Posts by Lisa Whitmer
Not your Mother’s Kitchen
December 9, 2022 The two kitchens at the zoo have some things in common with your mother’s kitchen: refrigerator, freezer, microwave, sink, fruits, and vegetables. However, they have many differences: over 110 animal diets, frozen mice, cans of dog food, 50-pound bags of various pellets, and mealworms. Keeper Owen and Volunteer Gail preparing diets Feed…
Read MoreInternships at Miller Park Zoo
November 10, 2022 When the zoo began having interns most of their work was data entry and cleaning. In the last five years the intern program has evolved to include many other responsibilities such as research projects. Today internships last 15 weeks. Most interns are full-time working five days a week. Local students learn about…
Read MoreWhere the bugs are
August 10, 2022 Zoolab, at Miller Park Zoo, is a place for discovery where guests can play games and work on puzzles. Many of the smaller animals and insects live in Zoolab. It is also home to the education animals that travel to schools and other venues, bringing Zoo education to the community. Small but…
Read MoreWhat’s in a Name?
On May 30, a litter of Mulefoot Hogs were born at Coop’s Mound Mulefoots in Carlinville, Illinois. From that litter, one male was chosen to make the two-hour drive to his new home at Miller Park Zoo. The Zoo has big plans for this little hog, and the fun starts with an exciting contest. About…
Read MoreThe Flamboyance is Back!
The first animal guests usually see when they enter Miller Park Zoo is a group of flamingos. Often referred to as a flock, the official name for a group of flamingos is a flamboyance. These flamingos, along with all other birds at the Zoo, have been in quarantine to avoid any chance of exposure to…
Read MoreGoing Around Miller Park Zoo
The first carousel arrived at Miller Park Zoo in 1945 and has been enchanting visitors ever since. Learn more about this Zoo fixture.
Read MoreAZA Accreditation – Maintaining Elite Status
April 4, 2022 (updated January 6, 2023) Did you know Miller Park Zoo is among the fewer than 10% of animal exhibitors licensed by the US Department of Agriculture that is also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)? For over 40 years, the AZA has been the primary accrediting organization for zoos…
Read MoreMPZ Values – Collaboration is Key
Collaboration is one of the seven Miller Park Zoo Values. The “values list” states: We are inspired by the contributions of the individual and the power of a team. The most common kind of collaboration is among the keepers. Currently six full-time zookeepers care for about 600 animals. This would not be possible without a…
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