Milwaukee County Zoo event takes visitors behind the scenes

MILWAUKEE - Have you ever wanted to see any of the hidden corners of the Milwaukee County Zoo? "Inside the Zoo" was back Saturday, March 12 – giving visitors behind-the-scenes access. 

For one weekend a year, the Milwaukee County Zoo offers an inside look at what it takes to maintain the operation.

"These areas are not open during a normal visit," said Jennifer Diliberti-Shea with Milwaukee County Zoo public relations.

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With dozens of opportunities to go behind the gates, "Inside the Zoo" gives folks a chance to learn about zoo operations.

"We have about eight or nine different stops including the elk barn, you can see the hippo habitat from a different vantage point – like where the zookeepers go," Diliberti-Shea said.

For each inside attraction, visitors can scan a QR code to get all the info before going inside and exploring some hidden corners of the zoo – like the train shop.

"Everybody comes and rides the train, but not everybody knows how it works," said the zoo's Calvin Schickel. "It's kinda cool to show everybody what we have, what we do down here, and what powers the train."

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Saturday's event returned after a two-year hiatus – the zoo staff excited to invite visitors back again at full capacity.

"The zoo is such a great place for people to come renew themselves, learn about nature, be in the outdoors. What could be better?" Diliberti-Shea said. "Things are lifting, things are looking pretty good and positive, so we invite them to come out and enjoy the zoo."

The "Inside the Zoo" event continues Sunday from 9:30 to 2:30. Get into all of the behind-the-scenes attractions with the purchase of a regular admission ticket.