Be a Zoo Parent | Adopt a Carousel Animal | Make a Contribution | Planned Giving | Tributes | Zoo Park Partners | Volunteer | Zootique Gift Shop

Support the Zoo

Be A Zoo Parent

Become a Zoo Parent at Scovill Zoo! When you adopt an animal, your donation helps support the animal’s care and feeding. For a few dollars, you can help energize a South African Cheetah or keep a Bactrian Camel walking tall. Whatever animal you choose, your donations directly support your new family member at Scovill Zoo.

Zoo Parent Perks:

• Personalized adoption certificate
• Subscription to our “Critter Chatter” zoo newsletter
• Invitation to Zoo Parents Annual Picnic
• Recognition on the Zoo Parents Family Tree plaque
• One free zoo admission
• Download Zoo Parent Application

Adopt A Carousel Animal

Carousel sponsorships are an enduring way to honor family or friends, recognize a business, or commemorate a special occasion. The Endangered Species Carousel, specially designed for Scovill Zoo, features 30 one-of-a-kind, hand-carved animals. Sponsors are recognized with a personalized sign on the selected carousel animal. Sponsors also receive a 5-year Friends of the Zoo membership and free rides on the carousel. Payment options are available! For more information, please call the zoo at 421-7436 to learn how you can make a gift that will last a lifetime.

Special thanks to the following carousel donors!

Make A Contribution

The Decatur Park District's facilities and parks serve as long-standing community treasures. From the tranquility of Fairview Park to the sights and sounds of Scovill Zoo, the Park District enhances our community's quality of life. You can perpetuate the tradition of beauty and nature through a gift to the Decatur Parks Foundation. With several giving options, you can honor a friend or family member, celebrate a special occasion, or remember a loved one. Your gift of green will be appreciated for generations to come.

Planned Giving

Make the gift of a lifetime by including the Decatur Parks Foundation and Scovill Zoo in your will.  

Tributes

Living Tribute Program

Honor a loved one or commemorate a special event by having a tree planted through the Park Foundation's Living Tribute Program. With your $500 donation, the Park District will plant and care for your tree. In addition, you will be presented with a Living Tribute Certificate and a map highlighting the tree's location. Select from a variety of trees: Red Maple, Norway Maple, Red Oak, or Dogwood. The Living Tribute Program offers a natural gift that will beautify Decatur's parks for the entire community to enjoy.

Park Bench Recognition Memorials

This special program is the perfect way to honor a loved one or commemorate a special event. With your donation of $750, an attractive, 6-foot bench will be placed in a Decatur park, complete with a plaque inscribed with your message or loved one's name. Your donation will make a lasting memory while providing park visitors a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings

To make a contribution to the Living Tribute Program or Park Bench Recognition Memorials please contact the Decatur Parks Foundation at 422-5911.

Zoo Park Partners

Be a friend of Scovill Zoo by volunteering your time to beautify and enhance the facility. Over the years, Scovill Zoo has benefited from the efforts of a number of caring community organizations that have stained decking, cleaned the facility, raked leaves, and staffed our many fun events, like Boo at the Zoo. To get your organization or church group involved, please call the zoo at 421-7435.

Special thanks to Caterpillar and National City Bank volunteers, pictured below:

Volunteer

An exciting volunteer opportunity awaits you at Scovill Zoo! Would you like to drive the Z.O. & O. Express or give riders a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel? Do you want to learn more about your community's zoo and its animals? Opportunities range from Mobile Zoo presentations to guided tours to helping at special events. No experience required! Benefits include learning more about animals and nature, being active int he community, and attending free education classes. Volunteer training sessions begin in January. Each class provides participants the opportunity to share knowledge and meet new people with similar interests. Plan to join us this January...and invite a friend! For more information, contact Ken Frye at 421-7435 or via email at kfrye@decparks.com.

Zootique Gift Shop Offers Unique Items!

There's always something new in the Zootique Gift Shop, including limited-edition Steve Irwin merchandise - something only AZA-accredited zoos are given the opportunity to feature. With 18 foot-long plush snakes, pocket sized replicas of your favorite animals, pencils, cards and gifts, Scovill Zoo's Zootique Gift Shop has the perfect gift item or souvenir. If you're seeking a birthday gift or something fun for a special occasion, schedule an appointment at your convenience by calling 421-7435.

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71 South Country Club Road • Decatur, IL 62521 • 217-421-7435 • Contact Us

Owned and operated by the the Decatur Park District