Registration is now closed for this event, thank you for your interest!
Three Blue and Gold macaws, all in side profile with curious faces, perched together on a rock ledge at Henry Vilas Zoo. Photo by Eric Kilby FCC.
Join us for Black Birders Week 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin with the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, Feminist Bird Club, and Henry Vilas Zoo! This special event is a great way for you to explore the Zoo before it opens to the public, looking and listening for wild birds that visit the property as well as captive birds that are on exhibit.
Meet at Henry Vilas Zoo at 8:00AM. You can enter through the north or south gates no earlier than 8AM, and meet at the check in point in the middle of the zoo (see the red box on the map below and attached). You'll get your event badge and t-shirt there.
8:30-9:30 Welcome, introductions, and breakfast.
9:30-10:30 Guided bird walks through the zoo, led by members of the BIPOC Birding Club, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, and Feminist Bird Club.
10:30-11 Animal encounters, courtesy of the zookeepers. We'll have a few different stations set up, so you'll be able to meet a variety of zoo friends.
After 11AM Our event ends, but you're invited to stay as long as you want during the zoo's open hours! You'll get a wristband to ride the carousel and train as much as you want
(The Zoo opens to the public at 9:30 AM)
Black Birders Week event shirt, provided free to attendees.
The event is limited to 120 participants (including both adults and children), and each attendee will receive free, private access to the Zoo as described above, as well as a free t-shirt and breakfast. Registration is free but required to we can have enough supplies for all! Registration opens April 1.
We’re excited to welcome bird lovers of all backgrounds to celebrate joy, community, and the great outdoors. This event is open to everyone, and we especially encourage our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA+ community members to attend.
*Depending on the Avian Flu situation, this component of the event is subject to change
What to Expect and Accessibility
What would be helpful to make this event work for you? Please share any relevant information in the registration form below!
Restrooms are located throughout the zoo (map of the zoo), including a Family Room / All-Gender Restroom located in the center of the zoo, next to the Reptile House and Flamingo enclosure.
If you would like to use a wheelchair, please enter through the north gate. Wheelchairs are kept inside that gate so you'll have easier access to them. This event is fully accessible to individuals using mobility devices -- we will be walking on mostly level paved paths, and there are no steps into any areas.
The zoo has a very limited number of strollers available, so for those with very young children, if you're able to bring your stroller that would be best.
The weather forecast for Saturday morning looks beautiful -- sunny and 60s during our event. Please bring water and sun protection if you wish, and dress for the weather.
Registration is now closed, thank you for your interest!
Cover photo by Eric Kilby FCC
