A pair of bald eagles named Jack and Eva, both of which have wing injuries that affect their ability to sustain flight and inhibit their ability to survive in the wild, are among the residents at The Zoo in Forest Park.
Reminder Publishing file photo
SPRINGFIELD — Exotic birds, camels, bison and alligators. The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center offers people in the greater Springfield area a chance to visit and learn about animals they may not otherwise ever encounter.
But caring for those animals is a costly endeavor, particularly in the cold months of winter.
“We get asked a lot by people out in the public, ‘what can they do?’” said Executive Director Sarah Tsitso.
While the zoo is closed to the public from early November to late March, Tsitso said, “Animals still need things 365 days a year.” The zoo leaves its Amazon wish list active all year, so people can donate at any time. Some items are for animal enrichment, like bird toys and large herding balls. Other items may strike people as being more mundane. She said the zoo needs everyday items like nails and screws, extension cords, sponges and office supplies.
Winter-specific items are also needed, including heaters, heated water bowls and humidifiers. “These items take a beating,” said Tsitso. She said, “Think about the hay. We’re ordering about $1,500 worth of hay every three weeks,” for animals that use it as feed or bedding.
However, Tsitso said with a laugh, “We don’t need more blankets. Please.” She explained that the zoo received an influx of blankets a few years ago and simply has nowhere to store more. “We appreciate them, but only a few animals can actually use them. Some will eat them,” she said.
“We’re not a traditional zoo. A lot of animals come to us with health considerations, come to us elderly,” Tsitso said. “These are animals that need a home, that would not survive on their own.” As such, they have “very specialized medical needs,” she said. The most expensive item on the wish list is a portable radiograph machine, which can cost several thousand dollars.
“We’re raising money all year round,” Tsitso said. The zoo’s operating budget is funded from three sources: admissions fees, educational programs, and grants and fundraising. She said, “We really are looking to the community who know and love these animals.”
The zoo’s Amazon wish list can be found at forestparkzoo.org/wish-list.
