We may need RJR's expertize, unless Jim A. is familiar with this Illinois zoo. Google search turned up nothing.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Bear Keepers--Lords Park, Elgin Illinois
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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A Blog designed for discussion of topics related to, but not limited to, Circus, Zoos, Animal Training, and Animal Welfare/Husbandry. Sometimes opening up the dialog is the best starting point of all. And if for nothing else when people who agree and don't agree, get together and start discussing it, it will open up a lot of peoples minds. Debate and discussion even amongst themselves opens a window where there wasn't one before.
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5 comments:
Didn't know there was a zoo in Elgin, IL. Vernon Kisling keeps an interesting list of zoos that are, and were, in the U. S. I remember a zoo in East Chicago, IN in the 1940s that even had a zoo building with indoor exhibits that is no more. Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL almost became extinct but has become a fine smaller zoo but it's an exception. A number of cities and towns closed down small zoos, especially after there were more USDA regulations (not necessarily a bad thing).
Jim,
A "welcome wagon" site to Elgin, Ill. has a broken link to Lords Park that says "come to see the pigs, cows, sheep and raccoons at Lords Park".
Speaking of not "necessarily a bad thing", an animal presenter from "across the water" who has now returned to their native land, used to brag about owing a "Zoo" back home in regards to questions about their experience/expertize. What they failed to elaborate on was, "what is a zoo"? When the local village closed it down "due to the overwhelming stench, and the crippled lions in rusty beast wagons", after 3 years of operation, local press also reported,"looked in a small building, and found 23 rotting Baboon carcasses in various stages of decay."
After coming to the states as an "animal expert" this individual was quoted extensively in interviews in regards to performing tigers and AR, "they are like children to me," and "they are my family."
The worst stereotype in the world is when Joe's Alligator Farm, or Playland Jungle are called "zoos" and compared to the likes of St. Louis, New Orleans, etc. Like wise the stereotyping of that individual as a trainer/expert is a very damaging profile to this profession.
Wade
Elgin's city parks include 112 acre (453,000 m²) Lords Park, which features the Elgin Public Museum, a petting zoo, and a herd of American bison, this is from Wikipedia....
Margaret found this information about Lords Park Zoo, I am assuming with Josephs help. Wade
In addition to the gazebo and ponds is The Lord’s Park Zoo. Established in 1896, the zoo originally included buffalo, elk, deer, bears and a glass enclosure for a variety of birds. The first two black bears, Jack and Juno, were quickly followed by two more, Frank and Kitty. Custodian Davey Walker trained the bears to do a number of tricks to amuse and fascinate the crowds.
In 1964, the Franzen family donated a lion to the zoo that they used to use in a magic act. The park named the one –year-old lion "Lord Spark". When he reached the zoo, he weighed 190 pounds. During his time at The Lord’s Park Zoo, he sired 19 cubs.
The bears were sold off to other zoos by 1969, but the zoo still includes bison, deer and elk. The zoo is free of charge and still attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Yes, he is going to start charging me soon for his services.So far it's only cost me a few burgers and fries....LOL....
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