Polly Barton and Carlotta Bielfeldt are co-chairs of the Peoria Zoological Society Capital Campaign for the new Peoria Zoo and Gardens. Plans for the project call for tripling the size of the current zoo, adding exhibits that teach interrelationships and biodiversity while restoring Glen Oak Park's turn-of-the-century grandeur.

The Peoria Zoo and Gardens will include a new entry complex; an orientation plaza and meadow for picnicking and parties; an African experience with a Masai Village, savannah grasslands, forests, and a treetop village; a Children's Museum, in collaboration with the Junior League of Peoria; immersion of botanical exhibits into animal exhibits; and the current zoo with enhanced exhibits.

The projected completion date of the Peoria Zoo and Gardens is spring 2007.

Tell about your backgrounds in fundraising for non-profit organizations:

Barton: I've been a member of the Junior League of Peoria since the 1970s. This is where I initially became acquainted with fundraising. In 1990, I worked in the development department at Notre Dame High School in Peoria. At that time, I attended a week-long class in development and fundraising at the University of Notre Dame. My husband, Glen, and I chaired the capital campaign for WTVP, which was very successful-not only for digital TV, but for the building WTVP is now in. Currently, I'm working with Opera Illinois in their efforts in keeping our opera alive.

Bielfeldt: Most of my fundraising training has been "on the job," watching and listening to others. Many of the organizations I've been associated with through the years have needed to raise funds for a variety of reasons. The best advice is, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Each of us is more responsive to a request by someone we know and respect. The personal touch is absolutely necessary, and connecting with the desires of the prospective donors is essential. Believing in a cause or project gives each of us the courage to ask others to help.

Tell about your involvement past and present with the Peoria Zoological Society.

Barton: I was involved with the Peoria Park District in the late 1980s when coaching tennis and using the courts in Glen Oak Park. At that time, I sat on the Recreation Advisory Committee and saw firsthand how the Park District was meeting the diverse and growing needs of the Peoria area community. When asked to serve on the Zoo Board, I was honored and willing to serve on this important board for the community.

Bielfeldt: I haven't been closely connected with the Peoria Zoological Society; I've been aware of their plans, however. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I now share their excitement about the new zoo. I see it as a wonderful addition to the Peoria community for families, education, and preservation of wildlife. The new facility will take into consideration each animal's needs, and the habitat will be designed with those needs in mind. The PZS Board has worked for many years to get where we are today. From this time forward, it's up to all of us to make this a reality.

How and when was it decided to expand the zoo? Why was it necessary?

Barton: In the early 1990s, after the construction of Lion's Trace, a committee was appointed by the Park District to evaluate the need for the zoo in the community. After several months' study, that committee came back with a report and the following recommendations: the zoo was an essential part of Peoria, providing a service and contributing to our quality of life-and, therefore, should remain open; the zoo should remain centrally located in Glen Oak Park, versus moving to the riverfront or out near Wildlife Prairie Park, to serve the entire community; and a formal study and master plan should be developed for the zoo to help delineate its future and give it direction.

The zoo not only provides an important education resource to the community, but it works closely with other conservation groups and organizations to sustain populations of animals for the future. Locally, the zoo provides a family-oriented recreational resource, a place to get back to what's real, to download from the busy day-to-day life, and reconnect with our families, friends, and nature.

The Peoria Zoological Society was formed with interested and committed area residents and leaders in 1997 to determine how to offer the best zoo for our community.

The plans for the new zoo have been well thought out. Since the completion of the master plan in 1998, using the input of local residents and experts, economic research studies and feasibility studies have been conducted.

Tell about the plans and progress for the new Peoria Zoo. When do you anticipate the new zoo will be ready?

Bielfeldt: A contract was negotiated with Torre Design Consortium, LTD, after careful selection from among the top national firms, to begin plans for the new zoo. Through their involvement with other zoos and designs, Torre brings a special knowledge of what makes a great zoo. A design team made up of Peoria Park District personnel, zoo staff, architects, and engineers has been meeting regularly since then to determine the appropriate species to display and requirements for the specific animals and the necessary amenities needed for visitor services-food, gift, rest areas, fun, educational opportunities, etc. All this is to make something really great for Peoria, while maintaining a cost-effective approach.

We're really excited about the opportunities it will provide our families-pleasant settings while maintaining a respect for the rich history and culture of the area; a new entrance/orientation plaza that can be utilized daily by visitors, as well as rented for special evening functions to groups; and an African experience complete with a village and unique animal viewings of giraffes, hippos, rhinos, mandrills, and wild dogs. I can't wait to take the grandkids to the giraffe feeding station-hands-on interactives for the kids to not only look at, but learn about the wonder of the animals and the role we play in the animal world.

