Dane County Commits to Making Henry Vilas Zoo Fossil Fuel Free by 2040
April 22, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Henry Vilas Zoo
DANE COUNTY – On Earth Day, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard celebrated a bold commitment to transition the Henry Vilas Zoo to a fossil fuel–free operation by 2040, marking a major step forward in the County’s climate leadership.
Building on a launch of this initiative last November alongside the announcement of a new solar pavilion, today’s Earth Day announcement reaffirms Dane County’s long-term commitment to eliminating fossil fuel use across zoo operations.
“Dane County is a leader when it comes to climate action, and that means setting ambitious, achievable goals,” said County Executive Agard. “By committing to make the Henry Vilas Zoo fossil fuel free, we are taking a meaningful step that reflects our values and shows what’s possible for communities across Wisconsin.”
Over the next 15 years, Dane County will work to eliminate:
- Natural gas use in zoo buildings
- Gasoline and diesel use in zoo vehicles and equipment
This transition will require thoughtful, phased investments in electrification, energy efficiency, and clean energy infrastructure across zoo facilities and operations.
A key early milestone in this effort is the new solar pavilion at the zoo, made possible through a partnership with local philanthropists Cal and Laurie Couillard. The pavilion will help power zoo operations with clean energy while serving as a visible example of renewable technology in action.
“Public-private partnerships like this one are critical to accelerating climate solutions,” Agard added. “We are grateful for the Couillards’ leadership and generosity, and we hope it inspires others to join us in this work.”
Kathy Kuntz, the Director of the office of Energy and Climate Change added, “The Henry Vilas Zoo is uniquely positioned to help our community see the future of clean energy up close. By eliminating fossil fuels entirely, not just offsetting them, we are demonstrating what is possible when innovation, partnership, and public leadership come together. This work will not only reduce emissions, it will inspire action far beyond the zoo’s gates.”