SAVE the LORDS PARK FARM ZOO in ELGIN, ILLINOIS

SUPPORT LORDS PARK ZOO, DO NOT LET THE CITY EVICT THE ANIMALS AND CLOSE THE GATES PERMENANTLY.

Everyday, disappointed families visit Lords Park Zoo to be greeted by locked gates and only a glimpse behind the fence to view the resident Bison, Elk and Deer. The City of Elgin has already cut the budget for the 2009 Baby Farm Animal exhibit at the zoo refusing a $15,000 corporate sponsorship to keep the gates open this summer.

As of the August departmental budget proposals, it's been made clear the City Manager's office plans to cut all funding for animal care and feeding at the Lords Park Zoo for Fall 2009 and beyond. The resident Bison, Elk and Deer are being scheduled for relocation and transported to an undisclosed buyer/home. These decisions have been made without the input of the citizens of Elgin, key departmental personal within the City and the voting by our City Council and Mayor. Visitors to the Zoo, and Residents of Elgin have the right to stop this process from continuing - ensure your voice is heard to work towards sustainable, responsible and smart decisions for the future of our animals and zoo property.

The resident Bison have been living at Lords Park for over 90 years, and do not deserve to be evicted from their home because of short-sighted budgetary concerns. Lords Park Zoo was a gift to the city and its residents over 114 years ago, our group is working to save the integrity of the park, it's animals and programs - while working to make the property viable to the citizens of Elgin in 2010 and beyond.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our Elgin City Manager, Mayor and City Council Leaders to "act now" to save the integrity of Lords Park Zoo in Elgin, Illinois by:
* Save our resident Bison herd from eviction due to budgetary constraints in 2009
* Keep the gates open and accessible to the public in 2010 and beyond
* Continue to support Lords Park Community Garden project within the Farm Zoo that will feed the hungry in Elgin's shelters and feed pantries with fresh locally grown organic produce
* Accept volunteer help and support to maintain the property and programs within Lords Park Zoo
* Accept volunteer donations and sponsorships to care and feed our resident animals and summer Farm Animal programs in 2010 and beyond
* Creating Sustainable Living education and outreach programs within the Farm Zoo area, Community Garden, Natural Prairies and Bison exhibit for the residents of Elgin