Snow-covered ground helps biologists to tally in chronic wasting disease zones    

Helicopter teams will conduct aerial deer counts throughout Dane and Iowa counties and near Baraboo from Wednesday through mid-February, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

DNR biologists are conducting aerial deer counts in portions of the chronic wasting disease management zone.

Regional spokesman Bob Manwell in Fitchburg said in a news release Wednesday that completion of the deer count operation is dependent on the presence of several inches of snow, which helps deer stand out on the landscape from the air.

Areas in western Dane and eastern Iowa counties and in the Baraboo area by Devil’s Lake State Park are scheduled for survey flights, officials said.

The DNR said about 260 square mile sections will be surveyed.

The Zoo Century Gala will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Electronic Theatre Controls in Middleton. 

The public is invited to attend what's being called an elegant evening at the uniquely picturesque venue to culminate the year's 100th Anniversary Celebration. 

The premiere Zoo Century Gala will feature live entertainment from Dueling Pianos, delectable hors d'oeuvres and drinks provided by Johnny Delmonico's, signature drinks including a "Tigertini" and "Polar Ice," a cash bar and silent auction with once-in-a-lifetime Animal Encounter Opportunities and much, much more.

Zoo Education Animals will also be on site to meet and greet Gala guests. 

The guests are asked to dress semi-formal or in 1920s evening attire which is suggested. 

This spring, Mounds Pet Food Warehouse stores collected donations for Henry Vilas Zoo's animal enrichment program.  During the month of April, Mounds staff raised more than $18,000 which will be used to purchase new toys and enrichment materials for the zoo's animals, according to Dane County officials. 

During the promotion, Mounds stores held a competition between employees at their five area locations. Mounds Madison East raised the most donations and as a result of their hard work, won a behind the scenes tour of Henry Vilas Zoo.

The tour included a giraffe meet and greet, a rhino encounter, special enrichment treats for zoo animals and a behind the scenes look at several other zoo animal care areas.

Last fall, Mounds management came up with the idea for the fundraising event and employee contest when they toured the zoo and got to learn about animal enrichment first hand.