Wisconsin Life

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The Shalom Wildlife Zoo has more than 100 acres to explore. I met with co-owner David Fechter to learn more about how this expansive zoo got its start. My wife, Lana, and I both grew up on Shalom Drive. What is today Shalom Wildlife Zoo was actually part of a huge estate. I was the caretaker, and my wife was the housekeeper. Later on in life, we fell in love, and the property was sold and was gonna be subdivided. And so, we decided let's buy the land and preserve it. And so that's kinda how it started.

Angela

That is amazing. So it's just grown from there. - That's correct. So, are you all both involved in the day-to-day operations of the zoo? Yes, we work about 20 hours a day.

both laughing

Angela

Seven days a week. So it is definitely a commitment to something that we find is enjoyable.

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Angela

An experience that's enjoyable for guests too, as they engage with local, exotic and endangered animals. We have over 70 species. We have probably over 500 animals and animals from all over the world. But it mainly started with deer, bison, elk, native species, and this year we have tigers. Hi, hi, hi. Well, we have the lemurs; they are another endangered species. We have some red-footed tortoises from Brazil that are endangered species. So it's just to try to educate the people on the importance. They see how beautiful they are. And we see a big tiger, we go, "Wow," but there's a little turtle that we should go, "Wow," too, 'cause it's also endangered. It's important work that couldn't be done without community support. So tell me, how does the community support what you do? I understand there's a food donation process they can-- Right, yeah, we're really taken care of well by our community. Every day at our zoo entrance, people donate food. People just love coming to Shalom, and they just help keep it going. From big cats to small creatures, there are opportunities to interact with the critters here. There are hedgehogs. Hey! I'm guessing these animals can be petted.

Zookeeper

Yeah.

Angela laughing

Zookeeper

Large tortoises. So this is Littles. - So, I mean-- You can touch her back. - Can it feel when you do this? Yes, so the shell is actually a part of their body. - Okay. And I can't forget the hissing cockroaches. Do they fly? - They do not fly. They do not have any wings of any kind. - That's comforting. For David, the Shalom Wildlife Zoo is a special place, one that's been a lifetime in the making. The most amazing thing to me is all the people that come, that I see families coming out here, and it's almost, sometimes I gotta pinch myself that it's hard to believe that what started out as just preservation of the land turned into this huge community endeavor.

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Zookeeper

I don't have food for you. You're sweet.

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