RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Lincoln Park Zoo was established in 1868 with the gift of a two pairs of swans from New York City's Central Park; and
WHEREAS In 1878 the Commissioners resolved that the zoo shall always be free and open to the public; and
WHEREAS, Starting in 1888 Cyrus DeVry supervised the construction of new structures to house many new animal species, including monkeys and elephants; and
WHEREAS, The first three decades of the 20th Century saw construction of Cafe Brauer, Bird House, Lion House and Primate House, all landmark structures that grace the grounds of the zoo today; and
WHEREAS, Marlin Perkins became Zoo Director in 1944, bringing the animals and their individual stories into homes through NBC's Zoo Parade; and
WHEREAS, The year 1959 saw the foundation of The Lincoln Park Zoological Society by philanthropists and civic leaders; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lester Fisher became Zoo Director in 1962, beginning a 30-year tenure that oversaw the society raise over $400 million for new exhibits and improved animal care; and
WHEREAS, In 1976 the most advanced habitat for great apes opened, which was later named for Dr. Fisher, and the same year saw the hiring of current Zoo Director Kevin Bell as Curator of Birds; and
WHEREAS, With just two staff members the Conservation and Science department launched in 1989, forming the foundation of one of the nation's largest and most effective wildlife conservation and science programs; and
WHEREAS, The year 1995 saw the Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago Park District enter a 30-year agreement shifting the zoo to self-governance, the same year saw the Zoo Society's Board of Trustee's adopting full-time management of zoo operations as well as appointing Kevin Bell as President and CEO; and
WHEREAS, 1995 launched the five-year "Heart of the Zoo" campaign, raising over $50 million for new and renovated animal habitats including the Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House; and
WHEREAS, The Davee Center for Epidemiology was created ...
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