Conservation Carousel

The Conservation Carousel is the landmark structure in the Children's Zoo. The carousel opened on Saturday, April 8, 2006.

The carousel is $1 per ride and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily throughout the summer season.


Your Business or Company can sponsor a day at the Carousel or rides for special events! To learn more, click here.

Please be sure to ask how your businesses can also purchase Carousel and Train tokens to distribute to customers at your location.


A Wonderful Gift

Thanks to the generosity of Anna Marie Hammerli, whose estate provided a significant gift to make this project possible, the Conservation Carousel opened in Spring of 2006.

A Vehicle for Change

The funds generated for the Conservation Carousel will provide significant revenue to help sustain the Zoo's and the Friends of the Zoo efforts to continually improve and update animal habitats at the Zoo, further serving the Zoo's education and conservation efforts. Those enjoying a ride on the Carousel will have the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting a vital cause - the preservation of the world's endangered species and the habitats where they live.

Memories Created

The Conservation Carousel will remain a fixture at the Henry Vilas Zoo and for the community for decades to come. The memories created and taken away, and the messages learned will work in tandem to transform how our visitors -- and ultimately the entire community - understand the complex challenges of conserving endangered species.