We expect the plans to be completed by the end of this year, with construction bids to go out as early as next year. As we understand it, it'll take about two years of construction. The staff hopes to open the new Peoria Zoo & Gardens in spring 2007.

What funds have been raised, and what's the goal?

Barton: The overall campaign is $32.1 million. That incorporates the work that was done on the master plan and includes the value of the land and the infrastructure work that's been done by the Peoria Park District. It also includes $2 million for an endowment fund and $1 million for start-up costs. The overall cost of the construction project hasn't increased.

The amount committed at this point is $17.1 million, so we're more than halfway to our goal.

Major donors to date include Caterpillar, up to $7 million with matching challenges; Bielfeldt Foundation, $5 million; PZS Board commitment, $1.2 million; state grant, $ 500,000 to date; Commerce Bank; an anonymous commitment; and others to be announced.

In what ways can The Peoria Woman readers participate in the campaign?

Bielfeldt: The new zoo and gardens will positively impact all of us who live in the Peoria area, so we welcome everyone's help. Gifts, small and large-and from all sectors of the community-will be needed for the new zoo project to be successful. Contributions can be sent to the Peoria Zoological Society at 2520 N. Prospect Road, Peoria, IL, 61603. Readers may also wish to become a zoo member and take advantage of complimentary admission for a full year, plus free or discounted admission to 130 other U.S. zoos and aquariums. And, of course, word of mouth is important. Talk about your zoo and its importance in our community. Another way to support your zoo is to visit often.

What's the economic impact of the zoo in this community? What projections are there for the completed, expanded zoo?

Barton: The zoo is just one of the wonderful attractions that bring people to Peoria for enjoyment and recreation. The new zoo will create an even larger draw, attracting upwards of 170,000 people each year, an increase of 70,000 over current attendance. This should result in additional money being spent in local hotels and restaurants, as well as other attractions here. It'll help improve the quality of life for the Peoria area, encouraging people to want to live and visit here, and will make our area more attractive for recruiting new employees to our area.

Certainly, the construction of the new zoo will create many construction jobs and lots of money spent for materials and services. The new zoo will be 24 acres, as compared to its current seven, and have 17 new species of animals. This will result in a number of new full-time and part-time jobs at the zoo itself. So the overall economic impact of the new zoo is extensive on a number of fronts.

How will the Children's Museum complement the new zoo?

Bielfeldt: The Children's Museum will be housed in the historic Glen Oak Pavilion where Park District offices currently reside. That's immediately adjacent to the new zoo entrance complex and, as a matter of fact, museum guests will use the zoo entrance to access the museum. The two entities, along with the Botanical Garden, are highly complementary and, together, form the nucleus of a wonderful campus in Glen Oak Park that will appeal to families and people of all ages.

How will the new zoo and gardens enhance quality of life for central Illinois residents?

Barton: The zoo is already a significant contributor to the quality of life in our area. Thousands of students use the zoo each year as an adjunct to their classroom studies, and with the wonderful new Africa! exhibit, we expect many classes will find more value in a zoo visit. Visitors will feel as if they have, indeed, traveled halfway round the world as they embark on their safari. The exhibit will contain cultural icons and artifacts, as well as magnificent animals, so there'll be lessons in geography and anthropology, as well as the traditional biology and botany instruction. It's also a great value for the money.

The zoo is for everyone. The zoo attracts family members of all generations and from all socio-economic and ethnic groups. It offers a wonderful place for them to get away from the busy world we live in and connect with nature and reconnect with one another.

The zoo is fun and educational at the same time, and that's an unbeatable combination. Residents will take their out-of-town guests to the zoo with great pride and will return often on their own.

What special programs will the new zoo be able to offer that the current zoo has not?

Bielfeldt: The new zoo will offer viewing and programming developed around a whole host of new animal species-giraffe, hippo, rhino, gerenuk, dung beetles, as well as a cultural look at Africa. By using docents, you'll actually be able to take a "walking safari" right here in Peoria. Classroom space-one area actually looking at eye level with a giraffe-will provide opportunities for on-site classes. Staff is hoping to coordinate with local schools to actually develop a zoo school, where you can incorporate biology, geography, art, reading, and other subjects. Hands-on interactives will help form an appreciation for the special adaptations animals have developed to cohabit this world with humans.

