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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inside the Zoo

(Springfield, MO) Feb. 06, 2014 – Dickerson Park Zoo’s mission statement is to connect people

with animals and to create adventures that encourage discovery and inspire conservation action. The Zoo has been creating these adventures for almost 100 years.

The Dickerson Park Zoo was established in 1922 by the Springfield Park Board. The 120 acres of land, purchased from the Jerome Dickerson, Sr. estate, was developed by the WPA labor and

funds and other federal agencies.

Little development occurred until the 1970’s. The Zoo had become a liability for the city of Springfield and was on the cusp of being closed.

The next 10 years marked a growth period thanks to the group, Friends of the Zoo (FOZ).

The FOZ developed a membership program, created education programs and found donors to help support new projects and developments. Thanks to FOZ the City of Springfield devoted a budget to help offset costs.

The changes that occurred in the Dickerson Park Zoo overlapped with modifications in zoos

across the nation. An emphasis on recreation, education, conservation and research was adopted as a leader for zoos in the nation.

The Dickerson Park Zoo created a master plan in 1985 and revised it in 1996. The master plan outlined new parameters on themes and development. Out of the 120 acres only 70 of these were

available for development, 54 acres in use, leaving 16 for future projects. Other changes that occurred during this decade included adopted Species Survival Plans for

elephants, wolves, cheetahs and giraffes. Each of these survival plans were met with great success.

Education programs were developed to create an interest in the natural world. The Zoo also stressed the importance of conducting various studies to gain knowledge of the natural world and

revitalization of various displays throughout the park.

These changes generated traffic and attendance for the Zoo and helped create the Dickerson Park Zoo of today. Involvement with the Zoo continues to grow as more families gain an interest in furthering their knowledge about the world.

The growth of tourism in the Springfield area also contributes to the attendance rising and offers

a unique experience in Springfield.

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The Zoo was recently reaccredited in 2012 and marks the Zoo as a professional establishment that maintains high standards to the treatment of animals, facility management, education

programs and conservation contribution.

Today, there are many programs that children and adults can become involved in and various animals to see. Children can be involved in Zoo Tots, ZOOper Kids and other grade-oriented programs. Adults and children are able to adopt an animal at the Zoo to help care for its needs.

A few major displays include the geographical themed sections of the Zoo: Africa, Australia,

Missouri Habitats, South America and Tropical Asia. These geographical themed areas include animals native to the regions.

Throughout the year, the Zoo hosts a multitude of events. The Dickerson Park Zoo is located at 3043 North Fort, Springfield, MO. To find more information about prices and hours of operation

visit the website or call them. If you are interested in learning more about the Dickerson Park Zoo, visit their site at

www.dickersonparkzoo.org or by calling (417) 833-1570.

Contact: Blake Allan Miller

417-259-2587 Blake968@live.missouristate.edu

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