Milwaukee Police officers spent a little time at the zoo today!

It was a way for them to meet local kids in friendlier circumstances than at the scene of an emergency or crime.

Police districts 2 and 5 took part. They represented the north and south sides of Milwaukee.

Officers say it was a chance to learn a little bit about each other and build bridges between two communities. 

"What better way of doing that is to take them out of an environment, show them that there's places like Milwaukee County Zoo or the beach, or the water park, all within our own city," said Officer Edward Ciano.

15 kids from the north side, and 15 kids from the south side were chosen for the trip.

This was the first time that the two police districts joined together for a community event.