Online petition drive on to save Elgin's Lords Park Zoo

Elgin residents are mobilizing in an effort to save the elk, bison and deer at the Lords Park Zoo.

"I never thought it would be conceivable, what they are doing," said longtime Elgin resident Phyllis Krueger. "Even during the (Great) Depression we had animals there. It's just a beautiful place."

Earlier this year, city leaders discontinued the petting zoo component, a move that saved about $30,000.

City spokeswoman Sue Olafson said the city must close a $4 million budget deficit by the end of December.

Moving the large animals out of the Lords Park Zoo to other locations, such as a Native American reservation, could save about $80,000 a year, she said.

But no final decision has been made as city leaders look at all departments to save money, Olafson said.

"Given these trying economic times, we have to make difficult decisions," Olafson said. "Is the zoo important? Yes, but so is police, so is fire (protection) and so is public works."

Zoo supporters say they will voice their concerns at the city council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at city hall, 150 Dexter Court.

Zoo supporters also were gathering signatures at lordsparkzoo.wordpress.com.

As of 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, 671 people signed the online petition.

Terry Gabel, an Elgin resident who has lived across the street from the zoo for 40 years, said he was encouraged to hear that council members had not made a final decision yet.

Still, Gabel said businesses came forward offering grants to continue the petting zoo feature but were denied by the city. He believes the entire process could use some more community involvement and more time from the city to find partners for the project.

"I find it difficult to believe that the money can't be found within the community even if the city can't find it. I think there's still solutions that are viable," Gabel said. "This is a unique community zoo. It's needs to be kept and it's not crazy expensive. When the animals are gone, they're gone. They're not coming back."

Neither Elgin Mayor Ed Schock nor City Manager Sean Stegall could be reached for comment Tuesday.