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Rep. Mike Quigley Meets “Mike the Zebra” at Lincoln Park Zoo

September 18, 2017

CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), visited Lincoln Park Zoo to meet their two new zebras, one of whom has been named "Mike" in honor of Rep. Quigley.

"The Lincoln Park Zoo is a Chicagoland treasure – even more so for me now that they have a Mike in stripes!" said Rep. Quigley. "I've visited Lincoln Park Zoo more times than I can count because I believe the more the public learns about our animals, plants, and environment the better equipped we are to play a leading role in protecting our planet. I want to thank the Zoo for thinking of me with this fun and thoughtful namesake, as well as for all the important work it does year in and year out to advance wildlife conservation and help Chicagoans and visitors alike be better stewards of the Earth."

Photos, courtesy of Veronika Hernandez/Lincoln Park Zoo, are available for download here.

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"Congressman Quigley has been an incredible friend to Lincoln Park Zoo and a staunch supporter of our animal care and conservation efforts," said Kevin Bell, president and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo. "This is some of the most fun I've had in helping name an animal: Plains zebras are lively, brave, and never afraid to be a little noisy when it's needed. This species is a perfect fit for a representative that's been active in his community and a vocal protector of the planet."

Rep. Quigley serves as the only Illinois member on the House Appropriations Committee, where he has used his position to advocate for increased federal funding for agriculture and environment in Illinois and the Chicagoland area. This includes funding to support Lincoln Park Zoo‘s Population Management Center, which helps zoo managers make science-based breeding and transfer decisions to ensure healthy and sustainable populations of animals within North American zoos, as well as funding the transformation of the zoo's South Pond into Nature Boardwalk to provide beneficial environmental education to visitors and residents. As part of his "Undercover Congressman" series, which connects him with constituents at their place of employment to better understand the daily challenges they face in their industry and community, Rep. Quigley has visited Lincoln Park Zoo several times, once even assisting with cleaning animal exhibits as a keeper. Rep. Quigley has also visited Lincoln Park Zoo in conjunction with his Chicago Climate Tour to discuss how common-sense conservation efforts can ensure future generations enjoy the same plant and animal life we have today.