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Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered here, please email and we will respond as soon as possible. If you have an immediate question, please call Ocean Connections at 414-453-5527 ext 1.
General Questions
All interactive programs require liability and participation forms on file prior to the start of the program. These forms vary by program and may be completed online or in person during program check-in.
Summer Camp Check-In
Check-in for all summer camp programs will occur at the Milwaukee County Zoo Walk-In Gate. Please look for the Ocean Connections sign for registration. Please allow extra time for check-in on the first day of camp to review important information. Camp participants do not check-in at the Sea Lion Shoppe. Please refrain from entering the Milwaukee County Zoo Main Gates.
Other Programs
Check-in for all other interactive programs will occur at the Sea Lion Shoppe which is located on the northeast side of the zoo near Monkey Island. Program check-in begins 30 minutes prior to the program start time. Please allow extra time to enter and navigate the zoo to reach our Sea Lion Shoppe at least 30 minutes before your program is scheduled to begin. This will allow ample time to check in all participants, ensure paperwork is complete and provide an orientation to participants and families.
We strongly encourage participants to visit the restroom prior to the start of their program.
Some classes or camps may include an animal that participants can touch or see up close at the discretion of a trainer. All interactive programs include some level of animal interaction; however, Aquatic Adventure is the only program that includes petting.
Pre-paid merchandise will be available for pick up on the first day of your program. Merchandise will be distributed at our Sea Lion Shoppe located north of Monkey Island, just outside of the Ocean Connections show stadium.
Ocean Connections offers a photo session following most Seal and Sea Lion Shows. For more information please visit our Photo Program page.
Photos are taken during every interactive program and will be available for review and purchase following the program. We offer a variety of photo packages including digital photos and/or a USB photo option so that you may take your memories of your time with us home with you.
Yes. We offer group programs perfect for scout troops, community groups, family outings, special occasions and birthday parties. All Private Parties can be tailored to fit age groups 5 years and older making them a truly unique experience. For more information please visit our Private Parties page.
All interactive programs run rain or shine. Participants should come dressed for all weather conditions. (i.e., rain poncho, closed-toed shoes, boots, hat, gloves, etc.) Umbrellas will not be allowed in animal areas or utilized during interaction times.
In the event of severe weather, accommodations may be made to postpone or reschedule your program. Ocean Connections will make these determinations and contact you with as much notice as possible.
Interactive Programs are Non-refundable
Rescheduling: Rescheduling may be done 14 days prior to the program date without penalty dependent upon availability. You may offer your program session to a friend of the same age if rescheduling is not possilble. Please alert us of any participant changes. All changes will need to be verified by Ocean Connections staff.
If you need to reschedule less than 14 days prior to your scheduled program, you may reschedule with a rescheduling fee.
Reservation Rescheduling Fees associated with less than a 14 day notice are as follows. Summer Camp reservations will be charged a $50.00 rescheduling fee per reservation and are based on availability. All other program reservations will be charged a $25.00 rescheduling fee per reservation and are based on availability.
If you miss a program due to a medical issue, you may provide a doctor’s note confirming care within two weeks of your missed program to reschedule your program without penalty. All rescheduled programs are subject to program availability.
Please access your Ocean Connections account to reschedule your programs. We do not issue refunds.
If we cancel: In the event that Ocean Connections must cancel a program due to based on weather restrictions or animal needs we will attempt to reschedule the program or extend a credit for a time which will work for you. If we are unable to do so, or if we cannot accommodate you in another session, you will receive a refund.
COVID- 19 Rescheduling/ Cancellations: All efforts are being made to to provide programming under Milwaukee County Direction. In the event that a program can not run due to State or County restrictions, we will make every effort to reschedule the program, provide you credit for our upcoming season or credit for an operating program. All rescheduling will be handled on a case by case basis.
Program start times are not flexible. Due to animal and show schedules and in respect of other program participants, all programs will begin promptly at their start time. If you arrive late, please check in at the Sea Lion Shoppe where we will ensure all paperwork is complete. We will then allow you to join the program already in progress.
It’s important that you check your confirmation immediately. If you arrive on a day other than the date on your confirmation, we will not be able to accommodate you. Interactive programs have limited availability. If there is availability for a future program/camp, you may register again and pay the program fee.
If you miss a program due to a medical issue, you must provide a doctor’s note confirming care within two weeks of your missed program in order to reschedule your program without penalty. All rescheduled programs are subject to program availability.
We do not issue refunds if you miss your program.
Program participants will not be allowed to bring cameras into their program. It is important that you give the animals and training staff your complete focus and attention to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Our staff will take photos during the interactive program that will be available for review and purchase following each program.
As an Observer, you will have the opportunity to take still photographs from our designated area, but we ask that you remain seated to help minimize distraction for our animals. Videotaping during programs is prohibited. For more information please visit our Observer Program page.
If your child requires any medication (prescription or non-prescription) while attending a program, you must fill out and sign a medication form for each day your child attends.
Children must be the required age by the date of the session. Exceptions for children with special needs should be arranged by calling Ocean Connections 414-453-5527 ext 1 prior to registering.
Please contact Ocean Connections to discuss any special needs with our training staff. We need to be notified in advance of programs due to the safety considerations while working with animals. We want to ensure that we set both animals and participants up for successful interactions. We have the ability to tailor programs to accommodate a variety of special needs and would be happy to work with you.
