- Attraction: Shalom Wildlife Zoo
- Location: 1901 Shalom Dr, West Bend, WI 53090
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://www.shalomwildlife.com/
Shalom Wildlife Zoo spans over 100 acres and houses more than 750 animals representing 75 species from around the world, creating an experience that feels more like an African safari than a traditional zoo visit.
What started as a simple deer farm in 1979 has evolved into Wisconsin’s self-proclaimed “largest petting zoo,” where you can hand-feed elk, watch tigers through spacious enclosures, and observe wolves at feeding time.
The three-mile trail system winds through natural environments where visitors can see herds of bison, deer, elk, wild sheep, wolves, cougars, bears, zebras, camels and much more in what many describe as surprisingly large habitats for the featured animals.
Best Animal Encounters & Experiences
Bison & Large Hoofed Animals: The real stars here are the massive bison herds that roam across acres of open grassland. These animals have exhibits that can be measured in acres, not square feet, giving you genuine wildlife viewing moments as they graze and move naturally across the landscape. The elk are equally impressive, and both species will approach the fence line when they spot your feed bucket.
Brown Bear Habitat: The brown bear exhibit features a large pond where you’ll regularly see bears swimming and playing with logs. This active habitat creates some of the most memorable moments at Shalom, especially when the bears decide to take a dip during your visit. The adolescent brown bears often wrestle and play king of the mountain, providing entertaining interactions.
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Keep Exploring →Tigers & Big Cats: The facility houses both orange and white tigers in sizable enclosures where you can observe these magnificent predators up close. The tigers often rest in shaded areas during the day, though they become more active during feeding times and cooler weather.
Wolf Pack: The wolves can be seen at mealtime, feasting on donated deer carcasses, providing an authentic look at these predators in action. Their howling occasionally echoes across the property, adding to the wild atmosphere.
Unique Species Collection: Beyond the headline animals, you’ll encounter zebras, camels, ostriches, various deer species, llamas, and Wisconsin’s state animal – the badger. The property also features red kangaroos, mink, raccoons, red and arctic foxes, creating diverse viewing opportunities around every bend.
Golf Cart Adventures & Trail System
Golf Cart Rentals: Golf carts rent for $30 for two hours, and families with children find them essential for covering the expansive property. The golf carts are particularly helpful since the park is spread out and useful for disabled visitors. The wide, one-way gravel roads accommodate both walkers and cart traffic comfortably.
Animal Feeding Experience: Feed buckets cost $5 and provide enough grain to last throughout your visit, with many animals coming right up to the fences when they see or hear the feed containers. The deer and elk are particularly eager participants, often approaching in groups when they spot your feed bucket.
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Discover MoreEducational Elements: Educational signage and learning centers are posted along the way, providing information about the animals and their habitats throughout your journey.
Atmosphere & Natural Setting
Wooded Beauty: The property showcases green and forested areas throughout, with trails winding through mature trees and natural clearings. The three-mile loop travels through beautiful wooded land that feels genuinely wild rather than artificially constructed.
Natural Environments: Many animals live in large natural environments that allow them to exhibit natural behaviors, particularly the larger species like bison, elk, and deer that have substantial acreage to roam.
Family-Friendly Infrastructure: The facility includes clean restrooms, a gift shop, playground areas, and the Grizzly Grill restaurant near the entrance. The restroom facilities are well-maintained throughout the property.
Other Considerations
Pricing Value: Admission costs $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12, with children under 2 entering free. The prices are reasonable for the setting and variety of animals you get to see and feed. The facility includes complimentary ice cream at the end of your visit.
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Keep Exploring →Visit Duration: Families typically spend 1.5 to 2+ hours exploring the property, with the golf cart option allowing you to cover more ground comfortably. The walking distance is approximately 2.5-3 miles total if you complete the full loop on foot.
Seasonal Operations: The zoo operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year-round, with special holiday programming like “Christmas at the Zoo” where you can drive your own vehicle through decorated winter displays.
Parking & Accessibility: The facility offers free parking and accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and checks. The property is wheelchair accessible, and the golf cart rental option makes the experience manageable for visitors with mobility limitations.
Shalom Wildlife Zoo
📍 1901 Shalom Dr, West Bend, WI 53090
