Scovill Zoo facts for kids

Scovill Zoo is a fun place to visit in Decatur, Illinois. It is home to about 500 animals from 96 different species. These animals come from all over the world, representing six continents! The zoo is also special because it is one of only 210 zoos recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care and conservation.

The zoo first opened its doors in 1967. It started as a small farm thanks to a donation from the Kiwanis Club. Today, Scovill Zoo helps protect animals through many conservation projects. It also teaches people about wildlife and nature.

The Zoo's Story

The land where Scovill Zoo now stands was given to the Decatur Park District in 1947. This generous gift came from Guy Norman and Rose Scovill.

The zoo officially opened in 1967. Back then, it was called Scovill Farm. The Kiwanis Club gave $14,000 to start building it. At first, it only had pigs, chickens, goats, and other farm animals. More donations helped cover the total building cost of $56,000.

Over time, Scovill Farm grew into Scovill Zoo. It now has hundreds of animals from almost 100 species. You can see amazing animals like cheetahs, gray wolves, zebras, and alligators. The original farm animals are still there too!

On September 25, 2006, Scovill Zoo became recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This is a big deal because it shows the zoo cares for its animals very well. In 2007, the zoo started its own local chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). This group helps zookeepers learn more and work together.

Mike Borders was the zoo director for many years and retired in 2008. The current director, Dave Webster, has worked at Scovill Zoo for 20 years. Ken Frye joined as Assistant Director in 2009.

Helping Animals and Nature

Scovill Zoo works hard to protect animals and their homes. They do this by teaching people and by giving money to groups that help save wildlife and the environment.

Zoo Keepers Helping Out

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) started in 1967 in San Diego, California. It helps zookeepers learn from each other and keep improving their skills. Scovill Zoo started its own AAZK chapter in 2007.

This chapter supports many conservation projects. These include "Bowling for Rhinos," helping golden lion tamarins in Brazil, and supporting the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust. They also help the Snow Leopard Trust.

Saving Cheetahs

Scovill Zoo has two African cheetahs named Jafari and Runako. They were born in Africa before coming to the zoo. Cheetahs are a threatened species because their homes are disappearing.

Scovill Zoo helps cheetahs survive by donating five cents from every paid zoo admission. This money goes to the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Conservation Centre. This organization studies wild cheetahs in South Africa. They use radio collars and talk to farmers to learn how many cheetahs are left. With more information, they hope to help cheetahs and people live together peacefully.

Protecting Rainforests

When you visit Scovill Zoo, you can donate money at the Conservation Parking Meter. This meter was set up by the Center for Ecosystem Survival. Your donation helps the Rincon Rainforest in Costa Rica. This rainforest is about 13,838 square kilometers (5,343 square miles) in size. It is part of the Area de Conservación Guanacaste World Heritage Site.

Learning About Animals

Scovill Zoo offers many fun ways for animal lovers to learn. Their education programs help people of all ages discover the animal kingdom. The zoo's website says these programs offer "fun, hands-on connections to the animal world."

Here are some of the classes and programs they offer:

Fun Things to Do

Scovill Zoo has some special attractions that visitors love.

The Z.O. & O. Express Train This train takes you on a 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) ride through the zoo. You get a guided tour and a special look at some of the animals. The train was added in 1984. It looks like an old 1863 C. P. Huntington steam train.

The Endangered Species Carousel This beautiful Carousel has 30 hand-carved wooden animals. Each animal represents a species that is protected or endangered. The carousel was made just for Scovill Zoo. It is one of the most popular attractions at the zoo.

Animal Homes and Seasons

Because Illinois has changing weather, Scovill Zoo makes special plans for its animals. This helps them stay comfortable all year long.

Summer Care

When it gets hot in the summer, Scovill Zoo helps its animals stay cool. They use fans, pools, and give animals frozen treats. Even though every animal has shade, animals with thick fur, like wolves, can still get too hot. Zookeepers often make "frozen blood balls" for the wolves from their meat drippings. Other animals, like pelicans, get misted with water or have fans and pools.

Winter Care

The zoo closes to the public during the colder winter months. During this time, they move animals that can't handle the cold into heated buildings. Animals that are used to cold weather, like wolves and cheetahs, can stay in their outdoor exhibits all year. But tropical birds, alligators, and monkeys are moved inside to stay warm.

Scovill Zoo is usually open from the beginning of April until the end of October.