'Zoo Nightlife!' gives new view of Cosley

Guests at Cosley Zoo have opportunities to see native Illinois animals nearly 365 days a year and perhaps even take part in a Bobcats Backstage program or a duck feeding session.

But that's all during the day.

'Zoo Nightlife!' will let guests in for an after-hours event, featuring family activities, animal encounters, a guided zoo night hike and campfire and s'mores on the front lawn from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 17, at the zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton.

From hearing an owl go "whooo" to watching the chickens snooze, the zoo's atmosphere is different after dark, Education Manager Natasha Fischer said.

"As nocturnal animals, the owls are definitely more active at night," she said. "We can often hear them hooting when touring the zoo during evening programs. Seeing many of the animals asleep gives the zoo a peaceful feeling; the pigs are hunkered down in the straw, the ducks are sleeping together in a big huddle, and the chickens are often asleep up on their roost."

Admission to Zoo Nightlife! is $6 per person for ages 2 to 12; $9 per person for ages 13 and older; and free for younger children. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting cosleyzoo.org or by calling (630) 665-5534. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Friday, June 24.

Guests who enjoy the zoo in the evening may be interested in booking a "Wild Nights! Group Overnight" for a later date. The overnight experiences start at 6:30 p.m. and end the next morning at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast. Zoo staff provides activities, animal encounters and an evening snack. Group overnights are great for Scouts, 4-H clubs, faith groups and more, Fischer said.