2008-2009 Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteer Guide

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ReservationA reservation is not necessary to visit the Zoo. We are a free Zoo. If a school groupwould like an education program, a reservation is required, please call: 608 266-4732.RentalsOne may rent the large tent in the center of the Zoo for events such as; family reunions,birthdays, anniversaries or picnics. Catering is available through Zoo Concessions or ourapproved on-grounds caterer, Kitchen Hearth.Utilizing the tent to do fundraising for organizations other than the Zoo is not permitted.SizeHenry Vilas Zoo is a medium sized Zoo on approximately 30 acres.Scheduling an Educational programContact the Zoo's Education Department at 608 266-5922. There is a suggested donationof $1 per child.Strollers and WheelchairsStrollers and wheelchairs are available to rent at the Gift Shop. The cost is $4 per day.You must also leave a driver's license, which you will get back upon returning the strolleror wheelchair.Special EventsSee the special events flyer, which lists dates, times and specifics.Tiles and Benches- Tiles and benches are available for purchase. Please have interestedpersons contact the Zoological Society at 608-258-9490.VolunteeringCall the Society office at 258-9490 or apply online.Zoological SocietyThe Zoological Society, formed in 1914, is the fundraising organization for our free Zoo.The Zoological Society is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. Donations tothe Zoological Society are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Zoological Societyis governed by a Board of Directors, and all Zoological Society efforts are undertaken toraise funds and promote the Henry Vilas Zoo.Revised 11/25/200814
A Brief HistoryThe Henry Vilas Park Zoological SocietyThe Madison Zoological and Aquarium Society began in 1914 as a group of zoodevotees who loved animal life. The group created an organization with a mission toenlarge the zoo, exhibit animals under favorable conditions, foster zoological research,and increase public interest in animals. Local Madison residents made generouscontributions to the Zoological Society. In 1915, the Society oversaw the creation of aBird House with funds donated by Mrs. William Vilas, and in 1917 the building of theLion House with funds donated by Dr. Charles Vilas.The Society reorganized in 1926 as the Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society witha volunteer Board of Directors to pursue fund raising through membership contributions,donations and special events. During the next decade the Society raised funds to createthe Primate House in 1929 with matching city funds. With the help of the WorksProgress Administration, the Society built Monkey Island, the bear dens and several othercage-type enclosures in the 1930s.The next large building period began in 1961 with construction of the new CamelBarn. The Society became a not-for-profit corporation in 1964 and soon raised enoughfunds to support a concerted building program. In the 1970s, the Society helped fund theLion House moat, construction of the elephant/rhino complex, and matched funds withthe County to build the giraffe addition, otter exhibit, seal area, and renovate the bearexhibit. In addition, the Society made it possible to purchase many animals.Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Society continued its progress in improvingconditions for animal housing. The second phase of the bear exhibit remodeling wascompleted and the reptile exhibit opened in 1983. Transition of Zoo ownership from theCity of Madison to Dane County was completed in 1993. The Society, in partnershipwith Dane County and the City of Madison continued to support major improvementswith the new penguin exhibit opening in 1985 and the Discovery Center and Herpetariumopening to the public in 1992.In 1993, the Society worked with Dane County to develop ReZOOvenation, amassive 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 Societyconducted two successful capital campaigns in 1993 and 1998 as well as a variety of fundraising programs. In addition, the Society contributed funds from annual fund raisingevents including the Zoo Benefit, Feast with the Beasts and Halloween at the Zoo. Thefinal 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. Underthe direction of the board, a small staff and hundreds of Society members and volunteerscarry out the functions of membership, special events volunteers and other fund-raisingactivities.Add more…..Revised 11/25/200815
Page 1: 2008-2009Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteer
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2008-2009 Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteer Guide

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