Building a greener future at Henry Vilas Zoo
When people visit Henry Vilas Zoo, they come to connect with wildlife, make family memories, and experience one of Dane County’s greatest community treasures. They’ll also see sustainability in action.
We recently celebrated the opening of our new solar pavilion, generously donated by the Couillard family. This is an exciting milestone that represents the first major step toward an ambitious goal: making Henry Vilas Zoo fossil fuel free by 2040.
Over the coming years, we’ll continue investing in energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy throughout zoo operations. Progress takes time, a clear vision and steady investment. The new solar pavilion demonstrates what that progress looks like.
The pavilion will generate clean electricity for zoo operations while giving hundreds of thousands of annual visitors a chance to see renewable energy at work in their own community. Every visit offers an opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation, sustainability and the role each of us can play in protecting our environment.
Through our Office of Energy and Climate Change and the Dane County Climate Action Plan, we are expanding clean energy, improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preparing our communities for a changing climate. The new solar pavilion reflects our commitment to leading by example and creating a healthier, more resilient future for everyone.
Climate action is built through thoughtful decisions and consistent investment. Each project moves us closer to our goals while strengthening our community and protecting the natural resources that make Dane County such a special place to live.
Henry Vilas Zoo has always inspired people to care for the natural world. As we move toward a fossil fuel free future, the zoo will continue inspiring visitors through conservation, innovation and environmental stewardship for generations to come.
