About NEW Zoological Society, Inc.
We champion Northeast Wisconsin’s only Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited Zoo.
As an independent, non-profit organization, our dedicated team works to exclusively support the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park through funds, programs, and services. Financial support from the Society helps the Zoo in its operations and provides capital support for major projects to create clean, safe, environmentally accurate habitats for the animals. In turn, visitors of all ages can enjoy an incredible zoo experience right in Suamico, Wisconsin—just a short drive from Green Bay!
As the NEW Zoo operates without local or regional tax support for daily operations and is one of less than 10 AZA-accredited zoos in the nation that do so, all donations are greatly appreciated.
Mission Statement
The NEW Zoological Society, Inc. is an independent organization that supports a Northeastern Wisconsin educationally oriented, accredited zoological facility (NEW Zoo), which will present animals in natural settings.
The NEW Zoological Society, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization, seeks to involve the community through financial and in-kind support, for capital improvements of the properties and related projects.
Meet Our Staff and Board
As a non-profit, NEW Zoological Society is led by a passionate group of volunteer board and staff members. Get to know the names and faces of the people who serve and support zoological efforts right here in Northeast Wisconsin.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Gary Ehrbar, President
Joe Draves, Vice President
Tony Ehrbar, Secretary
Directors Emeriti
Steve Bieda
Judy Krawczyk
Active Directors
Brian T. Flood
Paul Kosmoski
Kathy Treankler
Sara Dietzen
Tom Decker
Staff
Kristine Schuetze
Development Manager
History of NEW Zoological Society
Our story begins with the zoo’s story.
After sparks from a train scorched 80 acres of Brown County, an open prison was formed in 1950 for inmates to reforest the land under the leadership of Superintendent Harry Barth. As part of the local park system, the Reforestation Camp regrew to its natural state with scenic additions such as ponds and bridges. When Barth passed away in 1951, his wife, Aurelia, continued to enhance the Reforestation Camp, adding wild animals, including a bear, timber wolf, and deer, within her first year.
The County Park Commission hired its first zookeeper in 1973 to care for the animals. The park continued to thrive for over 10 years, but when local funds began to diminish in 1985, a grassroots fundraising group, NEW Zoo Boosters, was formed. Since then, our thriving non-profit, now called NEW Zoological Society, has funded numerous initiatives at NEW Zoo & Adventure Park to make it the sprawling, cherished local landmark it is today.
Accomplishments, Thanks to Donor Generosity:
1989
Added education center, sewer and water system, electric services, pond, hands-on animal habitat building and concession area
1990
Added World Animals habitats for international animals, emphasizing endangered species education
1992
Added eagle and waterfowl habitat, Visitor Center, Children’s Zoo and African lion habitat
1996
NEW Zoo completes four years of work to earn American Zoos & Aquariums Association (AZA) accreditation
1997
Added marten and fisher, Wisconsin game bird, African penguin, kookaburra and otter habitats and whitetail deer yard
Expanded Australian and emu habitats
Introduced first Zoomobile
1999
Established a 10-year master plan to best serve the regional community
Renovated Wisconsin Trail, Riley Building and Northwood’s moose, red wolf and black-footed ferret habitats
NEW Zoo added white alligator
2003
Added red panda habitat and endangered species carousel
2005
Added the indoor Giraffe Discovery Center
2006
Expanded outdoor giraffe habitat
2008
Added snow macaque and alligator habitats
2010
Added “Land of Giants” Aldabra tortoise habitat
2012
Added new public Education and Conservation Center
2015
Opened Cornerstone Animal Hospital
2016
Renovated former animal hospital, adding a new Nutrition Center
2019
Upgraded two playgrounds, a gas-powered train and badger and prairie dog habitats, including pop-up tunnels for guests
2020
Added new Zoomobile
2022
Added Neil Anderson Canopy Tour and dump trailer for the maintenance department
Renovated snow monkey flooring
2023
Renovated snow leopard habitat, expanded giraffe barn
Added moose misting system, new playground equipment and animal hospital X-ray machine
2025
Created a comprehensive marketing plan
Added Children’s Zoo goat tower and fencing, alligator pool and a claw machine
You Can Make a Difference
You can make a difference with a donation to support the animals that call the NEW Zoo home!
About NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
Set in the wooded beauty of Brown County, the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park brings together global wildlife, local pride and thrilling experiences designed to connect people of all ages to nature, the community and each other. Visit the zoo website to learn more about its offerings and plan your next visit.