Capacity: 50
Rental Rates: $175 for 2 hours; $75 for each add'l hour

The Duck Pond Pavilion is a casual outdoor covered pavilion for up to 50 people. Cosley Zoo can provide the following at no additional charge:

• (4) 6 ft tables
• (6) 8 ft tables
• (10) dark green table coverings
• (50) burgundy chairs
• 30 minutes set-up time prior to the reserved rental time
• 30 minute break-down following the reserved rental time

The following amenities and services can be provided for an additional fee:

• Animal Visit (3 live animals)—$70
• 1/4 single layer sheet cake (serves 20) and 1.5 quart ice cream—$50 each
• Ice Cream Novelties (available seasonally)—Starting at $2.50/ea.
• Pitchers of Soda—$8/ea.
• Coffee Service (includes cups, cream, sugar)—$1.25/person
• Water Service(includes pitchers or cooler of ice water and cups)—$.85/person
• Cups (cold drink)—$5/10
• Catered Food and Beverage, Upgraded Tables, Chairs, or Linens—
  Please see our preferred vendor list for more information

Capacity: 250
Rental Rates: $500 for 2 hours; $200/hr for each add'l hour

Located along the east border of the zoo, this space is adjacent to the picnic area and can accommodate up to 250 people. Cosley Zoo can provide the following at no additional charge:

• (10) picnic tables
• 30 minutes set-up time prior to the reserved rental time
• 30 minute break-down following the reserved rental time

The following amenities and services can be provided for an additional fee:

• Animal Visit (3 live animals)—$70
• Catered Food and Beverage, Tables, Chairs, Linens, Tent Rentals, and Valet Parking—Please see our preferred vendor list for more information. Valet parking required for events over 100 guests.

Capacity: 35
Rental Rates: $75 for 1 hour; $50/hr for each add'l hour

The outdoor amphitheater offers benches for up to 35 people and a small raised stage. This space can be added to any other venue rental or rented a la carte.

Cosley Zoo can provide the following at no additional charge:

• 30 minutes set-up time prior to the reserved rental time
• 30 minute break-down following the reserved rental time

The following amenities and services can be provided for an additional fee:

• Animal Visit (3 live animals)—$70
• Tables, chairs or linens—Please see our preferred vendor list for more information

Capacity: 100
Rental Rates: $250 for 2 hours; $100/hr for each add'l hour

This second floor classroom can accommodate up to 100 people, is climate controlled, accessible only by stairs, and has private washrooms.

Included in the rental fee are the following:

• (13) 8 ft tables
• (13) dark green table coverings
• (100) gray chairs
• 30 minutes set-up time prior to reserved rental time
• 30 minute break-down following the reserved rental time

The following amenities and services can be provided for an additional fee:

• Animal Visit (3 live animals)—$70
• 1/4 single layer sheet cake (serves 20) and 1.5 quart ice cream—$50 each
• Ice Cream Novelties (available seasonally)—Starting at $2.50 each
• Pitchers of Soda—$8 each
• Coffee Service (includes cups, cream, sugar)—$1.25/person
• Water Service (includes pitchers or cooler of ice water and cups)—$.85/person
• Cups (cold drink)—$5/10
• Catered Food and Beverage, Upgraded Tables, Chairs, and Linens—
  Please see our preferred vendor list list for more information

Capacity: 100
Rental Rates: $350 for 2 hours; $100 for each add'l hour

This second floor classroom is a climate controlled room, accessible only by stairs, and has private washrooms for groups of up to 100 people.

Included in the rental fee are the following:

• (13) 8 ft tables
• (13) dark green table coverings
• (100) gray chairs
• Two staff onsite throughout the duration of your event
• 1 hour set-up time prior to the reserved rental time
• 30 minute break-down following the reserved rental time

The following amenities and services can be provided for an additional fee:

• Animal Visit (3 live animals)—$70
• 1/4 single layer sheet cake (serves 20) and 1.5 quart ice cream—$50 each
• Ice Cream Novelties (available seasonally)—Starting at $2.50 each
• Pitchers of Soda $8 each
• Coffee Service (includes cups, cream, sugar)—$1.25/person
• Water Service (includes pitchers or cooler of ice water and cups)—$.85/person
• Cups (cold drink)–$5/10
• Catered Food and Beverage, Upgraded Tables, Chairs, and Linens—
  Please see our preferred vendor list list for more information
• Alcoholic Beverages (provided and served by Arrowhead Golf Club)—
  Prices vary

An entire zoo rental gives you use of the front lawn, outdoor amphitheater, Duck Pond Pavilion, and second floor classroom for up to 500 people. Valet parking required for events of 150 guests or more.

