best way to finish the day!”

I asked everyone for their thoughts. My mom: “I went to Milwaukee County Zoo about 40 years ago. Everything was plain in the open. I like that the Zoo is more modern now. There is a lot to see. I really like the train ride!” Lisa: “Milwaukee County Zoo is very walkable. The Zoo’s layout is well organized with peaceful shady woods. The habitats are impressive with some exotic animals. The train tour is the best way to finish the day!” And me: “The Safari Train is a fun way to see Milwaukee County Zoo. Traveling through the deep woods gives a refreshing experience of the entire Zoo. Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor is a treat for the kid in everyone. I also appreciate how the animals can be seen up close!”

As we enjoyed seeing the diverse collection of exotic animals, we grew to appreciate the conservation and education efforts of the Zoo. I saw children enlivened by actually seeing up close the animals that they only knew from books or videos. Some Zoo visitors will realize their dreams and contribute to animal conservation. Other Zoo visitors will hope to inspire the young dreamers. Maybe these photos will inspire. “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams.”

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To learn more and plan your visit to Milwaukee County Zoo, click Milwaukee County Zoo

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To experience a dynamic presentation of Milwaukee County Zoo, click on the link to my Adobe Express photoblog at Adobe Express – Milwaukee County Zoo

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