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 had previously served as a keystone species — a species on which an ecosystem largely depends. Bison had a large ecological role due to their grazing patterns, which yielded a home for animals that lived in prairie environments. Their population has seen a dramatic decline since the early 1800s. While bison have made a comeback, the species is heavily dependent on conservation action for survival. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program was established in 2023 and is working toward recovering and restoring native prairie habitats to help increase bison populations.
Blanding's Turtle
Due to illegal capture, loss of quality habitat, predation, and vehicle and fishing accidents, this once common local resident is now struggling to survive. Your donations will be project young turtlesed to help Cosley Zoo and its local partners rear for fund continued research and purchase food and equipment vital to the long-term success of this project.
Cheetah
Over the past four decades, cheetahs have experienced a 50% decline in their
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2023.
Location. 41° 52.709′ N, 88° 7.23′ W. Marker is in Wheaton, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is on Gary Avenue south of Jewell Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is at the center of a kiosk on the northeast side of Cosley Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1356 North Gary Avenue,
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 6, 2026
2. North American Bison • Blanding's Turtle • Cheetah Marker
This marker is at the center.
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 (a few steps from this marker); Domestic Rabbits (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicken (within shouting distance of this marker); Guinea Hog (within shouting distance of this marker); Wetlands Sing with Life! (approx. 0.4 miles away); No Need to Fear Fire (approx. 0.4 miles away); World War I Obelisk (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheaton.
Also see . . . AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction. (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 46 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.
