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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO
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, 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 Caf? 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 1945, 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. Kevin J. Bell was also hired in 1976 as Curator of Birds at Lincoln Park Zoo; 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, In 1992, Kevin J. Bell was promoted to Assistant Director; and in 1993, was appointed Director at Lincoln Park Zoo; 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; and
WHEREAS, After the zoo was privatized in 1995, Kevin J. Bell was also named President and CEO of the Lincoln Park Zoological Society, which manages and operates Lincoln Park Zoo; and
WHEREA...
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