Wheaton in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
North American Bison • Blanding's Turtle • Cheetah
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 6, 2026
1. North American Bison • Blanding's Turtle • Cheetah Marker
North American Bison
• The North American bison is the largest mammal found on this continent. An adult bison can weigh between 1,800 and 2,400 pounds.
• The North American bison is the national mammal of the United States, having officially received that title in 2016.
• Yellowstone National Park is home to the only land in the U.S. where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times.
Blanding's Turtle
• This semi-aquatic turtle can live up to 80 years.
• Blanding's turtles are primarily found in the Great Lakes region of the United States. In Illinois, they are predominantly found in the northeast portion of the state, including DuPage County where Cosley Zoo is located.
• Cosley Zoo has been actively involved with the Blanding's Turtle Recovery Project since 2001.
Cheetah
• Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal, reaching speeds of 60-70 miles per hour over short distances.
• Namibia, in southwestern Africa, is home to more cheetahs than any other country. Because of this, Namibia has earned the nickname "the cheetah capital of the world."
• The cheetah's spotted coat helps camouflage it among the
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2016.
Location. 41° 52.71′ N, 88° 7.232′ W. Marker is in Wheaton, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is on North Gary Avenue south of Jewell Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in a kiosk on the northeast end of Cosley Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1356 North Gary Avenue, Wheaton IL 60187, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named North American Bison • Blanding's Turtle • Cheetah (here, next to this marker); North American Porcupine
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 6, 2026
2. Coins for Conservation kiosk at Cosley Zoo
The rear of this marker is visible on the left side.
More about this marker. This marker and another next to it is part of a little kiosk with the title "Coins for Conservation."
Also see . . . Conservation at Cosley Zoo. (Submitted on January 8, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 6, 2026
3. Cosley Zoo entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 48 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 8, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on January 7, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
