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NEW! Name the Bobcat Mascot Contest
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Bobcat Exhibit
A new Bobcat exhibit will be constructed in 2012 thanks to the efforts of the Cosley Foundation, the Wheaton Park District, and Cosley Zoo supporters just like you! A grassroots fundraising effort with the goal of creating new exhibits featuring animals native to Illinois began in 2002.
Thanks to the generosity and support from many donors, most notably Jan Kiebler in memory of her late husband Vern, the Foundation collected sufficient funds to make it possible for a matching construction grant application to be made to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 2010. The matching grant was awarded to the Cosley Foundation and will cover $300,000 of the $580,000 price tag for the new Bobcat exhibit.
Construction will begin early next year with an anticipated completion in Fall of 2012. Williams Architects worked with our professional staff and nationally recognized zoo designer Ace Torre to develop plans for the new exhibit. The enclosure is designed to have a very natural look, including trees and rocks which are found in typical bobcat habitat. A special wire mesh, enclosing the exhibit will lend a light open feel while still providing proper and safe containment.
This new exhibit will be constructed on the site of the current amphitheater located in the Northwest corner of the zoo. The amphitheater will be moved closer to the zoo entrance in order to better serve visitors and groups participating in a program. This relocation will make the amphitheater programming more visible to attract more participants.
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Stormwater Detention
When planning new exhibits, there is always more than meets the eye. For instance, part of the permit process requires that storm water run-off be considered. You often see these grassy depressions around buildings or neighborhoods, which are designed to keep storm water from creating flood situations. Working with Engineering Resource & Associates, the zoo took this permit requirement and turned it into an opportunity. Instead of the usual grass depressions you normally see, the new detention area at Cosley Zoo will be covered with native plants that help to improve water quality. As this area grows in, staff will use it to educate visitors about the importance of wet areas and the species they support.
This detention area will be located along the south side of the zoo. This process will involve some removal and replacement of the green ash, Norway maple or elm trees that exist on that site. Once this work is completed, this detention area will be large enough to accommodate any storm water run-off for all of the future anticipated needs of the zoo.
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