There’s something extra special about a visit to Stanley’s Memorial Elk Park this summer—three new elk calves have joined the herd, bringing fresh energy and excitement to this longtime local treasure. Tucked into the peaceful landscape of Chapman Park, the elk enclosure has been a beloved fixture in Stanley since at least 1999, honoring the memory of Ronald “Buck” Ponick and Walter Ciolkosz. It’s a quiet spot where families can get a rare, up-close look at one of Wisconsin’s most iconic wild animals—and this summer, the experience is even more memorable.
With the addition of the calves, the park’s herd now totals 14 elk: two males, nine females, and the three new arrivals, whose genders will be confirmed next year during vet checks.
The youngest member of the herd is just weeks old, while the oldest elk is around 12 years. Joe Schmitt, Streets & Grounds Foreman for the City of Stanley and a caretaker of the elk herd says the babies are thriving in their protected environment and usually adapt quickly.
“With newborn calves there isn’t much that we do beside try to let nature take its course and not interfere too much,” said Schmitt. “Typically, there aren’t too many struggles with newborns, they tend to do pretty well in our setting. With them being in the pen there aren’t any worries about predators or things like they would have to worry about in the wild.”
While the elk graze on grass throughout the summer, they also receive grain three times a week year-round and are fed round bales from local farmers in the winter. The city buys grain from Boyd Feed and Supply, continuing a tradition of keeping care close to home.
“The calves don’t require much special care unless there’s a problem,” Schmitt explains. “We just try to make sure they have what they need and that the enclosure is safe.”
This summer, several fence posts were replaced to ensure the space remains secure. Schmitt says regular maintenance and long-term planning are key to keeping the herd healthy and happy.
With the herd expanding, the city is considering selling a few elk in the future to prevent overcrowding and ensure the animals have enough space and resources.
“We want to make sure that the herd doesn’t outgrow the space that they have to ensure that they have the space they need and also that enough grass will grow so they have enough food to eat throughout the summer,” Schmitt said. “Also, the city only has so much budget to manage the herd so want to make sure things don’t get neglected due to money.” Schmitt shared that he wants to make sure the elk get everything they need to live a good healthy lifestyle.
Another priority is bringing in a new bull elk to introduce fresh genetics into the herd and avoid inbreeding. Schmitt has been in contact with elk farmers across the region to find the right fit.
“My hopes are when bringing in a new bull are that we want to make sure that it is healthy and it works well with the rest of our herd,” he said. He added that bringing in a different bloodline will also make the herd healthier and possibly have better bulls in the future.
Beyond the logistics, the birth of the calves has brought renewed joy to a space that was created with heart and purpose. The park was established in memory of Ponick and Ciolkosz through community donations, and it continues to be a place where residents and visitors alike can appreciate wildlife, up close.