When one thinks of Illinois zoos, they think of the truly big ones. Brookfield, a massive 216 acre facility with over 450 species in mostly good to great exhibitry. Lincon Park, a much smaller free zoo right off the shores of Lake Michicgan, still represents over 200 species in great exhibits. It's also the third most visited zoo in the US only beaten by DAK and Bush Gardens. And Shedd Aquarium, a massive historic building with over fifteen hundred species in exhibitry that is near unanimously agreed to be superb all around, making for what can be argued to be the best aquarium in the US. However, I'm not going to be talking about these zoos in this thread. They have already been covered in immense detail on this site. Instead what many don't realize is that there are a bakers dozen other Illinois zoos that get largely ignored as they are much smaller in size and collection. However, the point of this thread is for me to venture off and find these hidden zoos. I will be giving brief reviews and dozens of photos to cover these establishments. My journey began last week with a trio of zoos to start me off.
Cosley Zoo, Wheaton Il - Date of Visit: 4.29.18
Cosley zoo is a mere 5 acres in size making it the smallest zoo in the state of Illinois. However what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. The Cosley zoo has a great atmosphere and only has three major exhibit areas. The first is the waterfowl ponds containing native ducks in a pair of exhibits. The duck pond pavilion used for events such as parties or gatherings, overlooks the largest of the ponds. Next to the ponds is the discovery barn. The barn is your typical domestic farm animal affair, featuring ponies, goats, sheep, pigs and llamas in simple paddocks around the building, with indoor stables. There Is also a smaller barn which contains rabbits and a chicken coop with daily feedings. Then the largest and best section of the zoo, Wilds of Illinois. Highlights of this area include an excellent white tailed deer, turkey vulture and sandhill crane mixed species habitat, which is the largest in the zoo. There is also a trio of predator habitats around a boardwalk which contain a coyote, a raccoon and a pair of red foxes. However, the zoos newest and perhaps most impressive is the bobcat enclosure. Opened in 2012, the exhibit is adjacent to the deer/crane/vulture yard and is large meshed over exhibit for two bobcats. There is a mix of rock and grass with large logs for climbing. An excellent addition to this community zoo. The final animal habitats in the zoo are for the bird collection. There are five birds of prey cages that are adjacent to one another and contain a great horned owl, barred owl, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel and eastern screech owl. There is also a row of aviaries for species which I did not ID.
Overall, Cosley zoo is a lovely little place to spend an hour of your time. There is a friendly atmosphere, lovely surroundings, very solid animal habitats and overall is a great zoo to start this trek through the lesser known zoos of Illinois. And the future looks bright. Wilds of Illinois will be adding new predator habitats for species such as black bears and cougars, the new rivers exhibit will feature otters and beavers, a new ecodome will be very impressive, and new nocturnal exhibits will be added as well. Highly recommend this facility if you are in the area and I hope to return one day to this hidden gem of a zoo.
Up Next: Phillips Park Zoo
Cosley Zoo, Wheaton Il - Date of Visit: 4.29.18
Cosley zoo is a mere 5 acres in size making it the smallest zoo in the state of Illinois. However what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. The Cosley zoo has a great atmosphere and only has three major exhibit areas. The first is the waterfowl ponds containing native ducks in a pair of exhibits. The duck pond pavilion used for events such as parties or gatherings, overlooks the largest of the ponds. Next to the ponds is the discovery barn. The barn is your typical domestic farm animal affair, featuring ponies, goats, sheep, pigs and llamas in simple paddocks around the building, with indoor stables. There Is also a smaller barn which contains rabbits and a chicken coop with daily feedings. Then the largest and best section of the zoo, Wilds of Illinois. Highlights of this area include an excellent white tailed deer, turkey vulture and sandhill crane mixed species habitat, which is the largest in the zoo. There is also a trio of predator habitats around a boardwalk which contain a coyote, a raccoon and a pair of red foxes. However, the zoos newest and perhaps most impressive is the bobcat enclosure. Opened in 2012, the exhibit is adjacent to the deer/crane/vulture yard and is large meshed over exhibit for two bobcats. There is a mix of rock and grass with large logs for climbing. An excellent addition to this community zoo. The final animal habitats in the zoo are for the bird collection. There are five birds of prey cages that are adjacent to one another and contain a great horned owl, barred owl, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel and eastern screech owl. There is also a row of aviaries for species which I did not ID.
Overall, Cosley zoo is a lovely little place to spend an hour of your time. There is a friendly atmosphere, lovely surroundings, very solid animal habitats and overall is a great zoo to start this trek through the lesser known zoos of Illinois. And the future looks bright. Wilds of Illinois will be adding new predator habitats for species such as black bears and cougars, the new rivers exhibit will feature otters and beavers, a new ecodome will be very impressive, and new nocturnal exhibits will be added as well. Highly recommend this facility if you are in the area and I hope to return one day to this hidden gem of a zoo.
Up Next: Phillips Park Zoo
