What's New at the Zoo!

Come see what is new at Miller Park Zoo!

2009 Gem Ornaments and Necklaces are on sale in the Miller Park Zootique Gift Shop. 

Orders for shipment of the 2009 products are no longer being taken, due to the proximity of the Holiday shipping deadline.  However, if you would like information about the 2010 Gem product availability forwarded to you, please send a note to susie.mpzs@yahoo.com and include your e-mail address.  Happy Holidays!

Magical Reindeer Gem Ornament & Necklace Story

Miller Park Zoo elves have been busy making Magical Reindeer Gem Ornaments and Necklaces for this year’s holiday season, with the hope that the tradition of this magical story will continue. Each piece is handmade and includes one “Gem.” “Gems” are actual reindeer dung droppings from Miller Park Zoo’s reindeer. Before production begins, each “Gem” is dehydrated, sanitized in an autoclave machine, painted and drilled. These Gem pieces developed with a story from retired Miller Park Zoo Superintendent, John Tobias. Here is how the story goes…

John’s grandmother use to gather her grandchildren and take them outside on Christmas Eve to scatter home­made chocolate chips. She would tell the children that the chips would attract Santa and his reindeer to their home, because the reindeer would know that other reindeer had already visited and left droppings…

In order to continue this wonderful tradition, Miller Park Zoo has designed ornaments and necklaces using actual reindeer droppings. If you adorn your tree or wear this necklace on Christmas Eve, it will help Santa and his reindeer find their way to your home. Because each ornament is handmade, they vary in size, shape and color. Gem pieces are hand made by volunteers with all proceeds benefiting Miller Park Zoo.

For additional information call (309) 434-2250.