Vilas Park & Zoo
On June 30, 1904, Col. William F. & Anna Vilas donated $18,000 to The Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association “for the
uses and purposes of a public park and pleasure ground.” to be named in honor of their son Henry, who died at a young age due to
complications from diabetes.
From 1905 through 1910, the Vilas family donated an additional $42,000 for improvements, and
public donations of $10,000 were raised for the enlargement and improvement of the park.
In 1911, the first animal exhibits were created, representing the start of the Henry Vilas Zoo.
In what has proved to be a defining and truly visionary move, the Vilas Family stipulated that
the park always be admission free. As the zoo developed within the park, it too remained free.
In 1983, the Zoo was identified as a regional community that could be better served by county
operations. The Zoo (approximately 28 acres) was “separated” from the city-owned park (about 50
acres), and a County Zoo Commission was formed.
Dane County now operates the zoo, contributing 80 percent of the operating funds while the City
of Madison contributes 20 percent.
Vilas Zoo Carousel
The Vilas Zoo Monkeys
The Vilas Zoo used to house150 rhesus monkeys. When it was discovered the university was doing
invasive procedures there was much controversy and protesting. Funding was eventually pulled and the
monkeys were moved. After heated debates on where they would go, they were sent to the university of
Tulane. The cage that held the monkeys at the zoo is no longer there, and no other animals have taken
that spot in the zoo.
Annie C. Stewart Memorial (Drinking Fountain) 632 Wingra St White Italian Carra Marble
Artist: Frederic J. Clasgens
The old pedestrian entrance of Vilas Zoo
