Zoo in Peoria, Illinois
The Peoria Zoo (formerly Glen Oak Zoo) is a zoo located in Peoria, Illinois, in the United States. The zoo is owned and operated by the Peoria Park District and is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Years Day.[6]
The Peoria Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1976.[1]
History
Glen Oak Zoo was founded in the late 1800s.[7] A herd of elk was donated to the Peoria Park District.[7] Glen Oak Zoo's dedication took place in 1897.[8]
In 1955, the zoo sought to expand its offerings. Marlin Perkins, Director of the St. Louis Zoo and star of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom gave advice.[7][9]
Friends of Glen Oak Zoo was formed in 1970.[7]
In 1997, the Peoria Zoological Society was formed.[7][10]
In 2009, the zoo opened the new Africa exhibit, nearly doubling its size.[2][7][11] At the same time it changed its name to "Peoria Zoo."
Exhibits
Africa
The Africa exhibit opened in 2009 after more than a decade of planning and two and a half years of construction. In this exhibit, the visitors walk around the main area on a boardwalk, and can see across the entire expanse of the enclosure. The main area is divided into two sections, the northern section containing giraffes and gazelles, and the southern section being home to zebras and rhinos. Lions have their own enclosure, as do the mandrills. red river hogs and colobus monkeys share a home, and the African crested porcupines and Aldabra giant tortoise also live together.[4][12]
The zoo's adult female Amur (Siberian) tiger, Kyra, mother of four cubs (two males - whose conservation plan called for them to eventually be relocated to other zoos - and two females), died suddenly on the evening of Sunday, August 18, 2013, of what preliminary was believed to be a serious acute infection that turned septic. The four cubs are now considered orphans, as their father is kept in a separate enclosure for their safety; the plan for the cubs to be separated may have to be delayed and/or altered.[13]
On November 3, 2023, the zoo announced its 18-year old male lion Arthur had been humanely euthanized due to lymphoma.[14] Arthur was born on September 9, 2005, and moved to Peoria Zoo on November 16, 2008, where he lived with his mate Lizzy.[14][15] Arthur and Lizzy were the original lions at the Africa exhibit.[15] The pair had four cubs, who were moved to other zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan.[14]
A small animal building houses smaller animals such as the zebra mouse, Zambian mole-rats, pancake tortoises, dung beetles, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, African rock pythons, Madagascar tree boas, and Taveta golden weavers.[16][17]
Australia Walkabout
An exhibit that opened in 2012, home to a walkthroiugh exhibit for Bennett's wallabies and Parma wallabies, Black swans and Emus and an aviary for Budgerigars.[18]
Asian Trail
The smallest exhibit in the zoo, with three exhibits for Siberian tigers, Sichuan Takins, and Reeves's Muntjacs.
Tropics Building
The Tropics Building houses many species, including: greater spear-nosed bat, western hognose snake, Dumeril's ground boa, Mexican beaded lizard, desert blond tarantula, green tree python, New Caledonian Giant Gecko, Burmese python, red-footed tortoise, Standings Day gecko, cotton-top tamarin, Hoffman's two-toed sloth, mongoose lemur, northern tree shrew, ring-tailed lemur, cardinal tetra, firehead tetra, southern three-banded armadillo, and black-handed spider monkey.
Conservation Center
The Conservation Center is a building for endangered species, mostly reptiles and amphibians such as: alligator snapping turtle, Colorado River toad, green and black poison dart frog, prehensile-tailed skink, Panamanian golden frog, Chinese alligator, and spotted turtle.
Contact Barn
The Contact Barn is home to domestic donkeys, Nigerian dwarf goats, and koi.
Other facilities
Glen Oak Pavilion
The Glen Oak Pavilion building was designed by local architects William Reeves and John Baille.[19] Construction was completed in 1896 for a total cost of about $25,000.[19] The Victorian-style structure formerly served as a public shelter, an ice cream parlor and a dance hall. The Pavilion served as the Park District’s first multipurpose building.[19]
Zambezi River Lodge
The Zambezi River Lodge overlooks the Africa exhibit. The facility provides concessions, and is also available for receptions and conferences.[20]
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