Lords Park Zoo - Elgin, Illinois

09/04/2026

Friends of Lords Park Zoo Fall Gala & Benefit
Join the Friends of Lords Park Zoo for the return of our annual gala which supports free, family-friendly programs in the zoo each summer. Over 16,000 visitors enjoyed special programs in 2026.

Guests will enjoy an evening of food, drinks, music, and conversation, connecting long-time supporters, local partners, and dedicated zoo volunteers.

The event will feature silent auctions, raffles, and direct giving opportunities where attendees can bid on curated baskets and local experience packages. Every dollar raised directly funds fully underwritten, accessible educational programming for families across the Elgin area.

Admission $40 Tickets are available at the door - RSVP [email protected] OR online. Click the Zeffy button below.

Join the Friends of Lords Park Zoo for the return of our annual gala which supports free, family-friendly programs in the zoo each summer. Over 16,000…

09/01/2026

Please join us to celebrate a successful summer season - 16,000+ visitors! - and raise funds to continue FREE programming for children and families!
Tickets available here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/friends-of-lords-park-zoo-fall-gala-and-benefit

08/14/2026

A Big Thank You!
Celebrating Our Friends of Lords Park Zoo Volunteers (and a Save the Date!)
What a fantastic turnout for our FLPZ Volunteer Appreciation Picnic! While the weather had other plans for our outdoor gathering, moving indoors to the Elgin Public Museum made the event even more special.
An enormous thank you to Sharry Blazier for generously hosting us and opening up the museum’s beautiful space on such short notice. We are so grateful for her flexibility and warm hospitality.
Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers. Your dedication, energy, and commitment are the heart of everything we do for the zoo and our community.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the return of our FLPZ Fall Fundraiser on October 18! Keep an eye out for more details and ticket information coming soon. Thank you for everything you do for FLPZ—we couldn't do it without you!

08/11/2026

Today's program, "Extirpated Illinois" has been canceled due to weather conditions. Thursday's program, "Stories Under the Hickory Tree" will be presented at 11:30am if weather permits. Watch this space!

08/07/2026

Coming up in the final week of our season...

Saturday, 8/08 Incredible Bats! 12:30pm

Sunday, 8/09 The Remnants perform folk and bluegrass music 2:30pm

Tuesday, 8/11 “Extirpated Illinois” presented by Elgin Public Museum

Thursday, 8/13 Stories Under the Hickory Tree presented by Gail Borden Public Library

Saturday, 8/15 "I Saw It at Lords Park Zoo" presented by Elgin History Museum

Sunday, 8/16 Last day of the season

SAVE THE DATE! - Sunday, October 18, 2026 for the return of our Annual Fundraiser Gala at Grumpy Goat Tavern.
Watch this space for details!

08/02/2026

Nice pictures of the Burlington herd!

07/21/2026

Happening today, Tuesday, July 21- Adventures in the Zoo - When Illinois Was An Ocean! 11am-12:30 All ages!

Saturday, July 25 - Deb the Frog Lady 12:30-1:30pm

07/14/2026

Chamber Music on the Fox concert has been rescheduled to Monday, July 27 at 12 noon!

07/12/2026

7/13/2026 Chamber Music on the Fox Cancelled. Watch Here for a New Date!!!

07/11/2026

Events coming up...
Wings and Talons Raptors - Saturday, 7/11 12:30-1:30
Mariachi Concert - Sunday, 7/12 2:00-3:15
Adventures in the Zoo - Teeth Tell All Tuesday, 7/14 11-12:30
Nature In Your Neighborhood - Bugs Friday, 7/17 11:30-12:30