The Henry Vilas Zoological Society agreed to transfer almost all of its remaining funds — about $8 million — to the Madison Community Foundation after a rift developed between the Dane County and the society earlier in 2019 over funds management at the zoo.
According to a Wisconsin State Journalstory, the zoological society will divvy up the funds three ways at MCF: $6.5 million will be used to fund educational initiatives, animal welfare expenses, and capital projects; $1 million will go into a permanent endowment; and about $600,000 will be set aside for any additional zoo-related needs. The county and the zoological society have been battling for months over money issues, though the society denies any wrongdoing.
