Phillips Park Zoo turns 100 next year, and the city of Aurora is looking for help from residents to prepare for the zoo’s centennial celebration.

Officials at Phillips Park Zoo are seeking historical photos to help tell the story of the zoo’s first 100 years in a photo memory book. Anyone with photos or memories of the zoo and its animals is encouraged to contribute to the book, which will be on display at the zoo throughout 2015, and will be available for purchase.

In particular, the zoo is in search of photos and memories from the first 60 years, but all will be considered for inclusion into the photo memory book.

“Phillips Park Zoo has been home to hundreds of animals over the past century, from birds to bears to baboons, all of which we know have made a lasting impression in people’s memories and in family photos albums,” said Zoo Manager Randy Johnson. “We hope our longtime Aurora residents will share those family photos and school field trip pictures to help us tell the story of Phillips Park Zoo.”

Photos can be submitted by email to MyAurora@aurora-il.org. Hard copies can be submitted at the Zoo Manager’s Office in Phillips Park Zoo; at the City’s Community Relations, 5 E. Downer Place – Suite A; or at the City’s Customer Service Center, 3770 McCoy Drive.

Submissions should include as much information as possible, including the name, address, and phone number of the person submitting the photo, the names of people in the photo, the date of the photo and any other helpful identifying information.

For more information on the Phillips Park Zoo’s 100^th Anniversary Celebration, contact Zoo Manager Randy Johnson at 630-256-3861 or rjohnson@aurora-il.org.

SOURCE: city of Aurora