ARTHUR, Ill. (AP) — A plan for a central Illinois zoo and wildlife park is garnering support from economic development advocates and criticism from local landowners and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports James Aikman plans to turn 45 acres south of Arthur into a zoo where people could walk and drive around to see animals such as bison, deer, llamas and camels. Aikman projects 40,000 people would visit in the first year.
Critics of the plan say they’re concerned about safety, the welfare of the animals, and the impact on surrounding farmland and the environment.
The Moultrie County Board is set to consider this week a change in the county zoning ordinance to add a special land use provision for a zoo and wildlife park. Aikman would still have to apply for a special-use permit.
