Racine Zoo News & Events: Gateway to Adventure Now Open!

Racine Zoo's Gateway to Adventure officially opened to the public at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 31, at the corner of Main and Goold streets. The $2.1 million construction project, begun last November, was financed with funds from the public and private sectors and adds about 3,000 square feet of indoor space to the zoo's campus. The project includes Walkabout Creek, an Australian-themed immersive exhibit; the Benstead Discovery Center; the Zootique gift shop; and Max and Jenny's Jungle Grill.

About Walkabout Creek

Walkabout Creek is the new Australian-themed immersive exhibit that allows zoo guests to walk among the creatures native to Australia. These include kangaroos, wallaroos, black swans and emus. Walkabout Creek covers about two and one-half acres and ultimately will be home to six or seven species native to Australia. While all are accustomed to the changing seasons, a state-of-the-art all-weather shelter house on the west side of the site allows Walkabout Creek inhabitants to enjoy indoor accommodations when they wish.

About the Benstead Discovery Center

The Benstead Discovery Center moves from its prior location in the Vanishing Kingdom building into the east building at the new entrance. The anchor of the center is a 1,500-gallon saltwater fish tank which features tropical saltwater ecosystems that have spectacularly colored fish and invertebrates. Exhibits in the center will change periodically.

About Max and Jenny's Jungle Grill

The former Racine Zoo gift shop is now Max and Jenny's Jungle Grill. It's named after the zoo's most famous residents, orangutans Max and Jenny, and will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, soda, water and snacks.

About the Zootique Gift Shop

The Zootique Gift Shop is found in the west building at the new entrance. In addition to housing an expanded gift shop, this building also is home to an umbrella cockatoo, named Miranda, who is a particular zoo-guest favorite.

The new entrance also offers restrooms, new ticket windows, stroller and wheelchair rentals, an ATM machine and other amenities.


	Gateway to Adventure Now Open! Racine Zoo's Gateway to Adventure officially opened to the public at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 31, at the corner of Main and Goold streets. The $2.1 million construction project, begun last November, was financed with funds from the public and private sectors and adds about 3,000 square feet of indoor space to the zoo's campus. The project includes Walkabout Creek, an Australian-themed immersive exhibit; the Benstead Discovery Center; the Zootique gift shop; and Max and Jenny's Jungle Grill. About Walkabout Creek Walkabout Creek is the new Australian-themed immersive exhibit that allows zoo guests to walk among the creatures native to Australia. These include kangaroos, wallaroos, black swans and emus. Walkabout Creek covers about two and one-half acres and ultimately will be home to six or seven species native to Australia. While all are accustomed to the changing seasons, a state-of-the-art all-weather shelter house on the west side of the site allows Walkabout Creek inhabitants to enjoy indoor accommodations when they wish. About the Benstead Discovery Center The Benstead Discovery Center moves from its prior location in the Vanishing Kingdom building into the east building at the new entrance. The anchor of the center is a 1,500-gallon saltwater fish tank which features tropical saltwater ecosystems that have spectacularly colored fish and invertebrates. Exhibits in the center will change periodically. About Max and Jenny's Jungle Grill The former Racine Zoo gift shop is now Max and Jenny's Jungle Grill. It's named after the zoo's most famous residents, orangutans Max and Jenny, and will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, soda, water and snacks. About the Zootique Gift Shop The Zootique Gift Shop is found in the west building at the new entrance. In addition to housing an expanded gift shop, this building also is home to an umbrella cockatoo, named Miranda, who is a particular zoo-guest favorite. The new entrance also offers restrooms, new ticket windows, stroller and wheelchair rentals, an ATM machine and other amenities.

2008 Racine Zoological Society