If you're here, then you've talked to Lauren about volunteering for the 2025 season. Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂 - Lauren Salzmann, Volunteer Coordinator, 608-283-1612, volunteer@henryvilaszoo.gov
Giraffe Feeding
See our herd like never before in the memorable up-close encounter. This popular activity is a unique way to meet our reticulated giraffe herd and learn more about their unique adaptations.
Educational Encounters
The new giraffe pavilion will include new spaces that will allow us to expand our popular education programs. Interactive interpretive signs will ensure all guests have the opportunity to learn more about our work and ways to help protect animals in the wild.
Indoor Herd Room
The Herd Room will be the largest indoor animal space at the Zoo, welcoming guests year-round. Visitors will get an up-close view of how our animal care team takes care of these majestic animals.
African Birds and Other Mammals
The Edge of Africa: Giraffe will give Henry Vilas Zoo the opportunity to introduce new species to the public. Animals like the critically endangered Rüppell’s griffon vulture, which is vital to Africa’s ecology, and Marabou stork with an impressive wing span that can be over 9 feet wide!
A Unique Event Space
The Giraffe Pavilion event patio will be one of the most unique settings for events in Madison. Designed for small events for up to 200 people, this space has also been designed with accessibility in mind.
Advanced Animal Care
Designed with healthcare in mind, our design includes a working barn that will showcase how our animal care team works with our animals to have them voluntarily participate in their own healthcare. A moving wall will allow our veterinary team to perform wellness checks, get weights, trim hooves, and even get blood draws and administer vaccines to our giraffe herd.
