Cosley Zoo

Cosley Zoo Cosley Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and features native wildlife.
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Cosley Zoo gives visitors up-close interactions with nature right in the heart of the suburbs. Nestled on 5 acres, Cosley Zoo is home to farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. Visitors will discover exhibits that immerse them in natural habitats for white-tailed deer, red fox, Blanding’s turtles, a bobcat, a coyote, and more. Cosley Zoo is also a center for animal education and conservation, o

ffering programs that teach young and old how to care for the world around them and give back to the communities in which they live, work, and play. You can reserve tickets in advance at https://cosleyzoo.org/plan-your-visit/ or purchase them at the admission booth.

Happy Teeth out Tuesday from Rocket the raccoon!Did you know that raccoons have 40 teeth, all of which help them to eat ...
03/11/2025

Happy Teeth out Tuesday from Rocket the raccoon!

Did you know that raccoons have 40 teeth, all of which help them to eat a variety of different foods, including plant and animal matter?

Ready... Set... Run... for the Animals on Saturday, June 7! Join us for our annual 5K, 10K and Kids ½ mile race, and the...
03/10/2025

Ready... Set... Run... for the Animals on Saturday, June 7! Join us for our annual 5K, 10K and Kids ½ mile race, and then stick around after to enjoy the Cream of Wheaton! All participants receive a race shirt, finisher medal and post-race refreshments.

Early bird rates end April 30, so register today! https://bit.ly/3L0t98C

03/08/2025

Wondering how the birds are doing at the zoo? Since moving many of our birds inside due to Avian Influenza last month, we have been keeping a close eye on them and ensuring their excellent wellbeing. All our birds have remained healthy, and we anticipate keeping them inside a little longer as a precaution during migration season when the risk of Avian Influenza could rise. Here is a fun video of our chickens receiving some extra fun enrichment of gingerbread houses! The houses are made from gingerbread, stuck together with peanut butter, and decorated with various other bird treats.

Gary Avenue Improvement Project UpdateStarting the week of March 16, the City of Wheaton will begin construction on Gary...
03/06/2025

Gary Avenue Improvement Project Update

Starting the week of March 16, the City of Wheaton will begin construction on Gary Avenue. During this time Gary Avenue will be closed from Prairie Avenue to Harrison Street. Access to Cosley Zoo will be available via an alternate route. For more complete information and detour routes, visit https://bit.ly/4iulKj4.

Our summer animal care internship application is now open! Join our animal care team in providing daily care for animals...
03/06/2025

Our summer animal care internship application is now open! Join our animal care team in providing daily care for animals throughout the zoo. Application deadline is March 15.

Photo caption: interns organize donated produce to feed the animals.

Cosley Zoo is home to two remarkable sandhill cranes, Ichabod and Fraiser! Ichabod arrived at the zoo 14 years ago, and ...
03/05/2025

Cosley Zoo is home to two remarkable sandhill cranes, Ichabod and Fraiser! Ichabod arrived at the zoo 14 years ago, and Fraiser joined us exactly nine years later on the same day. Both cranes have permanent wing injuries that prevent them from being released into the wild—Ichabod has a slightly droopy left wing, while Fraiser's right wing droops more noticeably, making them easy to tell apart. Despite their injuries, they thrive in their habitat and serve as incredible ambassadors for their species.
Fun Fact: Sandhill cranes are known for their spectacular courtship dances! They perform elaborate displays that include leaping, bowing, and tossing sticks or grass into the air—a behavior seen in both wild and captive cranes!

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible wildlife that shares our planet, including some of the amazing ambassador animal...
03/03/2025

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible wildlife that shares our planet, including some of the amazing ambassador animals at Cosley Zoo!
Page & Ada – two of our three-toed box turtles, representing the importance of protecting native species and their environments.
Prairie – the Western hognose snake, showcasing the vital role snakes play in ecosystems, eating rodents and other pests.
Sable – one of our North American porcupines, reminding us of the importance of preserving forests and natural habitats which they call home.
Tell us your favorite ways to help wildlife in the comments!

