From the inception of the Milwaukee County Zoo at West Park in 1892, the citizens of Milwaukee have worked diligently to make it one of the finest zoos in the country. Their tireless effort and faith were rewarded. The zoo experienced many firsts, including the first polar bear born in captivity in North America, and was home to Samson, one of the largest gorillas in captivity. Throughout its history, the zoo also gained fame for innovative exhibit design. The zoo has flourished through the cooperation of Milwaukee County and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. This public-private relationship has existed successfully since 1910.

Darlene Winter has been a zoo docent for 12 years. Elizabeth Frank is not only a volunteer but also retired from the Milwaukee County Zoo as curator of large mammals. Mary Kazmierczak is librarian and information specialist for the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Most of the images in this book were provided by the zoo library, as well as the Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee Public Library, the Pabst Mansion, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Richard Brodzeller, photographer for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.