In order for everyone to enjoy the program, we request that you silence your cell phone and/or pager when participating in an interactive program.
Contact Ocean Connections at 414-453-5527 ext 1 to get in touch with your child in case of an emergency.
Inform the staff when your child is dropped off for class or camp. If you need an early pick up after you drop off your child, call Ocean Connections at 414-453-5527 ext 1.
Contact Ocean Connections at 414-453-5527 ext 1 to notify us of the participant’s absence. If you miss a program due to a medical issue, you must provide a doctor’s note within two weeks of your missed program confirming care to reschedule your program without penalty. All rescheduled programs are subject to program availability.
If you have any questions regarding the Ocean Connections interactive programs or your registration, please contact Ocean Connections at 414-453-5527 ext 1 or contact us here.
Aquatic Adventure
The Aquatic Adventure program is an in-water interactive program where you enter the animal’s environment on a waist-deep wet dock. You will be wearing a life vest and water shoes for your safety and comfort when interacting with our animals. This is not a swim program. All of our interactions occur in a controlled setting where we bring the animals to you.
No. Participants should be comfortable entering waist-deep water but will not be required to swim. You will be fitted with a life vest and water shoes for your safety and comfort when interacting with our animals. All interactions occur on a submerged dock about 3-4 feet in depth where we bring the animals to you.
Yes. All participants between the ages of 6 - 12 must have a paying participating adult (18 years or older) in the program with them. This is for the safety and comfort of our guests and animals.
Please wear or bring a swim suit to wear during the interactive portion of the program. You may come to the zoo with your swim suit already on beneath your clothes or may change prior to the animal interactive time.
No. Please come prepared to enter the pool wearing a swim suit. If you already own a rash guard or wet suit you are welcome to bring it along and wear it in the program; however we do not provide wet suits for participants.
Please bring a swim suit, towel and change of clothes for each participant. We provide a changing area equipped with a cold, freshwater shower and changing stall for participant use following the program.
We recommend you leave valuables at home. Participants will be asked to remove all jewelry and sunglasses prior to entering the water for the safety of our animals. Ocean Connections will provide guest lockers to store your personal items during the interaction but will not be held responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
Sea Lion Splash and Caring for Flippered Friends
Ocean Connections reserves the right to cancel seal and sea lion show participation without advance notice due to inclement weather or animal needs. In this event, an alternate private presentation will be provided or we may extend an invitation to a future public presentation. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause.
No. Sea Lion Splash and Caring for Flippered Friends are pool-side programs. Participants will interact with our animals in dry areas where they may be splashed by the animals, but will not enter the pool.
We ask that participants dress for the weather. On hot summer days, we have the ability to get children wet while learning about animal adaptations at each participant’s comfort. We are always respectful of the weather/temperature conditions and comfort of our participants. At times children may only get splashed by a little pool water as the animal enters and exits the environment and at others they may get completely soaked.
Sea Lion Splash and Caring for Flippered Friends are 1 ½ hour programs. We recommend that participants bring a towel and water bottle to the program.
Underwater Journey Summer Camps
AM/PM extended care is offered only during our summer camp programs. AM/PM extended care is not an extension of the camp. It is supervised care for children ages 7-13 who are attending full-day camps. There is a $15.00 fee for each AM care session and a $10.00 fee for each PM care session. With registration, you may drop off your child for AM extended care as early as 8:00 am and pick up your child from PM extended care by 5:00 pm. There are no refunds for canceling these sessions and arrangements must be made in advance.
Your camper should bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or heated. He or she should also bring a reusable water bottle with them every day. A backpack is recommended with sun screen, a light jacket, and a hat. Please label all personal items with the camper's name.
Campers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Please dress for the weather. We plan on being outside at times, so campers should dress appropriately. We suggest a rain jacket and umbrella on rainy days, and sunscreen and hat on hot, sunny days. Please apply sunscreen prior to the start of camp so we are ready to explore the zoo.
No. Parents have the option of sending a bag lunch and beverage for each day of camp or purchasing box lunches from the Milwaukee County Zoo. The cost for box lunches is $5.50 per lunch and must be ordered in advance.
A snack and beverage are provided during the camp day. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions your child may have.
No. Campers must bring a lunch and beverage or pre-order a box lunch for each day of camp. Camp will be going on during our busy season, so purchasing food in the cafeteria will not be possible. Campers will not be permitted to use vending machines around the zoo or visit food vendors outdoors. Campers will not have access to refrigerators or microwaves. Please make sure your camper eats a complete breakfast before coming to camp each morning.
We serve a snack in all of our summer camp programs. Please include these details on your child’s emergency forms to inform us of any food-related allergies.
Private Parties
Private Parties are unique group experiences that can be tailored to fit age groups 5 years and older. They are perfect for birthday parties, scout troops, community groups, family outings and special occasions. Private parties include educational activities and animal interaction time. For more information about these programs, please visit our Private Parties page.
No. We do not have a designated party room at Ocean Connections. There are many public picnic areas located around the zoo that could be utilized for this purpose.
Ocean Connections reserves the right to cancel seal and sea lion show participation without advance notice due to inclement weather or animal needs. In this event, an alternate private presentation will be provided or we may extend an invitation to a future public presentation. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause.
Private Parties can be tailored to meet ages 5 and older. Due to the uniqueness of this program,phone reservations are required. For details or to book a party, please feel free to call us at 414-453-5527 ext 1 or contact us here.
