Milwaukee County Zoo will permanently close its Small Mammals Building by the end of the year, marking a shift toward updated standards in animal care. As one of the zoo’s original structures, the facility is now considered inadequate for meeting the current expectations for animal enrichment and welfare. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the process of relocating the animals to other accredited institutions has already commenced.
Home to a diverse range of species, including ring-tailed lemurs and straw-colored fruit bats, the building reflected an earlier era of zoological design. The decision to close seems inevitable as "the animals are doing well, the building has outlived its prime when it comes to modernized animal care," as reported by FOX6 News. The aging structure, impacted by time and advances in animal care standards, no longer aligns with the zoo’s future vision outlined in a master plan released in April.
The transfer of zookeepers to other departments within the zoo has been confirmed, ensuring the continuity of employment amidst the changes. Each animal's future residence is being carefully considered, coordinating with other AZA-accredited zoos to provide suitable new homes, as informed by the zoo's public statements.
