Racine Zoo says thank you to patrons with 100th birthday celebration

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Racine Zoo opened its doors 100 years ago in the summer of 1923, and it's been at the current location overlooking Lake Michigan for 98 of those years. On Wednesday, July 5, the zoo wants to give back to the loyal community that has made it a southeast Wisconsin staple. 

"We have a magician, we have stilt walkers, face painting, music and ice cream, and of course all of the wonderful animals we have here at the Racine Zoo," said Beth Heidorn, executive director.

While you can always get up close with the animals, the party will offer even more education. 

"We have a variety of reptiles, mammals, amphibians and vertebrates that folks are going to be able to meet," said Ryann Stacy, the empathy program evaluator at the zoo. 

The centennial birthday bash will celebrate 100 years of animal education and family bonding.

"It's multigenerational -- groups of people that come to the zoo and love this zoo," said Heidorn. 

As the Racine Zoo has approached this milestone, they've heard from hundreds of families about the memories they've created over the years. 

"What I really find fascinating is that they'll take their picture of, say, the siblings when they were little, and now they pose their children in the same spot by the same rock," said Heidorn. "They are now bringing their children, their grandchildren and their great grandchildren." 

The Racine Zoo will stay open until 10 p.m. for the event. You can purchase tickets online ahead of time or at the door.