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Residents press Cook County to relocate ‘Rocky’ the coyote from River Trail Nature Center
Summary
Speakers at the Cook County Board meeting urged relocation or better care for 'Rocky,' a coyote held at River Trail Nature Center, arguing the enclosure is too small and the animal is socially isolated; speakers asked that county officials consider transfer to a sanctuary or adding a companion.
Multiple public speakers asked the Cook County Board to address the welfare of “Rocky,” a coyote housed at the River Trail Nature Center.
Michelle Meidler told the board that Rocky has lived at the nature center since 2018 in a small enclosure and that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recommends a much larger habitat: “Rocky the Coyote has been living at River Trail Nature Center since 2018…All these years, he has been living in a 25 100 square foot cage next to the parking lot. The AZA recommends a 5,000 square foot habitat,” Meidler said.
Jody Whitaker described Rocky’s daily isolation and cold-weather risk, urged Commissioner Josina Marita to meet with constituents, and asked the board to relocate the animal: “This animal is very closely related to a dog…This pack animal deserves space to run, to roam, to play, to be with others of his kind.” Whitaker also noted that Brookfield Zoo or a Wild Animal Sanctuary had been discussed as alternatives.
Speakers asked the board to authorize contact with a sanctuary willing to accept Rocky at no cost to the county, or to provide a companion animal to reduce isolation-related stress. Several speakers said they had attempted to meet with the commissioner representing their district but had not received a response.
What happens next: The transcript records pleas and requests during public comment but does not show a formal motion, committee referral or staff directive on Rocky’s placement during this meeting.
