[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 119 (Wednesday, July 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE DICKERSON PARK ZOO

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                           HON. ERIC BURLISON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2023

  Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
Anniversary of the Dickerson Park Zoo located in Springfield, Missouri.
  The zoo was founded in 1923 on 100 acres of land that was acquired 
from the estate of Jerome Dickerson. It houses more than 500 animals 
that represent 160 different species. Last year alone, some 200,000 
people visited the zoo.
  But the zoo is more than a location where visitors can see exotic 
animals. A staff of about 60 full-time and 25 seasonal employees, as 
well as 100 volunteers, are dedicated to the mission of connecting 
people with animals to encourage discovery and inspire conservation. In 
1985, the park became involved with the Species Survival Plan, a 
consortium of groups working to save animals from extinction. The 
following year, the zoo became accredited by the Association of Zoos 
and Aquariums.
  More than 60,000 people a year participate in the zoo's conservation 
education programs held in the park's educational center. Additionally, 
its Zoo to You programs visit schools, libraries and residential care 
centers around the state.
  The zoo also provides outstanding research and medical care for all 
the animals and rehabilitates injured or orphaned native raptors 
through its Raptor Rehabilitation Program. Once the birds are deemed 
healthy enough to survive on their own, they are released back into 
their natural habitat. The zoo also is one of only five in the country 
that participates in a giraffe blood bank, and it recently became home 
for an orphaned cougar cub from the state of Washington.
  Just like humans, preventive care is paramount for the animals and 
the zookeepers play an important role in the wellness staff as they 
spend a great deal of time with the animals and become very perceptive 
to subtle changes in an animal's health.
  The Dickerson Park Zoo is a vital part of animal education, 
conservation and enjoyment for thousands of people living in and 
visiting the Springfield area. We celebrate them and wish them the best 
for another 100 years.

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