Enjoy a day at the Green Bay Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side and visit the Green Bay Zoo - Also known as the NEW Zoo.

If you're looking for a great walk with a wide variety of scenery and activities the Green Bay Zoo may be your best bet. The zoo has grown significantly since I was a kid and has recently added Giraffes to their mix of animals. (If you're wondering - NEW stands for Northeast Wisconsin).

I usually visit the zoo about once a year and it's a great place to enjoy the weather, stroll casually with some friends, and to practice your photography skills.

There are never huge crowds and admission is only $5 - cheap!

One of the many Peacocks

When you're walking around the park you'll notice that there are several animals roaming free including the gorgeous feathered peacocks. They're very approachable and make a great photo.

Anyways, back to the park, which is 43 mostly wooded acres which is very walkable for kids and older adults; I even bet you could beat the toroise.

You won't feel rushed at all going through the park, which typically takes about 2 hours at a casual pace.

Speaking of kids, there is a kids area where they'll be able to meet more tame wildlife such as the very friendly goats who will eat practically anything! Don't worry, there are hand sanitizers and places to wash your hands around the park, and they might even sell t-shirts in case the goat gets yours.

Likewise, you can feed the giraffes which is amazing since it didn't hit me until I was next to one that they're sooo big! The giraffes are the most recent addition to the Green Bay Zoo and fit in the African section of the zoo.

Feeding the Goats

Feeding the Giraffes

In the NEW Zoo there are a few distinct sections, which include Australia, Africa, North American Plains, the Wisconsin Trail, and the Children's Petting Zoo.

The largest section of the zoo is the Wisconsin Trail which highlights many of Wisconsin's unique animals, which include the Otter, Raccoon, Porcupine, Bald Eagle, Whitetail Deer (which is very popular to hunt in Wisconsin), Lynx, Bobcat, Pheasant, Turkey, Red Fox, Black Bear, and Badger. Quite the list!

Entering the Wisconsin Trails area: Not exactly photogenic in this picture.

The Badger - Wisconsin's state animal.

Bald Eagle

Porcupine waiting for a hug

After you're done at the zoo you can walk or bike the many trails the are right outside of the park or even go fishing in some of the ponds near the new zoo entrance.

There are also a ton of picnic tables so if you make a day of it at the park (as I did when I was a kid) be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy it near the ponds. Also, be sure to check out the tower on the top of the hill which provides a great view and is a perfect spot for viewing the trees changing color in the fall.

The tower looks to be about 40 feet and when I walked up one kid told me he managed to go to the top without even screaming once! It's not really that scary and is worth the trek up the stairs.

An afternoon at the zoo is a great place for parents to bring their kids or for couples to enjoy the day together.

All you need is your camera, some walking shoes, and your curiosity. Oh, and don't forget to bring a few dollars to feed the giraffes!

The new zoo also provides birthday parties and special events so for more information about the zoo and upcoming events check out their site