Join 'Lords Park Zoo - Continuing the Heritage' Saturday

Welcome the new season at Lords Park Zoo and help celebrate the arrival of the latest addition to the bison herd - culminating in the announcement by Mayor Dave Kaptain of the calf's name, chosen by community voting.

"Lords Park Zoo - Continuing the Heritage" will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in the zoo, 325 Hiawatha Drive in Elgin. The calf's name will be announced at 2 p.m.

As in past years, this free annual event features an opportunity to see the bison, elk and deer up close, along with refreshments, music, and plenty of giveaways for the kids.

Presented by the nonprofit Friends of Lords Park Zoo, participating organizations also include the City of Elgin, Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, Elgin Community Garden Network, Elgin Area Historical Society, Elgin Public Museum, Gail Borden Public Library, Hanover Township and the Izaak Walton League.

Located on Elgin's east side at the south end of Lords Park, the zoo has a long and storied history, beginning in 1895 with the construction of a den to house two black bears.

By 1905, when the first four bison arrived, the zoo included five bears, two elk, 17 deer, eight coyotes, four foxes, three monkeys, a raccoon, a wildcat, 10 peacocks, and six eagles.

During the summer, the farm zoo opens to provide visitors the opportunity to view farm animals on loan from local farms. This is not a petting zoo.

In 2016, over 10,000 visitors enjoyed visiting Lords Park Zoo and attending educational programs such as "Adventures in the Zoo" and "Uncaged in the Zoo," co-sponsored with the Elgin Public Museum, and "Stories Under the Hickory Tree," presented by Gail Borden Public Library. Visit www.facebook.com/LordsParkZoo/.