Exotic Animals Prompt Big Smiles at the 73rd Annual Dubuque County Fair

The 73rd Annual Dubuque County Fair is officially over, but the memories, as always, will be eternal. Over the last couple years, the Fair Board has been outstanding when it comes to bringing in an animal-centric attraction. In 2024, they had a sea lion show. In 2025, tigers were amongst the stars of the concourse. This year, they brought in a full-blown zoo.

Upon entering the Dubuque County Fair gate, you couldn't miss the gigantic tents that housed the Wildlife Adventures FKA Cool Zoo. The Orlando-based company brought a few dozen animals to the fair this year, in addition to a full-blown, inflatable butterfly sanctuary. It was a dazzling sight for kids and adults.

READ MORE: Sea Lions Clap, Flap, and Steal the Show at the Dubuque County Fair

Steve Pulaski, Y105

The free zoo brought a plethora of unique animals that could be fed via a cup of food for an additional $5. Some of the animals in tow were:

• Goats
• Kangaroos
• Patagonian Maras
• Bearded dragons
• Mini turtles
• Macaws
• Pigs
• Bengal cats
• Alligators
• Butterflies

Structured in rows, with some animals on table-top cages, and others in ground-level cages. Willing participants could have their photos taken with select animals, and some, including the bearded dragons and mini-turtles, were available for adoption.

A Patagonian Mara, my personal favorite of the zoo.

Catherine can't resist animals of this nature, so seeing her illuminate when interacting with the feisty little goats or the squirmy pigs was a lot of fun.

The butterfly enclosure was a welcome addition too. Patrons could pay to enter the enclosure and even opt to purchase "butterfly food," a sweet nectar mix distributed on a popsicle stick. Inside the inflatable enclosure were dozens of beautifully colored butterflies, along with flowers and other bouquets on which they feast.

Steve Pulaski, Y105

Steve Pulaski, Y105

The tricky part about navigating a butterfly enclosure is watching where you step so as not to inadvertently step on a butterfly, who happens to land on the ground. This can be tricky with the abundance of butterflies flying around your face, and the intense humidity inside the enclosure.

It's a wonderful time. In my completely unscientific observation, when you place the nectar stick in front of the butterfly, the creature's long, nimble black spout detaches from its mouth and latches onto the stick to absorb the juice. It's quite a sight. And butterflies are some of the most naturally beautiful creatures amongst us. There's something fantastical about being surrounded by them.

Steve Pulaski, Y105

While the Patagonia Mara was my favorite, I have to give a shoutout to the kangaroo. My undying nostalgic love for Kangaroo Jack led me to unofficially naming him "Jackie Legs." I don't think he really cared at the end of the day, but it meant something to me!

Find out more about the Wildlife Adventures FKA Cool Zoo on their Instagram page.