Explore Marshfield – Wildwood Zoo Store
Wildwood Zoo is more popular than ever thanks in part to new additions such as the Kodiak Bear exhibit and three new wolves. Helping fundraise for new features and to sustain current exhibits is Wildwood Zoological Society, which since 2013 has operated a Zoo Store out of one of the buildings on-site.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the store’s mission is to raise funds to support the zoo.
“Every penny that we make in the zoo store goes back to the zoo,” said Tom Buttke, Zoological Society President, adding that the funds raised help buy animals or support exhibits.
“For example, we bought a bighorn sheep that was $6,000,” he said. “We also gave $143,000 to the new bear exhibit, so it’s very important to make money in our zoo store.”
With animal-themed umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, stuffed animals lining the walls, t-shirts, wood carvings from Serenity Designs, and trinkets adorning the shelves, and the smell of popcorn in the air, the zoo store is a fun stop for children and families visiting Wildwood.
“We hear from people that visit that we have an awesome zoo, especially for the size of the community,” said Buttke. “We just hear wonderful comments.”
Buttke added that the zoo always needs to donations to continue being a free zoo. “Any donations or supporting us in the zoo store helps,” he said.
The Wildwood Zoological Society keep prices low in an effort to provide a fun experience worth a return visit.
Summer store hours are 10:00am-3:30pm every day. For more fun at the zoo, check out Zoo Fest, taking place June 18.
