Phillips Park Foundation Joins with Zoo for Adopt an Animal Campaign

Published on September 08, 2026

The Phillips Park Foundation is currently working with Anna Borozenets, Phillips Park Zoo Manager, to establish its first-ever “Adopt an Animal” Campaign. In addition to accepting general donations, the Foundation will be accepting donations that will be used exclusively for the Zoo to acquire an African crested porcupine. The African crested porcupine typically weighs between 25 – 60 pounds, making them the size of a medium-sized dog. Their bodies are covered in thick, barbed, and sharp quills that can grow up to 12-20 inches long on the neck and back.

Members of the Phillips Park Foundation will be present at the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration on September 19 to accept donations and to provide additional information about the “Adopt an Animal” Campaign as well as the overall mission of the Foundation. The 2nd Annual Oktoberfest, hosted by Auroraland Oktoberfest, Inc., will be held on September 19, 2026 from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Phillips Park Pavilion. Donations can also be sent to the “Phillips Park Foundation”, c/o Mike Baum, Treasurer, P.O. Box 202, Montgomery, IL 60538.

The Phillips Park Foundation was established in April 2026 as a 501(c)(3) with the mission of providing beautification and family-friendly enhancements to all areas of the park. Over the 126 years since it was turned into a park from a semi wilderness, Phillips Park has provided fun and recreational activities for many generations of residents and out-of-town visitors alike.

George F. Moses, a former English landscaper, was selected to supervise the creation of the original park in 1910. The Moses legacy followed with Ray, Ed, and now Ron Moses, Vice President of the Phillips Park Foundation, all instrumental in maintaining the natural beauty of this almost 400-acre park.

Bill Donnell, President of the Foundation, former FVPD Park Superintendent, and Ward 4 Alderman, is pleased to be part of this group that will assist in bringing new animals to the Zoo and provide updated amenities to the Park in general. “Phillips Park is a gem that our community is fortunate is to have in our city. The Park is visited by hundreds of residents as well as nonresidents and we owe it to the history of the Park to ensure that it remains the shining asset that it is.”, commented Bill Donnell.