Phillips Park Foundation Joins with Zoo for Adopt an Animal Campaign

Published on October 08, 2026

The Phillips Park Zoo, in partnership with the Phillips Park Foundation, have established an “Adopt An Animal” campaign aimed at bringing an African crested porcupine to Aurora.

The porcupine typically weighs between 25 and 60 pounds and has thick, barbed, and sharp quills that can grow up 20 inches long on its neck and back. The rare species is native to Italy, North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, and East Africa, and is considered one of the largest porcupine species in the world. Should the campaign succeed, it would mark the first time that the Phillips Park Zoo would have an African crested porcupine.

Members of the Phillips Park Foundation will be present at the second annual Auroraland German Heritage Society Oktoberfest, which is set to take place on Saturday, October 10 from 2 P.M. to 9 P.M. at the Phillips Park Main Pavilion, to accept donations for the program and to provide additional information about the Foundation’s mission. Donations can also be sent to the Phillips Park Foundation, c/o Mike Baum, Treasurer, at P.O. Box 202, Montgomery, IL 60538.

The Foundation was established in April as a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of providing beautification and family-friendly enhancements to all areas of Phillips Park. Former Aurora Alderman and Fox Valley Park District Park Superintendent, Bill Donnell, serves as president of the Foundation as it looks to bring new animals to the Phillips Park Zoo and to provide the Park with update amenities.

Phillips Park is considered the “crown jewel” of Aurora’s parks, offering a variety of fun, family-friendly amenities for all ages and interests. The 325-acre property is home to a zoo, golf course, aquatic center, and several newer features that make it a regional tourist destination.