gorilla trek milwaukee zoo

The Milwaukee County Zoo is the first in the U.S. to offer a virtual-reality experience about gorillas only seen in the wild

The odds are if you've never traveled to Rwanda, you've never seen a mountain gorilla in real life. 

Mountain gorillas — which are critically endangered, with only about 900 estimated to be left in the wild — aren't well-suited to being in human care so they're not in zoos, according to Jenny Diliberti-Shea, the public relations manager at the Milwaukee County Zoo.  

Although most people will never be able to see the mountain gorillas in real life, visitors to Milwaukee's zoo are now able to do the next best thing — see them in virtual life.

Milwaukee is the first zoo in the country to have the Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience , a 360-degree live action VR film with motion platform seating.

“We are thrilled to partner with Immotion to offer this groundbreaking virtual-reality experience to our visitors,” zoo director Amos Morris said in a news release. “This one-of-a-kind experience is yet another means for us to engage guests to get interested and involved in the conservation of species and develop empathy for animals."

Viewers of the film enter a 40-person theater where they put on virtual reality headsets. When the film starts, people can turn their heads to see everything going on around them. The setting is the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda where primatologist Tara Stoinski of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund narrates the journey. 

Although the video shows the real lives of a mountain gorilla family, there is a story involved, complete with conflict as silverback gorilla Zirikana tries to assert himself against the family's dominant silverback Charles. 

Without giving spoilers, the story is interesting enough to hold the attention of people of all ages, and the high quality of the video makes you feel like you can reach out and touch the gorillas. In fact, it feels impossible to not hold out your hand to try.

That was the reaction of staff and zookeepers when they got a preview of the experience, according to Andrew Stockel, business operations manager at the zoo and the person responsible for bringing the experience to Milwaukee.

"When I first saw one of the baby gorillas, my reaction was to hold out my arms because it got so close, you feel like you can pick the gorilla up," said Stockel. "And when I watched the zookeepers' reactions in their headsets, they were all doing the proper, professional stances people are supposed to take when approaching animals in the wild." 

Before the film, there's a pre-show with interactive elements including videos about gorilla behavior and a quiz that matches your personality with one of the featured gorillas or with one of the zoo's western lowland gorillas.

Diliberti-Shea said zoo staff hope people will come away from the experience with a new understanding of gorillas' endangered status and go to the zoo's western lowland gorilla exhibit to note the similarities between the two species.

All gorillas in the wild are considered critically endangered. The most prevalent threats against their existence are poaching, hunting, loss of habitat and forest degradation.

"Making those connections between the gorillas you see in the experience and the gorillas you see in person, those are so important for our conservation mission," said Diliberti-Shea. "You never know when the next Jane Goodall or the next Dian Fossey is going to come through the zoo and get inspired to help these animals."

The Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience is expected to be at the zoo for several years, in the Otto Borchert Family Special Exhibits Building, behind Macaque Island.

Admission to the experience is $7 per person ($6 for Zoo Pass members), on top of regular zoo admission. The experience is best suited for people ages 5 and older.

Gorilla Trek is open during zoo hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day, then 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Oct. 31. Admission gates close 45 minutes prior to zoo closing time, and animal buildings close 15 minutes prior to zoo closing.

Contact Amy Schwabe at (262) 875-9488 or [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter at @WisFamilyJS , Instagram at @wisfamilyjs or Facebook at WisconsinFamily . 

Virtual Reality gorilla experience coming to the Milwaukee County Zoo

MILWAUKEE — A fully-immersive virtual reality experience is coming to the Milwaukee County Zoo, featuring gorillas!

With the experience, zoo-goers can put on a virtual reality headset and see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat of Rwanda.

According to a news release, the Milwaukee County Zoo is the first zoo in the country to unveil this experience. It is a 360-degree live-action virtual reality film with motion platform seating.

The zoo said in a statement that zoogoers will see mountain gorillas up close, so close that you can see the tiniest details of their hair. Attendees can move their heads up and down to see the gorillas' natural habitat, and see one gorilla family as it comes to meet you.

“We are thrilled to partner with Immotion to offer this groundbreaking virtual reality experience to our visitors,” Zoo Director Amos Morris said in a statement. “This one-of-a-kind experience is yet another means for us to engage guests to get interested and involved in the conservation of species and develop empathy for animals.

