Cary native honored in photo contest

Fluttering butterflies, big cats, graceful giraffes, primates and bears were among nearly 400 photos submitted in the Chicago Zoological Society's 2008 Photo Contest. A panel of professional photographers had the tough assignment of selecting a grand prize winner, as well as first-, second-, and third-place winners in the adult and child categories. The winning photos are on display in Brookfield Zoo's Discovery Center lobby through Nov. 18. They also may be viewed online at CZS.org.

The grand prize winner was a photo of Nadaya, one of Brookfield Zoo's western lowland gorillas, taken by Mark Bates of New Lenox. He received an airline voucher for round-trip main cabin air transportation for himself and a companion to any destination in the continental United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, served directly by American Airlines.

Winners in the adult category are Carrie Ranta of Merrillville, Ind., first place; Fran Pones of LaGrange Park, second place; and Tom Morris of Bartlett, third place. Winners in the 11-and-under child category are Chelsea Doyle of Brookfield, first place; Dominic Williams of Schaumburg, second place; and Tom Ridge of Geneva, third place. In addition, Lauren Myers of Cary and Kaelie Mae Seatter of Skokie received honorable mentions in the adult and child category, respectively.

The Photo Contest was sponsored by American Airlines, Fisher-Price®, Holiday Camera, and Canon. Photos were matted courtesy of House of Color in Countryside.

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA and PACE bus service.