Racine ZooDescriptionThe Racine Zoological Gardens is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan on the north side of downtown. It is covering 32 acres. The Zoo is home to over 250 animals representing 76 species. The visitor will find giraffes, lions, rhinos, orangutans, kangaroos and more, living in exhibit spaces designed to imitate their natural surroundings.
The Zoo you see today has come far from its beginnings. In 1923 a local dry goods merchant donated three monkeys to establish the Zoo at Island Park. During that first year guests could view monkeys, two deer, two badgers, two gray foxes and several Rocky Mountain goats. As more animals were added to the collection, the Zoo grew too large for its locale and soon was moved to its present location on Lake Michigan.
The biggest structure within the Zoo grounds is the main building housing the large cats, primates. Eleanor K. Benstead Discovery Center was built between 1936 and 1939. This building is still the focal point of the Zoo, where a visitor can see the big cats up close and watch the orangutans swinging from rope trapezes. A major renovation effort completed in 1994 enhanced the animals' enclosures by building display areas resembling natural surroundings.
Entrance FeePicnic Area Rental Fees
1-3 hours $50.00
3-5 hours $60.00
5+ hours $75.00
Operating HoursThe zoo is working from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week.
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