special memories zoo

For a small zoo this place really has a lot of different animals. From small turtles to bears and giraffes it is really neat. The animals are very close and there is a special petting area with an assortment of birds and animals to hold or pet. There is a small "train" ride through a wooded area to see some animals which is a lot of fun. Great for the kids as there isn't to much walking as everything is located close together.

If you can't get to Milwaukee and live close to the Fox Valley then please make your way to this zoo. It certainly has a lot for being in a small town. Very clean, lots of hands - on things to do for the kids.

When we pulled up to the place we were all like what is this. We paid our $8 expecting a whole lot of nothing, but they had EVERYTHING. The animals were so close you could probably stick your hand in their cages. Don't do that! We'll be back to see the animals again.

We went in early August and found the entire experience pretty depressing. I am not an animal expert, but can safely say there is little to no attempt to replicate their natural environments. The cages were small, the water provided to them looked dirty and stinky. The big animals were especially sad. There was a tiger in a small cage that paced back and forth the entire time we were there.I can't in good conscience ever go back and support this zoo.

We decided to check out the Special Memories Zoo on a recent trip to Appleton. We went in the early afternoon, not expecting it to be a very long visit. We actually closed the place down as we encountered much more than we expected. Now keep in mind that this isn't a big-city zoo, but for where it's located they have a pretty decent range of animals including lions, tigers, bears, and a lot of native WI wildlife. The "train" (not a real train) takes you on a path where WI native animals are housed (a lot of babies). They have a decent playground for the kids too. All in all we were quite pleased with our experience. I certainly wouldn't drive way out of my way to come, but if you're in the area it's definitely a place to spend 3 hours or so.

My nine year old daughter and I went here as part of mother-daughter day. We both absolutely LOVED it! It was clean and clearly well maintained. It cost $14.50 for the two of us and we were pleasantly surprised by the many different types of animals. Staff was knowledgable and friendly. We will definitely go back!

This zoo is a big waste of money. Plus the animals look so incredibly sad with very little room to roam, and have no shade in the heat of summer. The zoo has signs all over saying they are approved by state laws and everything is the way it is supposed to be (ummm...?! Why even need to say this?). Zoo is stinky and dirty and not well maintained. Feeling very sad since leaving the zoo and will not be returning. HIGHLY recommend the NEW Zoo in Green Bay.

I came here with my son's 1st grade class, and can say this zoo is the worst ever. The only good thing about this zoo was the playground. All the kids preferred the playground over looking at the animals. And here's why:1. The place is not very well maintained. It stunk like pee and very grassy. 2. The animals looked depressed as they're all caged in small cages, even the lions and tigers. 3. There are signs that say the cages were inspected by the government and are approved (what zoo does that?). 4. The train ride was soooo boring. The guide, Gretchen stopped every couple feet to bang on the animal cages so they would wake up and run around. While it's nice to see them run around, it wasn't necessary. That said, I'm certainly surprised to see more good reviews than bad. I think this place really needs to work on their cleanliness and provide more space for their bigger animals such as lions, tigers, bears, camel and zebra to run around and play. It's really sad to see how depressed they looked. If you're in town and want visit a zoo, I recommend The NEW Zoo in Green Bay.

First off, I am NOT a PETA person. we actually own a farm and we know that those organizations exaggerate and try to get people worked up about nothing. However, I felt uncomfortable at this zoo as the animals seemed miserable. Our cows have shade,heavy duty fans, even sprinklers, plus thousands of square feet they have access to at any time, and food and water available 24/7. These poor animals live in very small quarters. It would be like someone owning a dog and keeping it in a small kennel all day (yes I know some people do this, but it doesn't mean it's kind). The day we went the train was running every 30 minutes do to field trips. The gal driving the train (Gretchen) would bang on the cages, telling the animals to wake up. The poor woodchucks... one just wanted to sit on his perch away from the others. She banged around until he got down. One of the other two he was clearly trying to avoid was pissed and chased and bit at him until he went back his perch. I didn't understand why a resting animal would be rousted every 30 minutes to fight with another animal just to 'entertain' us. I'm sure to some I sound overly concerned as I think people who leave their dog tied outside on a short chain without water or attention are cruel too... but I don't know any farmer who would ever treat their animals the way this zoo does or the way some people treat their pets (not most ,but some).

Great having a zoo basically in my backyard. A zoo on a smaller scale which doesn't require so much walking as in bigger zoos. I took my granddaughters there and we all had a great time viewing the animals. They have quite a few different animals and you can get very close to them. They also have a petting zoo area where you can get right in with goats, ducks, rabbits, etc. Young children will love this zoo as well as Grandmas and Grandpas because it is scaled down.

This is such an awesome place to make "Special Memories" at with your family, children, grandchildren or just the 2 lovebirds!

This zoo is small enough for even the youngest people, yet it has so many marvelous animals! And they are really taken care of! Great place for families of all ages!

nice little zoo and close to Appleton, We visit every year. They have a bird house you can go into and the birds just fly around freely.

This is one of our favorite places to visit. They sell baby bunnies and baby skunks. No other zoo let you get this close to tigers and bears.They have a giant pig you can feed for a quarter. We were searching our pockets for a quarter and one of the employees walked by and dropped two quarters on the machine for the kids. They have great staff. Highly recommended!!

Live only 30 minutes from this unique zoo. First time visit last weekend. Granddaughter was totally in love with the different animals that are not found at other zoos. The. Petting area allows children to stay and pet many of the animals. You can bring in your cooler and eat in the picnic areas surrounded by animals.