Family Fun! CROCtoberfest: A celebration of the world's oldest family of animals

The Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest will host an all-day, family-friendly celebration of one of the world’s most ancient animal families – the Crocodilians.

As part of the day’s events, reptile expert, Jim Nesci of Cold Blooded Creatures will share stories about these remarkable animals and introduce you to “Bubba,” the giant American Alligator. Members from the Chicago Herpetological Society will also be on hand to enlighten and entertain the whole family, and will be showing a variety of live alligators, crocodiles and a caiman. 

There will be kid-friendly activities including a Crocodilian Coloring Contest, face painting, and a geo-caching scavenger hunt. Pumpkins and other seasonal goodies from the Elawa Garden Market will also be available for purchase.

A $5 donation per person, payable at the door, is suggested.  Proceeds from CROCtoberest will help support the high level of care the Wildlife Discovery Center gives all its animals.  Additionally, a portion of the day’s proceeds will go towards supporting the work of the Crocodilian Advisory Group, which is made up of dedicated conservationists, including the Curator at the WDC, who are working to save the world’s most critically endangered crocodilians.

Plan to bring the whole family for an exciting and fun celebration!

Special thanks to our event Sponsors: Knauz Auto Park, Lake Bluff; Pasquesi Home and Gardens, Lake Bluff; True Value Hardware, Lake Forest; The Daily Grind Meat and Seafood Market, Lake Bluff; Lake Forest Book Store, Lake Forest; and Einstein Brothers Bagels, Lake Forest.