Second annual Wolf Walk to benefit Zoo at Forest Park

Date: 4/26/2010

April 26, 2010

By Kaitlyn Schroyer

Staff Intern

SPRINGFIELD -- Next weekend at Forest Park Zoo, an event like no other will take place once again.

The Second Annual Walk For the Wolves will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. on May 8 in Forest Park. Supporting Cheyenne and Lakota, the hybrid arctic wolves, and Aurora and Orion, the timberwolves, the walk was extremely successful in its first year. Donated to Executive Zoo Director John Lewis Jr. from a wolf foundation, the wolves have a special place in people's hearts.

"Last year we had 200 walkers and we raised just over $2,000," Doreen Robinson, secretary of the zoo's Board of Directors and one of the event organizers, said.

There are two designated routes of 2.5 kilometers and five kilometers, but walkers can walk for as long or short as they please in Forest Park. This year, participants in the walk will have a chance to meet Lakota and Cheyenne, the walk ambassadors. They will also have free access to the whole zoo. In state vehicles are $3 and out of state vehicles will be charged $5 for admission into Forest Park. Donations will also be accepted to help support the wolves.

"Each team or individual that donates $100 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a Zoo on the Go Education Program," Robinson said.

In addition to the walk, interested participants can "adopt" one or more of the wolves through the Adopt an Animal Program, or they can make a donation to help support the wolves and their exhibit.

Sponsorship forms and more information are available at the zoo's Web site at www.forestparkzoo.org under Upcoming Events.