Included in the rental fee are the following:

• Use of tables, linens and chairs in the Duck Pond Pavilion and classroom
• Three staff onsite throughout the duration of your event
• 2 hour set-up time prior to the reserved rental time
• 1 hour break-down following the reserved rental time

The following amenities and services can be provided for an additional fee:

• Animal Visit (3 live animals)–$70
• 1/4 single layer sheet cake (serves 20) and 1.5 quart ice cream—$50 each
• Ice Cream Novelties (available seasonally)—Starting at $2.50 each
• Catered Food and Beverage, Upgraded Linens, Additional Tables, Chairs, Tent Rentals and Valet parking—Please see our preferred vendor list list for more information. Valet parking required for events of 150 guests or more.
• Alcoholic Beverages (provided and served by Arrowhead Golf Club)—
  Prices vary

To make a reservation, please contact Tami at 630.510.5040 or tromejko@wheatonparks.org.

To reserve a date, a non-refundable deposit is required along with a signed rental agreement. Your deposit is then credited towards the balance due. Deposit fees are 50% of the base rental fee.

Deposits can be made by cash, check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

Regardless of the method of payment for the deposit, the renter will be required to provide a valid credit card number. This number will be kept on file and used only in the event of damages, excessive clean-up, over-run of the rental period, and/or cancellations.

The final balance is due on or before the rental date (see below) unless prior arrangements have been made with the Education Supervisor.

For Daytime Rentals (9 am–5 pm) the balance is due on the day of the event. Upon arrival at the zoo, the renter must check-in at the gift shop and pay their balance prior to the start of the event.

For After-hours Rentals (5–9 pm) the balance is due one week prior to the date of the event.

Members receive a 10% discount off any base rental fees if the renter is an active member at the time of reservation or if a membership is purchased before final payment is due. Discount does not apply to rental add-ons. Discount may not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Non-profit organizations receive a 10% discount off any base rental fees. Discount does not apply to rental add-ons. A federal ID number and tax-exempt form must be submitted with the rental agreement to receive the discount. Discount may not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

A preferred caterer must be used for full service catering. Caterers need to contact the Zoo Rental Coordinator at least 30 days prior to the event to submit their certificate of insurance listing Cosley Zoo as a liability up to one million dollars. We also ask that all vendors review the terms of delivery, set-up and tear down. Clients are responsible for the actions of their vendors.

Alcoholic beverages may be served to adults 21 and above during after-hours rentals. Cosley Zoo abides by the Illinois Liquor Commission Standards and Guidelines. Absolutely no one under 21 years of age is permitted to consume alcoholic beverages. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased and served by Arrowhead Golf Club, a facility of the Wheaton Park District. If you are interested in serving alcohol at your event, please let us know at the time you pay your deposit and we will make the initial contact with Arrowhead Golf Club. You will be required to sign an additional agreement with Arrowhead Golf Club to confirm your event details and charges.

Cosley Zoo's preferred rental companies carry additional liability insurance and coverage. In addition, they are aware of our delivery and set-up requirements. Please ask your vendor to contact Cosley Zoo two weeks prior to confirm your specific event needs and details.

Other rental vendors are not allowed unless they have received the proper approval in advance from the Superintendent of Special Facilities at the Wheaton Park District. Please contact your Cosley Zoo event staff with any questions or for approval requirements. All vendors must be approved at least 30 days prior to an event rental. Additional insurance is required and is the responsibility of the outside vendor and the client.

A Cosley Zoo educator or zookeeper will bring 3 live animals to visit your event. Your guests will get to see the animals up close and have an opportunity to touch as well.

Animal visits last approximately 20-25 minutes and must be requested at least two weeks in advance of the rental date. Animals used for visits include: chicken, rabbit, turtle, snake, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, walking sticks, Blue-tongued skinks (lizard), and an African Pygmy hedgehog. All of these animals are touchable by guests. We have several other animals that can be used but are not touchable by guests, these are a salamander, frog, and tarantula. We will make every effort to accommodate your requests however we do reserve the right to substitute an animal should it be unavailable for some reason on the day of your event.

