The Henry Vilas Zoo is one of Madison's treasures. Since I grew up in Janesville, about 40 miles to the south, the Zoo was the site of at least a couple of school field trips back in the 1970s. There was at least one trip back when living in Janesville again in the very early 1990s, but not since then.
It was fun to see what they've done to the place.
Part of the zoo's allure is the way it started - Colonel and Mrs. William Vilas gave land and money to the city of Madison to create a park in 1904, then some public money was raised and in 1911, animals were added. The park was named for the couple's son, Henry, who died at a young age due to complications from diabetes.
In awarding the gift to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association the family stipulated that the park always be free.That's right, free. No charge for admission or parking. The Henry Vilas Zoo is one of only a few free, AZA accredited facilities in the country.
Donations are encouraged, and many local corporations throw their support behind this jewel on Lake Wingra.
My memories from long ago was of a lot of cages and a large monkey house. I also remember the machines that stretched pennies and another that created a wax animal in exchange for a few quarters.
I recognized just a couple of buildings, but mostly remembered the feel and sense of wonder at seeing these majestic creatures of God's creation up close - only a few feet away from the Tiger, in particular.There was a lion (but no photo op granted by the King of the Jungle), tiger, and
bear (on vacation in the North Pole while getting a new home).
Oh, my!
Just outside the County run zoo is another park run by the city on land also given by the Vilas family - where hundreds enjoyed the water and sunshine from the beautiful beach.It was a great day at the zoo - and it will be fun to go back again.
Thanks Colonel and Mrs. Vilas - we'll be back!
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