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Board clears zoo animal acquisition and reserves date for zoo fundraising event

Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board · May 6, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The Michigan City Parks board approved a Washington Park Zoo animal acquisition and moved to reserve Sept. 19 for a large Zoo Society fundraising event; Taylor Scott, vice president of the Zoological Society, addressed the board about fundraising importance.

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved a request from zoo staff to acquire two animals and to relocate an aggressive male alpaca to reduce compatibility concerns, and it reserved Sept. 19 as the date for a large fundraising event hosted by the Michigan City Zoological Society.

Staff said the proposed animal acquisitions and placement are intended to address behavioral issues among existing animals. The board approved the animal request by voice vote. Separately, the Zoo Society requested approval to hold a wine-tasting fundraising event on Sept. 19; the board approved reserving the date so the society could advance planning. Taylor Scott, vice president of the Michigan City Zoological Society, introduced herself to the board and thanked members for considering the event, noting the fundraising role the society plays for acquisitions and animal care.

Staff also noted the zoo society submitted its 2025 annual report (a requirement within 120 days of year-end) and that the report provides details on fundraising. Staff and board members thanked the society for its work and fundraising impact on zoo programs and animal care.