The mission of the Vilas Zoo Volunteer Program is to advance and promote the continued success of the Henry Vilas Park Zoo by offering to the public; education surrounding animals and the importance of protecting biodiversity throughout the world. Also, enhancing a quality recreational experience at the zoo for visitors and helping to facilitate fundraising activities is essential. In support of this mission, volunteers:

• Support and enhance the education and conservation mission of the Henry Vilas Zoo through regular participation in on-going educational efforts such as the EdZOOcation program, the Animal Ambassador program, and other educational initiatives.

• Provide direct assistance and accurate information to Zoo visitors.

• Increase community awareness of the Henry Vilas Zoo and its educational opportunities and fund-raising activities through participation in programs such as fund-raising programs and special events.

• Make visitors feel welcomed and accepted.

History:
A Brief History
The Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society

The Madison Zoological and Aquarium Society began in 1914 as a group of zoo devotees who loved animal life. The group created an organization with a mission to enlarge the zoo, exhibit animals under favorable conditions, foster zoological research, and increase public interest in animals. Local Madison residents made generous contributions to the Zoological Society. In 1915, the Society oversaw the creation of a Bird House with funds donated by Mrs. William Vilas, and in 1917 the building of the Lion House with funds donated by Dr. Charles Vilas.

The Society reorganized in 1926 as the Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society with a volunteer Board of Directors to pursue fund raising through membership contributions, donations and special events. During the next decade the Society raised funds to create the Primate House in 1929 with matching city funds. With the help of the Works Progress Administration, the Society built Monkey Island, the bear dens and several other cage-type enclosures in the 1930s.

The next large building period began in 1961 with construction of the new Camel Barn. The Society became a not-for-profit corporation in 1964 and soon raised enough funds to support a concerted building program. In the 1970s, the Society helped fund the Lion House moat, construction of the elephant/rhino complex, and matched funds with the County to build the giraffe addition, otter exhibit, seal area, and renovate the bear exhibit. In addition, the Society made it possible to purchase many animals.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Society continued its progress in improving conditions for animal housing. The second phase of the bear exhibit remodeling was completed and the reptile exhibit opened in 1983. Transition of Zoo ownership from the City of Madison to Dane County was completed in 1993. The Society, in partnership with Dane County and the City of Madison continued to support major improvements with the new penguin exhibit opening in 1985 and the Discovery Center and Herpetarium opening to the public in 1992.

In 1993, the Society worked with Dane County to develop ReZOOvenation, a massive project to renovate the oldest section of the zoo including the primates, big cats, and birds. To meet its challenge to fund 50% of this $11 million project, the Society conducted two successful capital campaigns in 1993 and 1998 as well as a variety of fund raising programs. In addition, the Society contributed funds from annual fund raising events including the Zoo Benefit, Feast with the Beasts and Halloween at the Zoo. The final phase of that plan, the Tropical Forest Aviary, opened in June of 2003.

Today, the Society continues to be governed by a board of 21 volunteers. Under the direction of the board, a small staff and hundreds of Society members and volunteers carry out the functions of membership, special events volunteers and other fund-raising activities.
Add more…..

The work of the Society depends on generous contributions from thousands of local residents and businesses as well as the support of the people of Dane County and the City of Madison. Since 1911 people have cared enough about wildlife conservation, education and community recreation to keep Henry Vilas Zoo a quality zoo. The Society remains dedicated to its supportive role and is pleased to be a leader in ensuring a bright future for the Henry Vilas Zoo.

Day to day operations of Vilas Zoo is funded with 80% from Dane County and 20% from the City of Madison. Fundraising for capitol projects such as the Tropical Forest Aviary are joint efforts, with 3.2 million dollars of the 4.2 million dollar project coming from fundraising.

Contact people:

Ann De Tienne, Volunteer Coordinator, (608) 258-9490, (email) Sara De Tienne, Executive Director, (608) 258-9490, (email)

Address:

606 South Randall Avenue Madison, WI 53715 (See a map)

Web Site: http://henryvilas.org

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: Erin Street, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Will you be using VolunteerYourTime.org for Donation Match ONLY?
	No