Lords Park Zoo - Elgin, Illinois

10/19/2026

Thank You for an Unforgettable Evening!
A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the Friends of Lords Park Zoo Fall Benefit! Thanks to your generous support, kind hearts, and fantastic energy, the evening was a resounding success.
Whether you bid on silent auction packages, bought tickets, or simply came out to celebrate and show your love for the zoo, you made a meaningful difference. Your support directly helps us continue our mission of supporting Lords Park Zoo and our community programs.
A special thanks to our wonderful volunteers, donors, and the staff at the Grumpy Goat Tavern for helping make the night run so smoothly.
We are so grateful to be part of such a caring and dedicated community. Thank you for making this year’s gala one to remember!
💚 With deep gratitude,
The Friends of Lords Park Zoo Board

10/02/2026

Tomorrow, Saturday October 3, is our annual Indigenous Peoples Observation Day. It's also a free admission day, so come on out to explore the museum, meet and watch archaeologist Ken Geier as he demonstrates how ancient peoples flintknapped (made arrowheads from flaking chips off of stones -- quite fascinating!) ... and at 2 pm enjoy the music and stories of Native Flutist William Buchholtz, in a free program made possible by a grant from Illinois Humanities. Weather forecast is 66 and sunny. The trees are just beginning to change. The inner zoo is closed for the season but you can walk the perimeter path to see the bison, deer, and elk. Come enjoy Lords Park's many "cool and refreshing retreats, as founder George Lord described them!

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!

08/07/2026

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!

07/12/2026

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

07/06/2026

Visit FLPZ.ORG for more program listings

Friends of Lords Park Zoo is Committed to the Preservation and Enhancement of Tefft Farm Zoo through events and activities.

07/06/2026

July 8 - You Butter Believe It-Elgin’s Dairy History - Let’s make Butter! presented by Elgin History Museum - 1-3pm

July 9- Stories Under the Hickory Tree - presented by Gail Borden Library - 11-12pm

July 11 - Wings and Talons Raptors - presented by Elgin Public Museum - 12:30-1:30pm

July 12 - Mariachi - 2 - 3:15pm

July 13 - Chamber Music on the Fox / The Outset Trio - 12-1pm - CANCELLED

July 14 - Teeth Tell All - presented by Elgin Public Museum - 11-12:30pm

Free and held in Tefft Farm Area @ the Zoo!