Happy “Read Across America Day!” Looking for some recommendations? Our resident box turtle Ada recommends “The Very Hung...
03/02/2025

Happy “Read Across America Day!” Looking for some recommendations? Our resident box turtle Ada recommends “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Pictured here, Ada is investigating an enrichment item put out by one of her keepers. Enrichment is an important part of our animal husbandry here at the zoo. Some of Ada’s favorite enrichment items include receiving dirt for her powerful legs to dig through, an extra earthworm (or two…or three!), or even a donated children’s book that she can tactilely and visually explore. Ada is still inside for the season, but make sure to come see her in the summer and let her know what book you read today!
Photo caption: Ada the box turtle explores a children’s picture book in her indoor habitat.

As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we take part in and support the AZA’s SAFE program. Our zoo ...
02/28/2025

As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we take part in and support the AZA’s SAFE program. Our zoo team is involved with three of the SAFE programs which include Songbird SAFE, Monarch SAFE, and the American Turtle SAFE. Along with assisting in the programs, the zoo also supports other SAFE programs through donations from the Coins for Conservation at Cosley Zoo. We are excited to celebrate our combined accomplishments of 2024 and are looking forward to the conservation impact we can make this year.

Our two blue-tongued skinks, Blue and Orange, hatched in 2005 at Turtle Back Zoo, and we couldn’t be more excited to cel...
02/27/2025

Our two blue-tongued skinks, Blue and Orange, hatched in 2005 at Turtle Back Zoo, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate them today! These gentle, ground-dwelling lizards are known for their iconic blue tongues, which they flash as a defense mechanism to startle predators.

Fun fact: Blue tongue skinks are ovoviviparous, meaning that the young develop in eggs, which remain inside the mother until hatching, giving the impression of live birth. Pretty cool, right?

Here’s to another year of basking, snacking on their favorite treats, and showing off those famous tongues! Wish them a happy hatch day in the comments!

In honor of Black History Month, Cosley Zoo would like to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Roger A.Young. Young...
02/26/2025

In honor of Black History Month, Cosley Zoo would like to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Roger A.Young. Young was an academic who began her study at Howard University. In 1921, she took her science course which sparked her interest in zoology. In 1926 she studied part time at the University of Chicago where she obtained her master’s degree. While Young faced many life challenges today, she is recognized as the first African American Woman to receive a doctorate in zoology. History is often complex, but understanding past conservationists struggles helps us connect and inspire people towards a better and brighter future

Happy Tongue out Tuesday with MJ the red fox! Did you know that red fox sleep an average of 10 hours per day? During the...
02/25/2025

Happy Tongue out Tuesday with MJ the red fox!

Did you know that red fox sleep an average of 10 hours per day? During the winter months, this number can increase to up to 14 hours per day.

Photo caption: MJ the red fox sticks tongue out in snowy habitat

Big thank you to everyone that purchased animal enrichment items off our Wish Tree or the Cosley Zoo Amazon Gift List th...
02/22/2025

Big thank you to everyone that purchased animal enrichment items off our Wish Tree or the Cosley Zoo Amazon Gift List this holiday season! The animals have been enjoying all their new toys and treats. Here is one of the enrichment items that we received: a slow feeder for our donkeys!
If you did not have the chance to purchase enrichment items for our animals, it is not too late! https://bit.ly/3Qcc2G2

Photo caption: Jesse and Elmo, Cosley Zoo’s two miniature donkeys, eat from their slow feed enrichment item.

ATTENTION GOLFERS🏌️‍♂️Registration is now open for the Mike Williams Cosley Zoo Classic Golf Outing! Join us for 18 hole...
02/21/2025

ATTENTION GOLFERS🏌️‍♂️

Registration is now open for the Mike Williams Cosley Zoo Classic Golf Outing! Join us for 18 holes of golf, lunch from the grill and an amazing dinner at Arrowhead Golf Club on Monday, August 4.

