Thursday, August 20, 2009

Saving the Lords Park Zoo


I've posted here in these parts various things about Lords Park. Being that we live across from Lords Park, it holds a very special place in my heart. I even have a folder specifically for Lords Park in the photo link in this blog. Word has recently leaked through various voices in the press that they ("They" being the City of Elgin) are going to remove the animals from Lords Park in a cost cutting measure in these troubled economic times. Maybe the times are not as troubled as they once were but I just like writing, "troubled economic times". Here is a recent story from August 16th from the Elgin Courier News. Elgin-Bye-bye-bison

There are bison, elk, and deer in the park, not to mention several, seemingly thousand, Canadian geese and ducks. There had been a farm petting zoo during the summer months but that was removed this past summer in a Elgin cost cutting measure. The bison have been in Lords Park since the early 1900's. Generations of families have come to Lords Park to see these animals. When I tell people I live near Lords Park, ultimately, the first thing they ask me is if the buffalo are still there. I always proudly tell them they are.

Now, they are in serious jeopardy of being moved elsewhere. It's a crime but there is hope. The "Friends of Lords Park Zoo" have a website with info regarding this. Most importantly is a petition to sign. If you are reading this, please take a moment to sign the petition.