Milwaukee Zoo Closing Small Mammals Building in 2025

The Milwaukee County Zoo will permanently close its Small Mammals Building, an original structure dating to 1958, by the end of 2025 due to outdated facilities that no longer meet modern animal care standards. Director Amos Morris and zoo officials stated that animals such as lemurs, sloths, mongooses, porcupines, tamarins, foxes, armadillos, bats, and squirrels are being relocated to accredited institutions nationwide to ensure their well-being. The closure is part of a new strategic master plan focused on upgrading animal habitats and care. Zookeepers affected by the closure will be reassigned to other positions within the zoo. Local government leaders support the decision, emphasizing that continuous improvements are vital to maintaining the zoo's top-tier status. The zoo is encouraging the public to visit the Small Mammals Building before its final closure, as animal relocations have already begun.