HR0282 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0282 LRB099 11429 MST 32600 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the trustees, administration, and staff of Lincoln Park Zoo on the occasion of the grand opening of the Regenstein Macaque Forest and thank them for their work in their community; and

WHEREAS, The Regenstein Macaque Forest is home to 5 female and 3 male snow monkeys which came to Lincoln Park Zoo from the Japan Monkey Centre, an accredited zoo in Inuyama, Japan, where they have resided for the past several years; and

WHEREAS, Snow monkeys are native to Japan and are known for their tolerance for extreme climates from sub-tropical lowlands to sub-alpine regions; some populations of Japanese macaques have been observed cleaning their food before consumption by rinsing it off in nearby water sources; and

WHEREAS, Beginning April 2, 2015, zoo visitors will have daily opportunities to not only catch a glimpse of these unique primates, but also engage in hands-on learning opportunities and witness behavioral scientists working to acclimate the monkeys to a research booth; scientists from the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study & Conservation of Apes are engaged in a broad behavioral and cognitive research program that includes the opportunity for snow monkeys to operate touch screen computers, making it the most in-depth zoo-based research program for this species in the world; these studies will help scientists understand more about how the monkeys think, learn, and feel, and provide valuable mental activity for the monkeys themselves; and

WHEREAS, The administration and staff of the Lincoln Park Zoo serve as models of hard work, integrity and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois and have created a new standard for conservation efforts in the State of Illinois and the world at large; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the trustees, administration, and staff of Lincoln Park Zoo on the occasion of the opening of the zoo's Regenstein Macaque Forest, thank them for the wonderful work they have performed in their community, and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Lincoln Park Zoo as a symbol of our esteem and respect.