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Zoo at Forest Park gearing up for winter

Date: 12/8/2008

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



SPRINGFIELD As the frigid temperatures have taken hold across the valley, propane heaters, insulated igloos and a lot of straw are some of the ways that the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center protects its approximately 150 animals through the winter.

On a recent Saturday morning visit to the zoo on Sumner Avenue, the American alligators and Australian tortoises were basking in a 68-degree room, as well as a wide variety of primates in a room adjacent to the kitchen area. For other animals like the black bears, foxes and wolves, it was just another winter day in New England, and all came out to see John Lewis Jr., zoo director, as he surveyed the landscape and greeted each animal.

Lewis talks to each of the animals every day, and the camaraderie between man and animal is evident during the hour tour. The animals recognize Lewis immediately and venture out of their warm homes to sneak a quick rub down or at the least, have some contact. Lewis noted that he has been involved with the zoo for more than 30 years, first starting out as a junior zookeeper, so he has seen all of these animals mature over the years.

"I enjoy the interaction with the animals," said Lewis during an interview with Reminder Publications. "I also enjoy sharing my wealth of knowledge about animals with the children who come to the zoo."

As the season winds down for zoo visitors, Lewis' staff has been putting the finishing touches on winterizing the numerous stalls and rooms for the animals that are not indigenous to the area.

"I usually have to start planning for winter in August," said Lewis. "By the fall, the staff is building up bedding areas, boarding up windows with plexiglass, building the winter holding areas for the animals that cannot weather the cold temperatures, and insulating buildings."

Additionally, Lewis and his staff have to install the numerous heaters that must be in place for many of the animals with separate houses.

"There is a very limited space so I have to make sure that everyone will be comfortable and have plenty of room," he added.

Most of the zoo animals are indigenous to the area and have thick coats that can tolerate the cold, including sheep, llamas, goats, cows, bears, foxes, wolves and horses.

During the season of gift giving, Lewis notes that for anyone who has straw they would like to donate for the animals, he would gladly accept any donations.

"We are always in need of straw," he said.

For area residents who may not have straw but would also like to consider a tax-deductible donation to help the animals, an extensive wish list is available at www.forestparkzoo.org. Lewis notes that items in need range from toys, blankets and animal reference books to power tools, garden tools, lawnmowers, computers and nature DVDs.

"We are in need of most animal care supplies, anything ranging from water bottles and aquariums to lighting and even small cages," said Lewis. "Also, small pet beds and houses, even food supplies like produce or packaged goods are welcome and graciously accepted."

As the zoo closes down to the public for the winter months, every day still brings new challenges and adventures to Lewis and his staff -- which they wouldn't trade for anything.

The Zoo in Forest Park is a nonprofit organization governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Situated in Forest Park, the 735-acre woodland park features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America.

For more information on how to make a tax-deductible donation to the zoo, or to become involved in one of its many volunteer programs, call 733-2251 or visit www.forestparkzoo.org for more details.