Space will be available for special rentals or outings for local organizations and groups. Can you imagine having your wedding reception at the Zoo-what a wild party.

Housing endangered animals and working with the conservation programs through the AZA will enhance the survivability of those animals. Isn't it great to think we can be a part of saving a species?

Tell about the gardens that are proposed with the Peoria Zoo.

Barton: The Luthy Botanical Garden will remain intact, with some operational improvements, while working closely with the zoo staff to offer a zoological garden within the confines of the zoo. They've been involved in the development of the new zoo plans, incorporating plant species that are native to or representative of the African area. The plaza area, as well as Africa!, will be enhanced by the wonderful background that plant life can and does provide. It's been essential that the garden staff work closely with the zoo staff to ensure non-poisonous plant species are used.

What are the unique challenges the current zoo faces in our Illinois climate? How will these be addressed to accommodate the Amazonian rain forest, rivers of North American, etc.?

Bielfeldt: When planning what species were to be represented in the new zoo, several things were considered: which animals are endangered or threatened and may need additional space through the American Zoo and Aquarium Association programs to survive; which animals would best provide an important educational message to the visitor, while providing a certain level of interest and entertainment; which animals we could afford to feed, house, and care for; and which animals can live in our climate. Animals were chosen that can acclimate to or be accommodated in this climate. For example, giraffes live in the warmer climates and grasslands of Africa, but most animals maintained in zoos in this country don't come from Africa; they were born and raised in captivity here in the States and can better withstand the temperatures. However, they don't do well in snow and ice, so holding areas and night houses have been designed to accommodate those animals. In fact, if you venture out to the zoo on a snowy day, you should still be able to see the giraffes, as well as Colobus monkeys, through special viewing windows that will give you a look into their living quarters.

Future plans for rainforest displays, rivers, etc. will be designed using the same principles.

From your research in other communities, what are the more popular exhibits in a zoo? Where is the nearest zoo similar to the new Peoria zoo located?

Bielfeldt: People love big, scary, unusual, active animals. So at our zoo, people spend a lot of time watching the sea lions, the lions, and the monkeys. They get a kick out of the large snakes and the Madagascar cockroaches-it's the "yuck" factor.

Each zoo is unique to its community. That's why it's so fun to visit different zoos across the country or the world.

Barton: Everywhere I go that the topic of zoos comes up, people seem to take a special pride in their local zoo. In Singapore, for example, people were very eager and enthusiastic in telling about their zoo. Even if you see a bongo at the New Orleans Zoo, it will be a different experience when you're in Peoria. Our Africa! exhibit will compare favorably with any other exhibit in the country.

Larger zoos with a variety of animals are found in Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, but our zoo will be unique and provide an experience for those who want to spend a few hours or a full day.

Why is being involved with the Zoological Society important to both of you?

Barton: I love zoos. I believe they provide education, as well as recreation and entertainment, for families. I'm interested in their mission of becoming scientific research centers to offer possible solutions to worldwide problems of extinction of animals.

Bielfeldt: The Peoria Zoological Society has spent years researching what we now refer to as the "new zoo." They've visited other cities and studied many plans and ideas. They've put forth an outstanding plan for our community-a new zoo of which we can be very proud.

What's the most challenging aspect of being involved in this project?

Barton: Asking for money is difficult for most people, but if you truly believe in the cause, perhaps you can pass on and communicate the passion so others understand the need to support the project-and I have that passion for the zoo project.

Bielfeldt: Raising money is always a challenge. However, when a really exciting project comes along, it's a wonderful opportunity. The greatest challenge we have is to share the vision of the new zoo. It's difficult to describe in words how natural the habitat will be and how very different it will be from the zoo we now have. I believe once the community knows more about the plans, they'll want to participate.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

Barton: Most folks are amazed to learn that more people attend zoos every year than go to all of the U.S. professional sporting events combined. Zoos are important providers of conservation information and help us learn what each of us can do to protect our natural resources and help save our planet.

Our zoo has been an accredited member of the prestigious American Zoo and Aquarium Association since 1981 and participates in many of its species survival plans, which collectively manage the captive populations of rare and endangered animals. The new zoo will allow us to help save even more species and educate the next several generations of children about the importance of maintaining the earth's biodiversity and caring for the Earth.

Bielfeldt: I'm excited to be co-chairing this capital campaign with Polly and to have a chance to work with many of you as we move toward our goal. The result of our efforts, the new zoo, will be a new and wonderful addition for the quality of life in this area. TPW