News Summary
The Milwaukee County Zoo recently held its 30th Annual Ride on the Wild Side fundraiser, attracting nearly 700 cyclists. This inclusive event featured a special 30-mile route and various activities aimed at engaging families with the zoo’s mission. Participants enjoyed face painting and the chance to see animals up close while raising over $50,000 to support zoo operations and conservation efforts. The success of this beloved tradition underscores the community’s commitment to wildlife education and conservation initiatives.
Milwaukee – Nearly 700 cyclists participated in the Milwaukee County Zoo’s 30th Annual Ride on the Wild Side fundraiser on Sunday morning, September 14. The unique event organized by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee allowed attendees to ride their bikes through the zoo before it opened its gates to the public.
To celebrate three decades of this vibrant community event, a special 30-mile ride was introduced. This alternative route was designed to commemorate the milestone while offering participants a challenging ride. Cyclists could choose from various distances that catered to different skill levels, making the event inclusive for families and individuals alike.
In addition to cycling, participants enjoyed several engaging activities throughout the day. Attractions included face painting, an obstacle course, and opportunities to see animals up close. As dawn broke, attendees witnessed animals emerging into their exhibits, adding to the excitement of the morning ride. Participants expressed delight at spotting various species, including baby monkeys, peacocks, bears, and elephants along the route.
The annual fundraiser proved to be a resounding success, raising over $50,000 to support zoo operations and conservation efforts. The funds collected are vital for the zoo’s mission, which focuses on teaching children empathy for animals and promoting wildlife conservation education.
Katie Krecklow, a representative of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, highlighted the organization’s crucial role as the nonprofit partner of the zoo in fundraising efforts. The success of the Ride on the Wild Side underscores the importance of community involvement in supporting zoo programs and activities year-round.
The event has become a beloved tradition for many families in Milwaukee, fostering a greater appreciation for wildlife and providing a fun, active way to engage with the zoo’s mission. The family-friendly atmosphere encourages attendees to connect with both the animals and each other, creating lasting memories and promoting ongoing participation in zoo initiatives.
This year’s Ride on the Wild Side exemplifies how community events can successfully blend recreation with conservation, affirming the local commitment to wildlife education. As the 30th annual event wraps up, organizers are looking forward to future rides and the continued engagement of the Milwaukee community in supporting the zoo’s vital efforts.
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Additional Resources
- Fox6Now: Milwaukee Zoo Bike Ride
- Jsonline: Free Admission to Milwaukee Public Museum and Zoo
- Urban Milwaukee: Ren Faire Returns to Riverwest
- Google Search: Milwaukee Zoo
- ESPN: Mets Ride Momentum Over Brewers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
