The Story Behind Racine Zoo: A Dive into the Zoo’s 102 Years
The Story Behind Racine Zoo: A Dive into the Zoo’s 102 Years
RACINE, WI — The Racine Zoo is a beloved corner of Racine County that families have been visiting for over 100 years. Right on the shores of Lake Michigan, it features amphibians, birds, mammals, invertebrates, and fish. From its humble beginnings with three monkeys to home to some 300 animals, the zoo has something for everyone.
From a new zebra colt to community events like Whiskers and Whiskey, the Zoo has fun celebrations for all who walk through its gates.
Monkey Business
Local businessman Jacob Stoffel Jr. established the Racine Zoo in March 1923. Known as “The Father of the Racine Zoo,” he was the head of the Racine Park Commission in the 1920s. According to the Racine Heritage Museum, Stoffel purchased a family of monkeys in Milwaukee and donated them to the park board.
The monkeys, along with other animals, were kept in enclosures in Island Park. Due to the expansion of its animal collection, the zoo was relocated, and the current site of the Racine Zoo, located at Goold and North Main Streets, was established in 1925. Many organizations donated badgers, deer, foxes, and mountain goats to their exhibits. In the past 102 years, the Zoo’s species has expanded from 5 to 75.
Expansion of the zoo
From 1925 to 1929, the zoo expanded to accommodate exhibits for sea lions, hoofed animals, bears, and a duck pond. The zoo was able to survive the Great Depression because of its free admission.
Further expansions included taking the bricks of a former county jail to build a big cats and primates house called The Vanishing Kingdom in 1939. This beautiful building is a one-and-a-half-story Neo-Gothic Revival castle constructed by Ellis A. Klinger. Construction took three years, starting in 1936. Today, it’s home for the big cats, orangutans, spider monkeys, a porcupine, and more.
In 1989, the Zoological Society took over operations from the city. According to Zoo Executive Director Beth Heidorn, the city still owns the animals and land, but the Society is the one that maintains the grounds and cares for the residents of the zoo. This change brought the community together as the main financiers and encouraged the zoo to hold more events and fundraising opportunities.
Celebrating a century
Racine Zoo celebrated its centennial throughout the entire year of 2023. Festivities began in February, within days of the official anniversary. The zoo held two grand celebrations during the year.
On July 5, 2023, the zoo held a Centennial Celebration complete with an ice cream social, live music, animal chats, bounce houses, and more. The community celebrated their work in animal conservation together.
Despite the torrential downpour ending celebrations early, many came out to give speeches and take part in the festivities.
“Everyone came out and embraced the zoo that day,” said Heidorn.
Later that year, their Zoo Debut Gala drew the largest crowd in the zoo’s history, seating 447 people.
“All of those days were very special, and we worked very hard to make it special for the community,” she added.
A Community Gem
According to Heidorn, what makes this zoo so special is that it’s generational. People who came here as children take their kids and grandchildren.
“It’s a continuation of this wonderful community that just embraces those holistic activities along with the arts and culture. Our future is bright.”
She mentioned that there are plans for new buildings to be constructed in the next couple of years, propelling them into the next century.
Patrons of the zoo have an easy time traversing the grounds in an hour, getting closer to the animals in their habitats, compared to other zoos. Despite its smaller size, the zoo’s value is prominent, creating new memories and experiences for all who visit.
Heidorn is most proud that Racine Zoo is still considered a gem in the area, and they still contribute to the culture of SE Wisconsin. That is a great testament to the environment they’ve created for families that choose to support this corner of Racine County.
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