Milwaukee County Zoo 'Frosty Free Week' underway; when to go
MILWAUKEE - "Frosty Free Week" is now underway at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Guests receive complimentary daytime admission during Frosty Free Week, which runs from Thursday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Dec. 30. Regular parking rates still apply, as do regular admission rates for the zoo's "Wild Lights" night events.
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"It's an opportunity for us to come to the community and invite you out as our guests for being our customers all year long," said the zoo's Andrew Stockel.
Also on Monday, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin will hold the last of its 24th annual "Holiday of Hope" blood drive events at the zoo. Anyone who donates blood will get free zoo admission for a future visit.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Milwaukee County Zoo's Steam locomotive completes final laps
The Milwaukee County Zoo steam locomotive engines have been a staple since the zoo’s inception. However, the attraction is no longer the same after a big decision.
What's new at the zoo?
Earlier this month, the zoo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Humboldt penguin habitat. The zoo is home to a breeding colony of 15 Humboldt penguins and is one of only 21 facilities across the U.S. and Canada to care for the species.
Hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights transform the zoo grounds for Wild Lights during the holiday season. Attendees can enjoy an evening under the stars with pathways and forested areas specially adorned with twinkling lights and decorative displays. Learn more about the event, including available dates, on the zoo's website.
The Milwaukee County Zoo recently lost a pair of longtime residents. "Ringo" the harbor seal, who called the zoo home for more than four decades, died in November. "Patti" the river hippopotamus, who arrived in Milwaukee in 1972, also died last month.