[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15038-15039]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my best wishes to everyone 
associated with Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo on the occasion of its 
Swing! 2004 Zoo Ball. I would especially like to commend the Women's 
Board of Lincoln Park Zoo for starting what has become the zoo's 
largest fundraiser.
  The Zoo Ball is always one of the highlights of Chicago's social 
scene, and this year's event promises to be no exception. Transforming 
the Zoo into a 1940's supper club complete with big bands and classic 
cocktails, the 2004 Zoo Ball will be an event not to be missed.
  Chicago is proud to be home to one of the finest and oldest zoos in 
the Nation, serving the community since 1868. With over 3 million 
visitors every year, the Lincoln Park Zoo is consistently one of the 
top cultural and entertainment attractions in the city. Located within 
the beautiful confines of Lincoln Park, the Zoo is not only an 
attraction within our community, it is also an integral part of our 
community. The Lincoln Park Zoo is truly a unique cultural institution 
because it remains free to all its visitors, ensuring that everyone has 
the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the wonders of nature 
that exist in our world.
  The Lincoln Park Zoo has earned a reputation as a world-class 
institution committed to conservation, science, and education. With 
state-of-the-art facilities such as the newly opened Regenstein Center 
for African Apes, the Zoo continues to provide the finest facilities 
for its inhabitants. With four times the size of the old building, the 
new building allows gorillas and chimpanzees to move freely from inside 
to outside facilities, and gives visitors an even fuller understanding 
of the lives of these immense creatures. The facility also serves as a 
research, training and education center that will enable 
conservationists and scientists from around the globe to study apes.
  As with all great institutions, a lot of effort goes into maintaining 
excellence. The Lincoln Park Zoo is fortunate for the leadership 
provided by its president, Kevin Bell, and the dedication given by Jay 
Proops and other members of the Board of Directors. And I would like to 
particularly thank the Gala's Event Chairs, Josephine E. Heindel and 
Myra Reilly, and the President of the Women's Board of Lincoln Park 
Zoo, Debra Clamage.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to honor the hard work and 
dedication of the staff and friends of the Lincoln Park Zoo on the 
occasion of its Zoo Ball, and I thank everyone in attendance for 
ensuring that this jewel of Chicago continues to shine.

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