This geocache is part of the West Bend GeoTour:
Twenty geocaches have been hidden throughout our historic city that highlight the best of West Bend in any season!
To earn a geocoin, teams must pick up a West Bend GeoTour Passport from the Chamber of Commerce (preferred method) or download a passport. Collect 25 points as detailed in the passport. Link to Updated Passport: West Bend GeoTour Passport.
Remember to record the password from this cache in your GeoTour Passport!
GeoTour Stop #13: Shalom Wildlife Zoo
Shalom is a 100-acre zoo that started as land preservation. Shalom's wildlife began as a deer farm with native whitetail deer that were purchased from the State of Wisconsin. People would come to see those "Big Bucks" on guided wagon ride tours through the property. The tours provided a great opportunity to educate visitors on animals, plants, habitat and Native American culture. In 1990, Bison and Elk were added for additional wildlife viewing enjoyment. Soon red fox, raccoon, skunk and mink were purchased and put on exhibit. Every year more species are added, and Shalom is now home to over two-hundred animals that are cared for daily.
In 2014, two baby brown bears, named Lewis and Clark, were brought to Shalom after being abandoned by their mother at another zoo. They have become quite the little celebrities. They recently were on Good Morning America and The Shepard Express publication in Milwaukee is having a cutest contest between Lewis and Clark and Hank the dog of the Milwaukee Brewers.
For kids, each season provides different treasures to find along the 3 miles of trails, and learning stations give the whole family an fun educational experience. In spring, lots of baby animals are being born, such as Whitetail deer fawns, baby elk and bison calves. In July, Sika and Fallow Deer are being born. August is the most beautiful time to see the deer and elk with their antlers fully grown. In October, Deer, Elk and Bison are most active amid the beautiful fall colors. In December, a special Holiday Drive-Thru the Zoo is available from your car.
The zoo is funded solely by admission tickets and donations. Self-guided walking tours are available as well as golf carts. Besides the wildlife, view one of the world's largest collections of deer and elk antlers, tour the Indian artifact museum, spend time at the Children's play area, or explore the Farm petting zoo. To learn more, visit www.shalomwildlife.com.
The Geocache: You are looking for an ammo box with room for swag and trackables. The cache is near the mailbox with informational brochures about the zoo. There is an entrance admission for the zoo, but no fee is required to find the cache. If you decide to visit the zoo (very highly recommended!), let them know you heard about it from geocaching. This cache is available any season. Permission was granted to hide this cache by owner Dave.