“We pride ourselves on having a niche collection of animals. We want to have animals that are standout animals, but also ones that tell a conservation story,” said Zoo Education Manager Julia Benzel.
Some animals that reside at Miller Park Zoo include snow leopards, red pandas, red wolves, flamingos and other tropical species.
During the winter months, extra precautions are taken for the animals. Miller Park’s snow leopards and red pandas thrive in cold temperatures. Their species typically reside in high mountainous areas, making Illinois winters a natural fit for them.
Tropical species at the zoo must be brought indoors when temperatures drop. However, they do not all come in at once.
“It goes at 55, this animal comes in; at 50, this animal comes in; at 45, this animal comes in and down the line,” Benzel said.
Most habitats have indoor holding areas located next to the exhibit, making winter relocation easier.
In some cases, animals must be gradually acclimated to warmer indoor spaces. The zoo’s barred owl, for example, transitions from freezing outdoor temperatures to a heated building.
The park remains open during the winter months and only closes if the entire city shuts down operations.
Several conservation efforts are also underway at the zoo. The park recently received a new male red wolf, Max. The zoo’s previous male died last year, and the female, Magnolia, remains at the park.
Max and Magnolia are part of a reintroduction program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The pair will serve as a breeding match, and their most viable offspring could eventually be reintroduced into the wild to strengthen the red wolf population.
Nearly 40 years ago, red wolves were declared extinct in the wild. Today, Miller Park Zoo participates in efforts to rebuild the species’ population.
“We haven’t had them in quite a few years, but that is always the goal, to support wild conservation,” Benzel said.
Miller Park Zoo has also contributed to the growth of the Puerto Rican crested toad population. The zoo houses a habitat of retired breeding toads on display, as well as a quarantined collection of males and females. The breeding pairs are matched once a year, and the zoo has sent approximately 1,500 tadpoles to Puerto Rico for reintroduction.
Miller Park Zoo participates in several initiatives to care for and protect its animals, including Species Survival Plans, holding placements and breeding programs.
