County Executive Melissa Agard Celebrates Solar Pavilion Donation and Announces Goal for Fossil Fuel Free Henry Vilas Zoo

November 19, 2025
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County Executive, Henry Vilas Zoo, County Executive

DANE COUNTY — On Tuesday, County Executive Melissa Agard joined community partners at the Henry Vilas Zoo to celebrate a generous donation that will support the zoo’s sustainability efforts and to announce a bold new climate initiative.

Cal and Laurie Couillard have donated funding for the construction of a new solar pavilion that will be built on the zoo grounds in the months ahead. The pavilion will help power zoo operations, reduce long-term energy costs, and serve as a visible reminder of the role clean energy can play in public community spaces.

“The Couillard family’s commitment to climate action shows what is possible when community partners and public institutions work together,” said County Executive Agard. “This pavilion is a meaningful investment in our shared climate future.”

As part of the event, County Executive Agard also announced an ambitious new goal: transitioning Henry Vilas Zoo to become fossil fuel free within the next 15 years.

“In Dane County, we move forward on climate because it is the right thing to do for our environment and for future generations,” Agard said. “We are committed to an ambitious yet attainable goal of becoming a fossil fuel free zoo within 15 years.”

Zoo Director Ronda Schwetz and her team have already begun incorporating climate-friendly practices across the grounds. The arrival of new polar bears, whose species is closely tied to the impacts of climate change, underscores the importance of continuing this work.

The County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change, led by Kathy Kuntz, will help guide the development of the roadmap to phase out fossil fuels at the zoo. This effort builds on Dane County’s long-standing leadership in renewable energy, emissions reduction, and sustainability planning.

“I am grateful to the Couillard family, to Director Schwetz and her staff, and to Kathy Kuntz and the Office of Energy and Climate Change for helping lead this important work,” Agard said. “Dane County is proud to show what is possible when we invest in a cleaner, brighter future.”

The pavilion will be located near the flamingo exhibit, and construction planning is underway. More details will be shared as the project progresses.