Cosley Zoo decked out for holidays
More than 20,000 lights and lots and lots of trees will take center stage during the holiday season at Cosley Zoo.
The zoo's Festival of Lights and tree sale begins Friday, Nov. 25, and continues through Dec. 30 at 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton.
Themed displays of birds, insects, reindeer, rabbits and other scenes from nature wait beyond rows of evergreens for sale. Proceeds from the holiday tree sales benefit the Cosley Foundation, which has supported capital projects and special events since its founding in 1986.
It wouldn't be a proper holiday festival without an appearance by the Big Man himself. Families can take a picture with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 and 10, at Santa's Craft Corner in the Vern Kiebler Learning Center. While they're visiting with St. Nick, they also can make a craft and enjoy some refreshments.
No registration is required, but there's a $5 donation per family and a printed photo costs $3.
"We see an average of 900 people per year over the three weekends this event runs," education supervisor Natasha Fischer said.
The zoo wouldn't open without the work of zookeepers, who break ice, remove snow and make snowmen as enrichment for the animals, some of whom become more active in the cold, said lead zookeeper Jenny Theuman.
"As most of our animals are native to Illinois, it's common to see them active and enjoying the cooler weather," she said. "One may be lucky enough to see the deer frolicking or our bobcat, Val, tackling plants covered in fresh snow while his brother, Sal, watches from his perch on the heated rock."
As they make their own holiday wishes, guests can make an animal's wish come true with the Holiday Wish Tree in the Wild Side Gift Shop. Every ornament represents an enrichment item for one of the zoo's animals, from bird mirrors to hay bags to Cans O' Crickets.
Enrichment involves creating a challenging environment to address an animal's social, psychological and physical needs, inspiring natural behaviors they would exhibit in the wild.
"For some animals, like the great horned owls, the winter is breeding season so staff refocuses enrichment to accommodate the needs of the 'lovebirds,'" Theuman said. "Enrichment and the way food is offered allow the owls to go through the normal repertoire of breeding behaviors."
Though it may be cold, Theuman takes time to appreciate the zoo in winter.
"The zoo grounds are just as beautiful blanketed in fresh snow as they are on a lovely summer day, and it's a great chance to see the animals experiencing the wonders of snow," she said.
The Festival of Lights and tree sales are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day; and open 9 a.m. to noon Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Admission is free; donations are accepted.
To learn more, visit cosleyzoo.org/events or call (630) 665-5534.
If you go
What: Festival of Lights and tree sale
When: Friday, Nov. 25, to Friday, Dec. 30
Where: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton
Cost: Donation of $5 per family; $3 for printed photo with Santa
Info: (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org/events