NEW Zoo breaks ground on expanded red panda habitat, launches $6 million campaign

Red Panda at the NEW Zoo. PC: Fox 11 Online

SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The NEW Zoo is working on some new features, including habitat upgrades and boosting visitor experience.

On Wednesday, the zoo broke ground on a new red panda habitat.

The groundbreaking also marks the public kickoff of the $6 million “ReNEW the Zoo” capital campaign.

Planned investments include:

• Improved habitats for red pandas, penguins, lions, otters and other animals ($2M)
• Enhanced visitor experiences, such as accessibility upgrades and a new feeding platform for moose encounters ($1M)
• Creation of a maintenance endowment matched 2:1 by Brown County to ensure the Zoo’s long-term sustainability ($1M)

Brown County has committed $2 million toward the campaign through the creation of a maintenance endowment. Now it’s up to the community to raise an additional $4 million.

Zoo officials say building a new red panda habitat will create a more natural home for Gen Tso and Zeya. The expanded space will support two breeding pairs, with the hope of welcoming red panda cubs. Inside the habitat, new climbing structures will encourage movement, exploration and enrichment.