CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Bring on the roaring lions in the roaring 20's.
Earlier this year Lincoln Park Zoo announced renovation plans for the iconic Kovler Lion House, and now they are announcing that the project has officially begun thanks to a $15 million gift from the Pepper family.
“This generous donation from Richard and Roxelyn Pepper begins an exciting transformation at the heart of the zoo,” said Biff Bowman, Chairman of the Lincoln Park Zoo Board of Trustees, in a statement. “The commitment to the zoo shown by not only the Peppers, but also by the zoo’s Women’s & Auxiliary Boards and my fellow trustees—especially Barbara Malott Kizziah, our campaign chair who has been instrumental in securing other critical gifts and activating our philanthropic community—helps us secure a sustainable future for one of Chicago’s most historic institutions.”
President & CEO Kevin Bell said the renovation requires more care and investment than other capital projects because the building is designated a historical landmark.
“When it’s complete, we’ll have a new world-class habitat for a pride of lions, and welcome the majestic species back to Chicago as soon as possible," he said.
“In essence, the lions themselves helped design their new habitat,” said Vice President of Animal Care & Horticulture Maureen Leahy, in a statement. “Our welfare scientists used ZooMonitor to collect data to help design and build a scientifically-informed habitat with animal care and welfare at the forefront.”
“With the training wall open to the lions’ indoor area, we’ll be able to open up behind-the-scenes care and husbandry into a space where the public can view it," Leahy said. "It’s important to us to be as transparent as possible with how we care for these beautiful animals.”
And as previously reported, with renovations comes a temporary good-bye to the current residing lions. The zoo's 9-year-old male Sahar and 5-year-old female littermates Kamali and Zalika, left Lincoln Park Zoo in the summer for Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina, Kansas. Unfortunately, Sahar died in September at the Rolling Hills Zoo. The zoo reported the two female lions are doing well.