Funding For Henry Vilas Zoo's First Ever Onsite Animal Health Center Kicks Off

Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison announced today a $150,000 gift from Madison Community Foundation to be used toward a new Animal Health Center. The Animal Health Center will enable the zoo’s veterinarians and keepers to provide care for its animals on site, which will greatly reduce animal stress and promote rehabilitation.

"The Board of Governors and staff of Madison Community Foundation are pleased to provide a grant for the establishment of a new veterinary hospital on site at the Henry Vilas Zoo,"said Kathleen Woit, Madison Community Foundation President. "The facility is the next step in being able to care for the animals that comprise one of Dane County’s most valuable assets."

The zoo will raise funds for the new center during its Merrill Lynch Grand Gala on May 11, 2012 at the Concourse Hotel. This lead gift from Madison Community Foundation provides a wonderful start to the fundraising campaign.

After celebrating its centennial last year, Henry Vilas Zoo enters its next 100 years by launching phase two of the esteemed Zoo Century Campaign. In addition to the vital, on site veterinary facility, the next steps of the campaign—made possible in part by a valuable partnership with Merrill Lynch—will include a new concessions plaza, an expanded giraffe yard and the much anticipated Arctic Passage exhibit.

"We’re thrilled to enter this new phase of the Zoo Century Campaign," said Friends of the Zoo Executive Director Anna Reynolds. "Madison Community Foundation’s generous gift is another way our community is helping us raise funds for essential zoo improvements. Building a new Animal Health Center in 2012 will allow us to continue providing the best possible animal exhibits and animal care for another 100 years."

The new veterinary facility will provide critically necessary facilities for treating all of the zoo’s animals, large and small. It will include specialized areas for surgery, radiology, intensive care, pharmacy, laboratory, isolation, indoor and outdoor holding, and an area for research and educational programs.

Henry Vilas Zoo has never had an animal hospital. Currently, the zoo’s veterinarian uses a small room in the zoo administration office. Due to the limited facilities, many procedures must be performed at other locations in the zoo or at other veterinary facilities.

"We appreciate the support and confidence Madison Community Foundation has shown us with their gift," said Interim Zoo Director Ronda Schwetz." Not only will this hospital help us give our animals state-of-the-art care, but it will let us share with the community the wonderful care we already do provide. We hope to use this facility as an educational venue for our community as well."

Henry Vilas Zoo will develop and host a new summer Zoo School program for kids called "Animal Health Care" in its new veterinary facility. Participants will learn about how the zoo cares for each and every animal.

There will be opportunities to have the public learn about our stellar veterinary care in the new facility including potential increased opportunities for educational partnerships with the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School.

For more information about attending the zoo’s Merrill Lynch Grand Gala or about contributing to our Animal Health Center or other Zoo Century Campaign initiatives, please visit vilaszoo.org or call 258-9490.