Cosley Zoo's Pumpkin Fest celebrates the season

If it's autumn, it's Pumpkin Fest time at Cosley Zoo, and the animals who live there seem to know it.

"The animals are out. They like it colder. They tend to be even more active," said Sue Wahlgren, the Wheaton zoo's director.

While the fest continues through Oct. 31 with a wide selection of pumpkins, apples, Indian corn, gourds and other seasonal décor for sale, visitors also will encounter resident animals.

The zoo's menagerie includes a coyote, a fox, deer, owls and a bobcat.

"We have raccoons, vultures, all kinds of different birds," Wahlgren said.

Then there are the farm animals, which include a dairy cow, a beef cow, sheep, goats, pigs, a horse, a pony, donkeys, ducks, chickens, rabbits and two llamas.

"All the animals are available during our open hours. It's a great way to connect with the animals in the fall season. It's a perfect combination, the animals and the atmosphere," Wahlgren said.

Wahlgren said the pumpkins for sale are from a local vendor, while apples and cider come from Michigan.

"We also have hay bales in three different sizes," she said.

Three kiddie carnival rides will be available for an extra fee. Concessions will be available for purchase, including hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, mini pizzas and cider, she said.

Pumpkin Fest is a time-honored tradition at Cosley Zoo.

"This is the 36th year of Pumpkin Fest. It's sponsored by the Cosley Foundation. All the money will stay here," said Wahlgren.

Proceeds help with the zoo's animal welfare efforts, conservation projects and educational outreach, she said. A facility of the Wheaton Park District, the zoo has grown over the years.

"It opened in 1974 with a handful of farm animals and one employee. Since that time we've grown into one of the premier small zoos in the country," Wahlgren said.

"The people who work here, it's a calling for them, it's not just a job. They really care about conserving species and educating the public. In an ever-increasingly urban society, connecting people with nature and animals is so important. To me, just getting people to come to the zoo is a win."

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Pumpkin Fest

Where: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31

Admission: $7 for nonresident adults 18-54, $6 for nonresident adults 55 and older, free to members, Wheaton Park District residents and kids 17 and younger

Info: cosleyzoo.org, (630) 665-5534, cosleyzoo.org/ or wheatonparkdistrict.com