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| - Even though I lived in Madison for six years, I only visited this zoo once. I left the place so disturbed by the experience that I swore I would never return. I don't think I will ever forget the sight of a group of about 6 chimpanzees living in an tiny, box like enclosure with nothing but tile walls and floors, with only some ropes and long branches to keep them occupied. These chimps were going absolutely nuts, literally bouncing off the walls, screaming, as if to say "get me out of here!"
I will never forget the sight of a giraffe, chained into place on a concrete slab caked with its own droppings. I will never forget the sea lions swimming around in filthy, algae-caked water.
The Henry Vilas Zoo did not give up its elephants because Madison is so "caring." They gave up their elephants because they were forced to by the AZA. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums told the zoo to let go of their elephants or face disaccrediation. So much for "liberal" and "caring" Madison, Wisconsin.
I have heard that the Henry Vilas Zoo has improved in the last few years. For the sake of these animals, I really wish it has. It's nice to have a free zoo, but I think it's time for this zoo to start charging an admission so that the funds are available to give these animals clean, livable enclosures and a better life overall.
I am not an animal rights activist who is against all zoos. Nealry 100% of the animals in a modern US zoo were born in captivity. This life is all they know. But I think all zoos have a solemn responsibility to give their animals as good of a life as possible. The Henry Vilas Zoo failed to do that, and that's why I give it one star.
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