Illinois wildlife park celebrates 30 years

PEORIA -- A wildlife park in central Illinois began its 30th anniversary celebration with help from Animal Planet TV host Jeff Corwin.

Corwin was among more than 450 people at a dinner and auction April 25 that raised about $80,000 for Wildlife Prairie State Park, just outside Peoria.

The 2,000-acre park features restored native habitat and animals, including bison, elk, otters and wolves. Attractions include a reconstructed log cabin, playgrounds and a petting zoo.

Owned by the state and operated by a foundation, the park was created by the late William Rutherford, an attorney, outdoors enthusiast and one-time director of the state Conservation Department. He deeded the park to the state in 2000.

His son, William Rutherford Jr., is the current president of the Forest Park Foundation.

Events during the yearlong anniversary are aimed at drawing more people to the park, Rutherford said.

"We need to build attendance at the park for it to be sustainable," he said.

The park has seen attendance fluctuate over the years. Current admission is $5.50 for ages 13 and older, $3.50 for children 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and younger.

Details at www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org/.