Cosley Zoo

Today we’re wishing a happy 4th Birthday one of our ssssspectacular ambassador animals, Sherbet the bull snake.

Bull snakes are one of the longest snakes in North America, reaching lengths up to 8ft long! When Sherbet first arrived at Cosley Zoo we weighed about 40 grams or the average weight of an egg. Now he weighs about 1,380 grams which is about 3 pounds, or a small bag of potatoes.

You probably know that snakes smell with their tongue, but have you ever wondered how? Snakes have an organ on the roof of their mouth called a Jacobson’s organ. This organ transmits information about smells in the environment to the snake’s brain. Imagine if you could smell with your tongue, birthday cake would be very different. Happy Birthday, Sherbet!

Join us Friday, October 16 from 5:15-8:30P for Cosley Zoo's Spooktacular Halloween event! Dress up is encouraged but not required. Get ready for a spooky stroll, creepy crawly crafts and perfect pumpkin picking! Registration is here: https://bit.ly/4ylJiis

World River Day is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of September to raise awareness of the environmental and cultural impacts rivers have on daily life. Rivers play a vital role in global ecosystems but are facing major threats such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Some ways you can help rivers today and every day are:
-Join local clean up events to help keep waterways healthy.
-Learn more about your local river systems and the kinds of plants and animals that call these systems home.
-Customize your reusable water bottle and bring it with you wherever you go. Do you have a fun water bottle? Show us in the comments below.

We have halted public duck feeding for the remainder of the 2026 season due to the potential detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza. This disease is carried by wild birds, and while not a human health concern, it can be very dangerous for our ducks. Because the health of the zoo’s birds is our top priority, we need to discourage wild birds from visiting our ponds. We thank you for your understanding.

Boogie on down to Boo Bash October 15 from 5:15-6:45P at Cosley Zoo!

Created with neurodiverse children and their families in mind, this new Halloween event offers a low-sensory, low-pressure way to explore the zoo, enjoy activities and have some Halloween fun at your own pace.

Costumes are welcome, but never required. Register: https://bit.ly/CosleyZooBooBash

Happy 3rd Birthday to Lottie, one of our Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrecs. A small animal with a big name and a BIGGER role here at Cosley Zoo! Lottie is one of our ambassador animals meaning she helps educate guests about her species, her environment and the importance of protect biodiversity.

Native to Madagascar, they are thought to be one of the first mammals to settle there about 60 million years ago during the early Paleocene. This was a time just shortly after the dinosaurs when birds, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals like tenrecs began to thrive in new environments.

Tenrecs today still have some of the same characteristics, such as relatively low body temperature and retention of a cloaca. This is more typically for animals that lay eggs such as birds, reptiles, and the occasional mammals like platypus.
Tenrecs are wonderful animals and have so much to teach us. Tenrecs are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums(AZA) Species Survival Plan(SSP) , which is a cooperative population management and conservation plan.

Next time you're at Cosley, take a peek into our Ambassador animal room. You might catch a tenrec climbing around on a chat tree.

Join us October 3rd 8:45-10A to explore the fantastic world of our feathered friends. Inclusive birding is designed to enjoy birds at a comfortable pace without the hustle and bustle of the day. Whether it’s your first time birding or you’re a bird expert, all are welcome! Come for the birds and stay after to explore the zoo at your own pace.
Wheaton residents | $9
Non-resident registration | $12
Follow the link to register: https://bit.ly/4fyWuZb

You better beetle-lieve it!

While insects are often overlooked or even disliked, these tiny titans hold a crucial place in the world. From natural pest control to pollinators to nutrient recycling and medical advancements, insects provide a range of benefits for humans and ecosystems.

Take for example our fall flower friend, the goldenrod soldier beetle not to be confused with its look-a-like the Margined soldier beetle. These beetles are often found on prairie wildflowers such as purple coneflowers, blazing star and milkweed. These beetles are pollinators just like bees and butterflies, but they also act as pest control as they feed on other small insects.

What’s that sound? You might be hearing an annual cicada. Some cicadas emerge every year for their summer sonata. While some can take thirteen to seventeen years to emerge. When both these happen at once, this is what we call a “dual emergence.” These events are quite rare! The next dual emergence of these cicada broods won’t be for another 219 years; in 2245!

The world of insects is a small but fascinating one. Next time you’re at Cosley, look around and see what kind of buggy buddies you might see.
📷: Operations Staff, Laura

Make this school year turtle-y awesome with Cosley Zoo!

During your visit to Cosley Zoo you will get a chance to explore the zoo, get a closer look at some of our native wildlife, and learn how you can be a conservation leader. Groups also have the option to participate in a facilitated program with one of the fabulous zoo educators to learn from some of our ambassador animals. Are you planning your upcoming field trip?
Check out our website https://bit.ly/4ynE9pU for more options!