Publication Archive
Our History in Print
Explore our extensive publications archive to learn more about the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Zoo! Our archives go back more than 50 years and make an incredible resource for research, school projects and more. Find out more about our education, conservation, and zoo support efforts while experiencing beautiful and exciting photos from decades past.
Alive, 1981-Present
This full-color member magazine features stories on animal conservation throughout the world, animals and exhibits at the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Zoological Society’s extensive education programs that teach about animals and the environment. There are also children’s activities, people profiles and photography layouts, along with a full calendar in the fall issue with stunning animal photos. The magazine is published in winter and fall.
Wild Things, 1995-Present
This full-color member newsletter keeps you up to date about coming events, animal news at the Milwaukee County Zoo, volunteer opportunities, field trips and animal sponsorships. Wild Things is published five times a year.
PlatyPress, 1991-2015
The Zoological Society published a special newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle, our high-end giving group, with member profiles, animal updates and event information. To be good stewards of your charitable donations, PlatyPress was discontinued in 2015 and the information was folded into Alive, Wild Things and member e-mails.
Milwaukee Zoo News, 1951-1962
The first issue of Milwaukee Zoo News was May 1951, just in time to promote the official summer opening of the Milwaukee County Zoo (still the Washington Park Zoo at that time). Back then the Zoo was not open all year, as it is now. The newsletter was an 8 ½-by-11-inch, glossy, black-and-white publication of four pages. It featured lots of news about new animals at the Zoo plus a few photos. Our archives are missing several issues of this newsletter. If you have copies of any missing issues, please call 414-258-2333 and ask for the publications department.
Animal Talk, 1963-1980
The successor to Milwaukee Zoo News was Animal Talk. This chatty, fun-to-read newsletter was started and written by Walter Kroening, the first executive director of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. His was an unpaid position, and he devoted many hours to the Zoological Society and to promoting the Zoo.