Prior to the virtual reality experience, there's an interactive pre-show that includes a video of gorilla behavior and an in-depth comparison of human and gorilla anatomy.

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New virtual reality experience at milwaukee county zoo.

Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality experience is Milwaukee County Zoo's newest exhibit.

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A new virtual reality experience opened at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

The local zoo is the first to have a 360 virtual reality film featuring the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, an endangered species.

The virtual reality experience will cover the jungle, mountains and volcanoes of Rwanda.

While virtually visiting Rwanda, guests will get up-close and personal with gorillas. So close that zoogoers can see the "tiniest details" of the gorilla's hair.

Not only does this experience allow guests to witness mountain gorillas, but also educates them during an interactive pre-show. The pre-show covers gorilla behavior and anatomy.

Ticket prices are $7 after regular zoo admissions. Tickets can be purchase on-site or online .

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The Milwaukee County Zoo is a place for laughter, learning, and community. Home to thousands of animals, guests of all ages have the unique opportunity to see animals they may not be able to see in the wild. The Zoo is open almost every day of the year and makes lasting memories for every zoogoer. The beautiful 190-acre wooded property provides a natural canopy as you visit animals from around the world.

If you would like to visit the Zoo more than once a year, consider purchasing a Zoo Pass! As a way to raise funds to help support the Zoo, the Zoological Society sells Zoo Passes to individuals and families. The Zoological Society is a nonprofit organization that helps support the Zoo so it can continue to provide a world-class Zoo experience for generations to come.

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Now through Feb. 28, 2023, Zoo hours are: Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

March 1 through May 27, 2023, Zoo hours are: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily

Admission gates close 45 minutes prior to Zoo closing time, and animal buildings close 15 minutes prior to Zoo closing.

The Zoo uses a Flex Pricing model. Prices may vary throughout the year. See their FAQ’s on the ticketing page here .

Milwaukee County residents with I.D. receive $1.75 off full price paid admission every day except Wednesday. On Wednesdays, Milwaukee County residents are admitted at a reduced rate of $10.50 for adults and $8.00 for children (age 3 to 12).

Parking is $15 per passenger vehicle, $20 for buses.

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The Zoo keeps guests up to date on bus routes and construction around the Zoo.

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The Zoo allows guests to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. However, if you are looking for a cool treat or classic dishes, the Zoo offers different meals to fit your needs.

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Looking for a restroom, food stand, or favorite animal? Use the Zoo map to find your way around.

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Wheelchairs are for the benefit of Zoo guests with special needs.

Note: Rentals stop 1/2 hour prior to the Zoo closing. Wheelchairs cannot be rented in advance.

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The Milwaukee County Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to offer quiet and private places to feed nursing children and/or use a breast pump. These suites are found in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place, the Dairy Complex and the Aquatic & Reptile Center. Simply call the number on the front of the suite to receive the door code for access.

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Adult, junior, and specialty strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In the summer, strollers can be rented in the tent across from the Taylor Family Humboldt Penguin Exhibit. In the winter, please stop at the gift shop in the Flamingo Cafe for stroller rentals.

Single stroller: $7 Double stroller: $10

Universal Changing Station

If you have a loved one who needs help with toileting, you’re welcome to use the Zoo’s Universal Changing Station. Just outside the Zoo’s main gift shop, the safe, clean station includes an adult-size table holding 300+ pounds, a toilet, and a sink. For access to the station, stop in the Zoo Administration office in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place and pick up the key.

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During certain times of the year, the Zoo and the Zoological Society offer animal and entertainment programs.

Animals in Action

Join us for these zookeeper- and Zoo Pride volunteer-led talks on some of the highest-profile animals at the Zoo.

Open: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (weather permitting) Admission: Free

Aquatic & Reptile Center Talk: 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Aquatic & Reptile Center Theater

Elephants Talk: 11:30 a.m. Daily Elephants in Action Pavilion

Camels Talk: 2:15 p.m. Daily Camel Habitat or Theater

Harbor Seals Talk: 3 p.m. Daily Harbor Seal Habitat

Giraffe Experience presented by Miller Lite

The Zoo’s Giraffe Experience features an outdoor enclosure for the African giraffes; a deck that lets zoogoers get face to face with and feed the giraffes; a temperature-controlled indoor public viewing area; and animal-care areas.

Giraffe Feedings: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day* Giraffe Feeding Times: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No public feedings from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit the ticket booth near the Giraffe Deck for further details and costs.

