Cosley Zoo is Celebrating 50 Years!
Join us as we celebrate all year long with special events and anniversary merchandise!
Cosley Zoo has accomplished much since opening as Cosley Children’s Park and Museum in 1974. As the zoo grew, the name changed in 1976 to Cosley Animal Farm and Museum. In 1987, the Vern Kiebler Learning Center was built and, in 1999, the park took on its current name, Cosley Zoo.
Cosley Zoo continues to evolve and improve its exhibits, programs, and conservation efforts. In 2000, Cosley Zoo became accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Then in 2001, began initiatives to save Blanding’s turtles, an Illinois endangered species, with more than 4,000 turtles reared and released back into the wild to date!
Many natural wildlife habitats were added in 1993 and 1997. Additional parking was constructed in 2009, a bobcat exhibit debuted in 2012, and in 2017 a new quarantine facility opened for welcoming new animals to the zoo. In 2022, two Canada lynx arrived and are thriving in their new exhibit.
Look for new signs to be placed throughout the zoo in 2024, giving visitors a glance at the milestones Cosley Zoo has attained over the past 50 years.
The History of Cosley Zoo
A timeline of significant achievements.
Cosley Zoo opens as Cosley Children’s Park and Museum in 1974. As the zoo adds exhibits and amenities, the name changes to Cosley Animal Farm and Museum before changing in 1999 to Cosley Zoo.
The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals began in 1982, followed in 1984 by the Cosley Classic Golf Outing, Pumpkin Fest and the Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale, all events that help fund zoo projects and development.
The wildlife area is modified to create more natural animal habitats through a project that started in 1993 and continued for years to come.
In 2000, the Cosley Zoo earns Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation, a prestigious designation that the zoo maintains today.
Efforts to save Blanding’s turtles, an Illinois endangered species, are initiated in 2000 by the zoo in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. The project continues today and with assistance from additional partners has resulted in the release of more than 4,000 turtles.
A train station visitor center including a larger gift shop and new concessions debuted in 2000 with the help of the Wheaton Park District, Cosley Foundation and a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
With a $300,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the zoo adds the bobcat exhibit in 2012. The exhibit currently houses two Canada lynx complete with a heated rock and a waterfall. That same year, a pollinator garden and a new amphitheater are added.
Meeting the world’s highest standards of animal care, a new quarantine facility for welcoming new animals opens in 2017. The zoo receives Nature Play grants from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to add to the nature play area.
Two Canada lynx are welcomed at the zoo in 2022.
Thank you to everyone who supported Woodland Wonder: Cosley Zoo Gala! Our guests enjoyed an enchanting evening at the zoo to celebrate it 50th anniversary and to honor our Betty Bradshaw Award recipients Susan Wahlgren (leadership) and Edward and Karen Sepke (philanthropy). We are proud to share that Woodland Wonder raised over $100,000 (net) to help jump-start the next 50 years of Cosley Zoo!
Anniversary Media Sponsor