If you would like to add an animal visit, please let us know your animal preferences and the time you would like the animal visit to take place by indicating it on your rental agreement.

Pets/outside animals are not allowed on zoo grounds.

Music and entertainment are permitted with the approval of the zoo. Vendors need to contact the Rental Coordinator at least two weeks prior to the event to coordinate delivery times, loading areas, set-up locations and pick-up schedule. Any materials delivered by an outside vendor must be delivered during the zoo's regular hours on the day of the event unless prior arrangements have been made with the Rental Coordinator.

Cosley Zoo cannot assume responsibility for personal property and/or any equipment brought into zoo facilities.

Transportation of supplies is the responsibility of the renter. Please be prepared with appropriate equipment (dolly, wagon, etc.) as the parking lot is a distance from the event room. Vehicles are not permitted on zoo grounds during regular zoo hours, due to high pedestrian traffic. If the renter does not have a wagon, they may communicate with the rental coordinator prior to the event to use one provided by the zoo.

Time for set-up has been included in the rental fee. If the renter needs additional time for set-up, the renter must book this with the Rental Coordinator and will be charged based on the hourly rate.

No piñatas are permitted. Balloons are a choking hazard for the animals. For this reason, no balloons are permitted outside of the rental space or at the rental space doorway. Do not allow your guests to leave the location with balloons.

A preferred caterer must be used for full service catering. Caterers need to contact the Zoo Rental Coordinator at least 30 days prior to the event to submit their certificate of insurance listing Cosley Zoo as a liability up to one million dollars. We also ask that all vendors review the terms of delivery, set-up and tear down. Clients are responsible for the actions of their vendors.

The rental location(s) must be left in the condition in which it was found. The renter is fully responsible for any damages caused to the property or grounds during the event. The renter will be charged for any damages and any excessive clean-up as a result of the event. This is at the sole discretion of zoo staff. The renter will be notified of any additional charges within one week following the rental.

Cosley Zoo has limited public parking. We ask that you encourage your guests to carpool when possible. If parking is a concern, additional parking may be available depending on when your rental is scheduled. Please contact the Rental Coordinator for additional information. Valet parking may be required, see specific rental details.

Wheaton Park District, Cosley Zoo and its employees do not assume any liability or responsibility for property lost, stolen, or left on zoo grounds prior to, during or following the event. Wheaton Park District, Cosley Zoo, and its employees are not liable for personal injuries sustained on the premises during the event, and the applicant hereby agrees to hold said park district, zoo, and zoo staff harmless from all claims, suits, judgment, or damages arising out of any such property loss or personal injury. Outside vendors may need to provide a certificate of insurance in some circumstances.

Cosley Zoo remains open regardless of weather. If cancellation is requested due to inclement weather, the zoo will work with you to reschedule your event. Deposits are nonrefundable, but can be credited towards another date within 12 months of the cancellation. Rental deposits may only be used towards another rental and not other zoo amenities (gift shop purchases, programs, etc.)

• Pets/outside animals are not permitted inside the zoo.
• Smoking is not permitted on zoo grounds.
• All event signage must be approved by zoo staff prior to the event date. Set up of all signage and banners are the responsibility of the event host. Thumbtacks, tape, or nails are not permitted on walls, ceilings, buildings or trees.
• Advertising or printed material referencing the zoo must be approved by the Rental Coordinator before distribution. This includes, but is not limited to, tickets, invitations and promotional materials.
• Guests will not be allowed to access staff-only areas. It is the renters' responsibility to see that their guests adhere to this regulation.
• The zoo reserves the right to remove any individual whose behavior is inappropriate to a family facility or whose activities may cause harm to other guests or the zoo animals.
• If you have rented the entire zoo, the location of food and any activities or games must be discussed with the Rental Coordinator prior to your event.
• If the renter would like to notify their guests of the rental location inside the zoo, they may request an easel from the Rental Coordinator. The easel will be placed by the rental space entrance. No other signs or decorations may be placed at the zoo entrance or inside the zoo grounds without prior approval.
• Children must be supervised at all times by an adult 18 years or older.
• No grilling or open flame are permitted (birthday candles are allowed).
• Visibility of zoo animals is not guaranteed.
• Guests arriving for a rental taking place during regular zoo hours are asked to let the admissions attendant know they are here for the specified event and they will not be charged an admission fee.