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Milwaukee County Zoo reports accreditation, attendance gains and small year‑end surplus
Summary
Zoo leadership told the committee it earned AZA accreditation in 2024, increased attendance by about 3.6% to just over one million visitors, recorded a $58,000 net year‑end surplus and is planning a rhino habitat opening this fall and a modern point‑of‑sale implementation.
Deputy Director of the Milwaukee County Zoo presented the department’s 2024 annual report to the committee, highlighting accreditation, attendance and capital plans.
The zoo achieved five‑year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in February and maintained required USDA licensing. The deputy director said the AZA process involves hundreds of standards and reflects ongoing operational work in veterinary care, husbandry and habitat design.
The zoo reported attendance grew 3.6% over 2023 to just over one million visitors for 2024 and that revenues rose by about $585,000 from 2023. The department reported a modest net year‑end surplus of $58,000. Leadership said revenue drivers included increased school field trips, building rentals and partnership commissions; they also highlighted capital investments and new exhibits as key to sustaining attendance.
Recent and near‑term projects include the Penguins of the Pacific opening in 2024 and an Adventure Africa indoor rhino habitat scheduled to open to the public in fall 2025. The zoo is pursuing a modern point‑of‑sale system, front‑entrance construction funding in the 2026 capital request and other guest‑experience improvements intended to reduce wait times and boost revenue.
Why it matters: Accreditation confirms the zoo meets national standards for animal welfare and operations. Attendance and a small surplus matter for county budget conversations; supervisors asked whether the zoo has multi‑year revenue targets and were told that the organization aims to break even and prioritize investments that can generate future revenue.
