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Cosley Zoo marks 50 years

Families and visitors were able to get up close and personal with the inhabitants of Cosley Zoo Saturday during its 50th anniversary celebration.

The event included a scavenger hunt, giveaways, treats and many other attractions.

Cosley Zoo Education Specialist Ashleigh Estes showed a Western hog-nosed snake during an “animal encounter” presentation talking about “everything that is so cool about them.”

The native species can be found in southern Illinois, she said.

“We will talk about how we can keep snakes safe and coexist with them,” she said.

Aug. 17 marks the exact date Cosley Zoo opened as Cosley Animal Farm 50 years ago, said Margie Wilhelmi, director of marketing.

“We just felt it was important to have a community celebration with our visitors … something a little special for families to come out and enjoy,” she said.

  Ashleigh Estes shows a Western hog-nosed snake during an “animal encounter” at the Cosley Zoo’s 50th anniversary Celebration Day on Saturday in Wheaton. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  White-tailed deer eat leaves from a branch placed in their enclosure during Cosley Zoo’s 50th anniversary Celebration Day on Saturday in Wheaton. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  A sandhill crane spreads its wings during Cosley Zoo’s 50th anniversary Celebration Day on Saturday in Wheaton. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  A red fox rests in its enclosure during Cosley Zoo’s 50th anniversary Celebration Day on Saturday in Wheaton. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  A raccoon views its surroundings during Cosley Zoo’s 50th anniversary Celebration Day on Saturday in Wheaton. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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