Welcome to the World. Welcome to our Zoo.

The February newsletter discussed the Species Survival Plan (SSP) established by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1981. The program was created to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums that were threatened, endangered, or otherwise in danger of extinction in the wild. Forty-nine of the species at Miller Park Zoo are covered by the…

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Making a Difference

In 1924, the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AZA) was formed as an affiliate of the American Institute of Park Executives. In the fall of 1971, the AZA membership voted to become an independent association. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was passed to protect US species deemed in danger of extinction. The concern…

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Groceries at the Zoo

Each week a zookeeper and a volunteer go grocery shopping. They are hunting for ingredients for over 150 recipes in the zoo kitchen diet binders. There are two kitchens at the zoo. One in the Kauthoffer building and the other in Zoo Lab. The kitchens are busy places. Every day meals are prepared for over…

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Winter at the Zoo

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” This phrase originally referred to the courier service of the ancient Persian Empire. Today it certainly applies to those hardy souls who keep the zoo thriving throughout Illinois winters. Winter brings changes for animals…

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Saving a Species

Once believed to be extinct, the Puerto Rican Crested Toad (PRCT) population has been on the rise. Since 2019, Miller Park Zoo has been working with other accredited institutions to breed a small population of toads for reintroduction into the wild. Our efforts have finally paid off! Recently, we sent off 37 tadpoles to Puerto…

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Learning at the Zoo

On any visit to the zoo there is much to learn about the animals. You can read the signs, ask a keeper, or just observe. There is something to be learned about every animal. In addition to what you can learn on your own, there are classes, education programs, and events both at the zoo and outside the…

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Flapjacks and Flamingos

Ever since the Flamingo exhibit opened in June of 2016, greater flamingos have been greeting guests as they enter the zoo. On Saturday July 15 of this year, Silvia Schuh, Events/Volunteer Coordinator turned the tables and made it possible for fifty-seven guests to greet the flamingos as they burst from their overnight digs to have…

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Tortoise Moving Day

On Monday, June 19th, around 9:15 A.M., Gala and Pagos headed for their new home in the recently opened South American exhibit.   The distance they traveled could be measured in yards. For half of the journey, they were moved on a rolling platform by a cadre of keepers. After being lifted off the platform,…

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South America Residents

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) Distribution: Central and South America from southern Belize and Guatemala to northern Argentina Habitat: swamps, forests, grasslands Life History: 6’ – 8’ ft long; 60 – 100lbs.; Median live expectancy: 19.5 years Diet: Ants, termites, soft- bodied grubs, occasional soft fruit Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN) Population declining Myrmecophaga tridactyla is locally uncommon…

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South America Habitats and Building Opening

South America Phase 1 rendering

The highly anticipated South America habitats and building will open to the public June 22. Building construction for the $1.1 million project was completed as planned in April, funded by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant, the Miller Park Zoological Society, and the Ewing Zoo Foundation. We know everyone will love “Puddles” the Chilean…

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