Register today! https://bit.ly/4b79AKL

Happy Gotcha Day to Buttercup the goat who arrived at Cosley Zoo on February 19, 2017. Buttercup is referred to as the m...
02/19/2025

Happy Gotcha Day to Buttercup the goat who arrived at Cosley Zoo on February 19, 2017. Buttercup is referred to as the mother of our herd. Out of the three other goats that call Cosley home, two of them are her children. She has been a wonderful mother, a wonderful ambassador, and an all around wonderful goat! She enjoys resting most days, with her two kids close by, typically snuggled up with her. Be sure to stop and say hi to our goat herd and Buttercup next time you are visiting!

Photo caption: Buttercup up close in the goat stall in the barn

We’re excited to introduce Hero, a year-and-a-half-old llama who recently arrived at Cosley Zoo from Namaste Llamas—the ...
02/15/2025

We’re excited to introduce Hero, a year-and-a-half-old llama who recently arrived at Cosley Zoo from Namaste Llamas—the same farm that we welcomed Franklin from! Hero joined us following the passing of our beloved llama, Cora, and we’re happy to share that he and Franklin are already getting along well. Llamas are herd animals, therefore it was in the best interest for Franklin's wellbeing that we found him a stallmate.

Hero is a curious little guy, always eager to check out his surroundings and meet new friends—both human and animal. Like most toddlers, he’s still figuring out his tastes, and one thing’s for sure… veggies are not his favorite! Come visit Hero soon and give him a warm Cosley Zoo welcome!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Rizado, Cosley Zoo’s curly hair tarantula! Curly hair tarantulas just like all spiders have e...
02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day from Rizado, Cosley Zoo’s curly hair tarantula! Curly hair tarantulas just like all spiders have eight legs. They have four appendages near their mouths, two of which that help them to hold and carry prey items and dig burrows. Curly hair tarantulas do not spin webs like most house spiders. They are nocturnal hunters and will wait in their burrows, using their sensitive hairs to detect movement from potential prey items, and then ambush them!
Did you know that female curly hair tarantulas can live up to 20 years, while males will typically live 5-10 years in professional care. Rizado is 9 years old!


Photo caption: Rizado the curly hair tarantula sits on a Valentine’s Day enrichment item.

In a joint effort between the Cosley Zoo Conservation Team and the Wheaton Park District Green Team, we recycled a whopp...
02/12/2025

In a joint effort between the Cosley Zoo Conservation Team and the Wheaton Park District Green Team, we recycled a whopping 1,154 pounds of light strings this past season! $461.60 was donated to the Protect the Pride Lions campaign, which supports the protection of African Lions. 1,154 pounds is nearly as much as the combined weight of our Falabella mini horse, Dolly, and our Norwegian Fjord horse, Gretchen. Diverting waste from the landfill is just one way the Cosley Zoo and the Wheaton Park District demonstrate our commitment to the natural world and this community.

Address

1356 N Gary Avenue
Wheaton, IL
60187

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16306655534

Website

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Videos

Wondering how the birds are doing at the zoo? Since moving many of our birds inside due to Avian Influenza last month, we have been keeping a close eye on them and ensuring their excellent wellbeing. All our birds have remained healthy, and we anticipate keeping them inside a little longer as a precaution during migration season when the risk of Avian Influenza could rise. Here is a fun video of our chickens receiving some extra fun enrichment of gingerbread houses! The houses are made from gingerbread, stuck together with peanut butter, and decorated with various other bird treats.

