ABOUT FRIENDS OF IRVINE PARK ZOO

The Friends of the Irvine Park Zoo is a small group of volunteers that was formed in the 90’s to raise money for new habitats for the animals that reside there. Over the past decade, our group has given over $250,000 towards the construction of the bear and large cat exhibits and for animal enrichment, educational material, repairs, and other projects not in the city’s budget. We do not contribute to the maintenance of the park or zoo itself.

We were gifted a beneficiary of the Geraldine Forchette Estate in the amount of $166,000 which will be designated toward the building of the small animal and aviary.

As part of our fundraising, we offer commemorative bricks that are installed along the exhibits.

Irvine Park History

Irvine Park was established in 1906, and provides the citizens and visitors of the Chippewa Valley with quality opportunities for recreation and education. This free park offers a unique blend of activities and encounters with the natural world. We believe these encounters contribute to the wellbeing and enrich the lives of thousands from all economic levels.

The bear exhibit was built in 1909 and the cat exhibit in 1971. Construction of the 5,200 square foot bear exhibit was completed in Spring 2005 and the cougar exhibit in 2008, bobcats in 2009.

Irvine Park Location

Located in the city of Chippewa Falls, WI, the Irvine Park Zoo is a 318-acre public park that is home to tigers, bobcats, cougars, black bears, deer, bison, and other wildlife.

During the summer months visit the Red Barn Petting Zoo to get a hands on animal experience. Two historic markers are also located in the park, Sunny Valley School House and the Norwegian Log Home. From Thanksgiving to New Years enjoy the Christmas Village with 100 lighted displays and over 100,000 lights.