Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm
Waterford, WI
- Admission
- $13
- Accreditation
- None listed
not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Everything below is directory information drawn from public sources and the zoo's own site.
Animals at Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm
2 confirmed
Feathers & Fangs from visitors
What people who've been to Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm say
A Feather is something this zoo does well; a Fang is something it gets wrong. Left by people who've been, and read by us before they appear.
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About Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm
Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm is an interactive zoo and petting farm at 6831 Big Bend Road (Highway 164) in Waterford, Wisconsin. The zoo's website describes "diverse animals and interactive exhibits" and a number of friendly animals that visitors can interact with.
The zoo states that it is a member of the Wisconsin Zoo Association and that it is federally licensed and inspected, as well as licensed and inspected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Exhibits and habitats
The zoo's website lists kittens, chicks, bunnies, calves, llamas and goats among the animals available for hands-on encounters. It also mentions a few special guests throughout the season. The zoo notes that it does not guarantee that every guest will be able to hold an animal.
Conservation and programs
Bear Den Zoo accepts field trips and group visits. The website has a Field Trip/Groups section with contract information for booking, and it carries an agricultural tourism liability notice stating that participants assume the inherent risks of the activity. The website menu also includes a page for October.
Planning your visit
The zoo's website lists it as open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM. Ticket details are on the zoo's website under Hours and Prices.
Payment is accepted in cash only, according to the website, and credit and debit cards are not accepted. The zoo states that it watches the weather and may close because of rain or extreme heat to protect the animals. Visitors are directed to call the zoo or check its Facebook page at facebook.com/beardenzoo for closing announcements before making the trip.
The address is 6831 Big Bend Road, Waterford, WI 53185.
What we haven't confirmed
Everything above came from public sources. These specifics we haven't stood behind yet:
- Ticket prices and any group rates
- Parking
- Phone number
- Founding date and history
- Complete current animal list
Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm compared with nearby zoos
How Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm lines up against other zoos in the same state. We don't have coordinates for it yet, so these aren't ranked by distance.
| Zoo | Admission | Hours | Size | AZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Den Zoo and Petting FarmThis zooWaterford, WI | $13 | October: Sat & Sun 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM; also open Nov 1, 11–4. Season May–Oct. Closed Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day; may close for rain or extreme heat (check Facebook). | — | No |
| Animal Gardens Petting ZooDelavan, WI | $20 | Sat & Sun 10 AM – 4 PM through October; select Wednesdays/Thursday in fall 10 AM – 4 PM. | — | No |
| Concord ZooConcord, WI | Free | Zoo hours 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. | — | No |
| Doc’s ZooBonduel, WI | Free | Visit during Doc's Harley-Davidson dealership hours: Mon 9 AM–5 PM; Tue–Wed 9 AM–6 PM; Thu 9 AM–5 PM; Fri 9 AM–6 PM; Sat 9 AM–4 PM; Sun 10 AM–3 PM. New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day (dealership closures). | — | No |
Distances are straight-line. A dash means we haven't confirmed that detail yet, not that the zoo lacks it.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm: common questions
When is Bear Den Zoo open?
As listed on the zoo's website, it is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Can visitors hold the animals?
The zoo offers interactive encounters with animals such as kittens, chicks, bunnies, calves, llamas and goats, but it states that holding an animal is not guaranteed for every guest.
Does the zoo take credit cards?
No. The zoo's website says it accepts cash only.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The zoo may close during rain or extreme heat. Guests are asked to call or check the zoo's Facebook page for closure announcements.
Is Bear Den Zoo accredited by the AZA?
No. The zoo lists membership in the Wisconsin Zoo Association and federal and Wisconsin DNR licensing.
Does the zoo host school or group visits?
Yes. The website has a Field Trip/Groups section with contract information for group bookings.
Something wrong here? Tell us — we correct in place, with a dated note.