Our resident sports analyst, Dig the Armadillo, has made her pick for the big game—she’s rolling with the Eagles! Why? Well, according to Dig, the Eagles have the speed, agility, and defense to take home the championship. Plus, as a burrowing expert, she knows a thing or two about digging deep when the game is on the line! Will Dig’s prediction hold up? We’ll have to wait and see! Let us know in the comments—are you Team Dig or do you think another team will take the trophy? 🏆 #DigPicksTheEagles #SuperBowlPredictions #ArmadilloAnalytics #cosleyzoo

"In a testament to the excellent care Cosley Zoo’s animals receive, many of them live well beyond the average lifespan of their wild counterparts. Regular veterinary care, reliable shelter, daily enrichment, and incredible nutrition provide them with everything they need to thrive into old age. However, old age often presents geriatric-induced medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts, or even cancer— just like in the healthiest of humans. Unable to survive in the wild, our coyote, Wiley, has been in our care for the past 10 years. At 11 years of age, he is considered geriatric. The average lifespan of a wild coyote is approximately 4 years, with up to 60% of wild coyotes not surviving their first year of life. Due to his advanced age, Wiley experiences arthritis, a condition which is closely monitored and assisted by his care team through regular observations, data reviews, and medical treatment. Wiley is trained to voluntarily present his hip along his fencing so that he may receive monthly injections to alleviate arthritis-based pain, a care plan commonly seen in domestic dogs— but a little more complicated to carry out with a wild animal! Due to his excellent positive reinforcement-based training, this is “no-big-deal” for Wiley, who gets lots of snacks for helping us care for him."

Peanut Butter Enrichment!
Peanut Butter Enrichment!

Did you know that peanut butter isn’t just a tasty treat for humans—it’s also a fun and enriching snack for some of our animals here at Cosley Zoo? Yesterday was National Peanut Butter Day, and we’re celebrating how this nutty favorite helps keep our animal residents happy and mentally stimulated! Here one of our animal care staff members provided enrichment to our resident pigs, Harley, Chopper, Tater and Tot “ants on a log” with celery, peanut butter, and beets! Video caption: American guinea hogs are eating provided enrichment of celery, peanut butter, and beets in their habitat.

Trees that are not sold during our Festival of Lights get recycled a few different ways. One of the cutest ways is for our two North American Porcupines to enjoy as a midday snack! Video caption: Sable, one of Cosley Zoo's North American Porcupines chews on a tree branch.

Cosley Zoo has come a long way in 50 incredible years—thanks to you! Since opening in 1974, we’ve transformed from a small park with a few animals into a nationally accredited zoo known for science-based education, impactful conservation efforts, and exceptional animal care. Watch the video below to learn more about Cosley Zoo's journey. Celebrate our anniversary with us one more time by making a tax-deductible donation to support Cosley Zoo’s mission for the next 50 years: https://bit.ly/3forDn0 Thank you for being a friend of Cosley Zoo! #cosleyzoo

#ThrowbackThursday A look at the entrance from the early 1990s to today! #cosleyzoo50

Uncork and unwind on Thursday, July 11 at Uncorked at Cosley Zoo, our annual wine-tasting event. This unique event gives attendees an evening filled with wine sampling, live entertainment, appetizers, mingling with the animals and more. Don’t miss out and collect this year’s commemorative wine glass- available to the first 450 guests! Tickets can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/4aNGgHI #cosleyzoo #uncorked #wineevent #wheatonevent

Happy New Year! We are excited to be celebrating 50 years. Follow along as we share history, stories, and more. Do you have a Cosley story? Share it with us at https://bit.ly/41KraQ2. #cosleyzoo #CosleyZoo50

Dig our nine-banded armadillo is running into the weekend on her new exercise wheel! #cosleyzoo #armadillo

Lynx Light Display
Lynx Light Display

As you visit Canada Lynx sisters Sage and Poppy, you will get to see our new Lynx light display.

Enjoy wine with a little bit of wild! Cosley Zoo team members have a message to share about Cosley Zoo Uncorked. https://bit.ly/44pcMNF #cosleyuncorked #wheaton #wineevent

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