Fontana Wildlife Exhibit

Why, you may ask, do we have all these animals in the "zoo" at Fontana Park? This is not a zoo. The conservation board does not actively capture or purchase wild animals for display. All the animals which are housed in the Fontana Park Wildlife Display, with few exceptions, are here because they no longer are able to survive in the wild on their own due to injury or imprinting. Without human care they would perish.

It is our belief that the animals displayed here serve a valuable purpose to educate the public about Iowa's native wildlife and the need to protect and respect them. Each year, many orphaned or injured creatures are brought here, rehabilitated, and released. But when rehabilitation is not possible, it is better that these creatures be used as part of our environmental education program as "teaching birds and animals" than to destroy them.

Daily care is given by a dedicated and caring staff to provide the best environment for the residents of the display. The display is licensed and regularly inspected by federal inspectors of the Animal Protection Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. An attending veterinarian serves our veterinary needs.

Created By Jessa Schweitzer
East Buchanan Community School Tech Team
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