Miller Park Zoo Miller Park Zoo News

On March 28th, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) lionhead rabbit, and is now an ambassador animal. On April 1st, the zoo announced its name, Dandy Lion.

Miller Park Zoo
Miller Park Zoo

On May 9th, the zoo announced that their (1.0) Debrazza's monkey named Chumu passed away while under anesthesia after experiencing significant cardiac disease.

Miller Park Zoo
 
Miller Park Zoo will open the new South American exhibit later this month:
https://www.centralillinoisproud.co...ler-park-zoo-opens-new-south-america-exhibit/

On Friday June 23, 2023, at 9:30, South America habitats will be officially open to all visitors.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the Bush Dog plans came to fruition.

According to The Miller Park Zoo press release, the zoo will welcome “Puddles” the Chilean pudu, “Chili” the giant anteater, and two tortoises “Gala and “Pagos”.
 
I wonder if the bush dog exhibit was constructed and even if they may join at a later date, or if they cancelled plans relatively early?
 
I wonder if the bush dog exhibit was constructed and even if they may join at a later date, or if they cancelled plans relatively early?
I'm curious about this as well. With the zoo being within an hour of my home, I hope to visit soon and report on this.
 
Southern American habitats/building now open:

Miller Park Zoo opens $1.1 million South America habitats and building

Breeding updates:

Chili (Giant anteater) is already being matched up through the SSP, and Yusuf hopes that the official news will be coming soon.

As for Puddles (Chilean pudu), at age 9 she is not necessarily post-reproductive, but still not likely to be the first choice over other younger options. However, Puddles has had two other does at a previous zoo.
 
On June 13th, the zoo announced that its (0.1) Randall Linebeck cow named Indigo passed away on June 12th at age 9.

Miller Park Zoo

On June 25th, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) common wallaroo which is now on exhibit.

Miller Park Zoo
 
I noticed that this facility had a job listing, so I was checking out what the zoo looked like.

Does anyone know if there is an updated Master Plan for the zoo? 2012 appears to be when the latest rendition of it was published.

The new exhibits seem promising, but many of the existing ones do not appear to be in the best condition. Surprisingly, the zoo has an interesting collection despite its size! I'm curious to see what their potential new plans may look like.
 
I noticed that this facility had a job listing, so I was checking out what the zoo looked like.

Does anyone know if there is an updated Master Plan for the zoo? 2012 appears to be when the latest rendition of it was published.

The new exhibits seem promising, but many of the existing ones do not appear to be in the best condition. Surprisingly, the zoo has an interesting collection despite its size! I'm curious to see what their potential new plans may look like.

It’s a mixed bag. Most of the exhibits for small and mid-size species are perfectly fine and they have a good collection. Just… the big cat enclosures are among the worst exhibits I’ve seen in an AZA accredited zoo. If I go back to the area I’d be a lot more likely to visit Scovil or Peoria over Miller Park.
 
I noticed that this facility had a job listing, so I was checking out what the zoo looked like.

Does anyone know if there is an updated Master Plan for the zoo? 2012 appears to be when the latest rendition of it was published.

The new exhibits seem promising, but many of the existing ones do not appear to be in the best condition. Surprisingly, the zoo has an interesting collection despite its size! I'm curious to see what their potential new plans may look like.
I agree with all that Persephone said, and the zoo did get a new director and general curator recently which has moved the zoo into a much more modern direction. The park is very small and consists of 7-10 full time keepers working buildings mostly on their own. From when I was there, there were a large number of seasonals and volunteers at least
 
Does anyone know which animals are taken off display in the winter at this facility? Flamingo and debrazza I can assume at least? Do they come back out on warm days or are they fully off out of season?
 
I agree with all that Persephone said, and the zoo did get a new director and general curator recently which has moved the zoo into a much more modern direction. The park is very small and consists of 7-10 full time keepers working buildings mostly on their own. From when I was there, there were a large number of seasonals and volunteers at least

The position posting for a new keeper that I saw seemed to be generalized as well. From a keeper's perspective, it would be an interesting position, as it seems like you'd get to work with a wide array of different species.

I'm hopeful that this new management will continue to bring the zoo in a new direction.

Does anyone have any ideas for what they'd like to see?
 
Back
Top