MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County Zoo has been offering fun experiences for people of all ages since it first opened at its present location back in 1958. And one attraction that has been there from day one is celebrating its 60th birthday.
That attraction is known today as the North Shore Bank Safari Train. Back in 1958, the Milwaukee Journal Newspaper donated a custom steam engine to the zoo. Since then, this 8-ton train has been carrying an average of 400,000 people per year through the zoo.
In honor of the train's birthday and significance to the Milwaukee County Zoo, eight 4-foot wood sculptures will be placed near the tracks throughout the woods. Each sculpture represents a state symbol, or a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service threatened or endangered species, according to a news release.
