About Us

Nestled along the shores of Lake Decatur, Scovill Zoo is home to more than 500 animals spanning six continents. Visitors can see South African Cheetahs, an Australian Wallaby, or Golden Lion Tamarins from Brazil. An exciting zebra habitat, featuring beautiful zebras Kizuri and Chad, was added in the summer of 2007.

The zoo’s history dates back forty years to the late 1960's. The Kiwanis Club donated $14,000 for the construction of an animal farm, and in 1967, Scovill Farm opened to the public, complete with pigs, ducks, chickens, goats and other farm animals. The total cost of the project—$56,000, a small sum by today’s standards.

Today, the zoo is home to hundreds of animals with cheetahs, camels, zebras, wolves, monkeys and more! Visitors also enjoy our unique attractions, the Z.O. & O. Express and Endangered Species Carousel, a beautiful work of art, specially designed for Scovill Zoo.

AZA Accreditation

Scovill Zoo is proud of its distinction as an AZA-accredited facility. Accreditation was granted on September 25, 2006 following a rigorous inspection of Scovill Zoo's collection care, keeper training, animal safety, visitor and staff safety, education programs, conservation efforts, veterinary programs, financial stability, and risk management. The zoo team prepared an extensive written report for the Accreditation Commission, and finally a formal hearing was held, following which accreditation was granted for a period of five years.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums currently represents just 210 accredited zoos and aquariums, most of which are located in North America. "We take great pride in having earned re-accreditation by the AZA," said Zoo Director Mike Borders. "This assures all of our visitors that we are a world-class zoo that holds the highest standards of animal care and husbandry."

Conservation

In spring 2007, Scovill Zoo formed a local chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). The national organization formed in 1967 in San Diego, CA as a resource for zoo keepers to exchange information and continue their education. Scovill Zoo's AAZK goals include assisting in conservation and animal protection efforts. Educational booths are also planned for Earth Day celebrations, Zippy Zoo Days and other zoo events.

Scovill Zoo AAZK will also partner with the Macon County Conservation District on projects such as prairie burns, retaining appropriate foliage, ridding areas of invasive plant species, and monitoring blue bird nests. In summer 2007, the group raised funds to adopt an Anatolian shepherd, a breed of working dogs that is an important component of cheetah conservation in Namibia, Africa. For more information about Scovill Zoo's AAZK chapter and upcoming events, please call the zoo at 422-7330.

Zoo Leadership

Director, Dave Webster

Assistant Director, Ken Frye

Zoo Keepers
Heather Purdeu
Nyan McFadden

Ryan Kirkland

Amanda Hall

Sheila Crosby

Mindy Weaver

Office Coordinator, Kathy Winter
Maintenance, Kent Winchester

Decatur Park Board

Cindy A. Deadrick, President

Don Luy, Vice President

Chris Riley

Jack Kenny

Bob Brilley

Decatur Park District Administration
Bill Clevenger, Executive Director
Jim Kiefer, Director of Operations

Decatur Parks Foundation
Board Members
Judith Locke, President
Erv Arends

Dale Arnold

Dr. Wendell Becton

Cindy Black

Brian Byers

Cindy A. Deadrick

Kara Demirjian-Huss

Larry Foster

Dr. Stephen Huss

Kara Johnston

Jack Kenny

Don Luy

Patrick Mohan

James Neff

Pete Paulin

Chris Riley

Cyndy Smith

Mark Tupper

Dr. William Van Alstine

Kathy Wiesemann