* Opportunities are subject to the giraffes’ appetites, weather and special events.

Get ready for a special encounter with some of the Zoo’s friendliest and furriest animals! The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to more than 30 Nigerian dwarf goats. Nigerian dwarf goats—smallest of the dairy breeds—are gentle, even-tempered and wonderful with children.

Open Daily: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (weather permitting) in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm Goat Feeding Times: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee: 50 cents/handful of feed

Stackner Animal Encounter

On the farm, get an up-close introduction to Wisconsin animals like ducks and porcupines at Animal Encounter programs, held in the Stackner Animal Encounter building five to six times a day. Times vary and are posted inside the farm area.

Open Daily:  Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm

Kohl’s Wild Theater

Treat the kids – and yourself – to wildlife theater at the Zoo! Professional performers use drama, songs, and puppetry to inspire visitors of all ages to learn and care more about our natural world. Catch one of our 15-minute shows on the Kohl’s Wild Theater stage in the farm this summer.

Open: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day – Closed Mondays Show Times: Noon and 1:30 p.m. Admission: Free

2024 Summer Special Exhibit

Dinosaur discovery.

More information coming soon!

Virtual Reality Experience

Gorilla trek.

Experience the jungle and live among mountain gorillas in this new virtual reality experience. Special virtual reality goggles will give you a full 360-degree view of the jungle as you learn about a gorilla family and their behaviors.

Admission: $7 for general public, $6 for Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members

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Take a trip back to yesteryear on our vintage carousel. Located across from the Train Station.

Open Daily: May through September (weather permitting) Hours: Opens daily at 9:30 a.m. Limited hours in September and October. Admission: $3 per person

ADA Accessible

Safari Train

All aboard our legendary Zoofari Express, featuring both steam and diesel locomotives. Tickets available at the Train Station.

Open Daily: May through September (weather permitting) Hours: Opens daily at 10 a.m. Limited hours in September and October. Admission: $4 per person

Go above it all and see the Zoo from a new perspective! Continuous departures across from the South American yard. (Ride embarks and disembarks at the South American yard.)

Open Daily: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (weather permitting) Hours: Check ride area for hours of operation. Limited hours in September and October. Fee: $4 per person

Society members with I.D. receive a discount. Stop by the ticket booth for details.

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Choose your journey for a unique riding experience on an open-air tram. Learn fun facts about the Zoo and the animals on this popular guided tour.

Open Daily: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (weather permitting) Limited hours in September and October.

Visit the Meijer Zoo Expeditions Headquarters for costs and times. Society members with I.D. receive a discount.

This popular stop inside the farm area is filled with slides, climbing bars and more. The playground is outside and open year round.

Sky Adventure Ropes Courses & Zip Line

The sky’s the limit for outdoor family fun and fitness at the Zoo’s Sky Adventure featuring a zip line, ropes course and mini ropes course for young children.

Zip Line The Zip Line launches thrill-seeking guests across a 500-foot, round-trip aerial runway for a magnificent view of the Zoo’s nearby forest.

Ropes Course The three-level, 24-obstacle Ropes Course sends guests traversing across rope bridges, swinging steps and beams suspended two stories above ground.

Mini Ropes Course The Mini Ropes Course, perfect for children 2 to 7 years old, features a walk-through that invites older helpers to accompany children as they navigate the course. Chaperone required.

Open Daily: May through August (weather permitting)

Zip Line: $20 Ropes Course: $15 Mini Ropes Course: $10 Zip Line and Ropes Course Combo: $30

Wild Connections

This is your chance to get up close and personal with an animal at the Zoo. Throughout the year, the Zoo offers a variety of experiences that typically include a feeding opportunity or behind-the-scenes experience. Tours are pre-determined and change seasonally.

Animals and nature have inspired poets for centuries. Since 2010, nearly 60 poems are found throughout the Zoo. They’re all about wildlife or nature and are part of a project called The Language of Conservation, presented by the Zoo in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Library. They were among five zoos and four libraries across the U.S. chosen to join this project that promotes poetry and nature.

The poems are displayed permanently throughout the Zoo in places where you might least expect to find them. Look for poetry sandblasted on rocks, projected with lights and displayed on the Peck Welcome Center boardwalk ceiling. The Zoological Society of Milwaukee contributed to the graphic design.

Find Poetry Around the Zoo

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