Bruemmer Park Zoo to hold party for new bobcat space, sign, giraffe sculpture

KEWAUNEE - A new home for the bobcats at Bruemmer Park Zoo is officially complete, and the Zoological Society of Kewaunee County is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate.

The zoological society is throwing a party for the public to celebrate the new bobcat exhibit and other additions from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 3. Free cake will be served at 12:30 p.m., and food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the event with proceeds benefiting the zoo.

Construction on the bobcat exhibit started in November and was completed as weather permitted. It recently finished with the installation of a secondary fence around the space — which at 48 by 24 feet is nearly twice as big as the former space — and the zoo's two bobcats, Baxter and Isabella, have moved in.

“These bobcats are loving their new exhibit. Both are enjoying the extra room to roam,” said Dave Myers, Kewaunee County Promotion & Recreation Director. “This is just the beginning of what we have planned for this little zoo, so stay tuned.”

The approximate $35,000 cost of the new exhibit was paid for with donations made directly to the zoological society and at fundraising events that include Zoobilee, held each October, and ZoupArt, held in February.

The zoological society recently wrapped up a series of meetings with Green Bay-based architectural and planning firm Dimension IV for a master plan that includes space for potential new exhibits, a nature center, new public restrooms, ADA accessible pathways and parking.

“This zoo is a landmark in Kewaunee County and we’re extremely grateful for the continued support that we receive, so we can make improvements,” said Pam Zander, president of the zoological society.

There’s also a new entrance sign at the zoo, funded by donations. The $7,438 sign was installed last fall.

Another unique addition to the zoo is “Melvin,” a 20-foot tall metal sculpture giraffe that was constructed and welded together by Kewaunee business owner Mike Remme.

Bruemmer Park Zoo is at E4280 County F, at the intersection with County C, about two miles northwest of Kewaunee. Regular zoo hours are from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Admission is free, although donations are accepted..

To make a donation to the Zoological Society of Kewaunee County or for more information about the nonprofit group and Bruemmer Park Zoo, visit www.bruemmerparkzoo.com.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Bruemmer Park Zoo to hold party for new bobcat space, sign, giraffe sculpture