The Roscoe Company and its Buik family owners have a history of philanthropic involvement that goes back a long way and would be thrilled to help support Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Zoo in any year.
But we’d be lion (Ahem) if we said the opportunity to help build a state-of-the-art new habitat for our favorite animal with a grand opening during our 100th anniversary celebration wasn’t extra special.
What better way to celebrate 100 years in business as a family-owned business whose lion logo and “Take Pride” motto emblazon the bright orange delivery trucks that head out across the city each day?
The Roscoe lions in action…
While up until now, our community support has benefited an exclusively human segment of Chicago’s population, the zoo project appealed to our soft spot for sustainability, continuous improvement and state-of-the-art technology, in addition to our love of all things Chicago … and lions.
Roscoe President Jim Buik explains how the idea of helping with the zoo’s renovation of its historic lion house came to him in the middle of the pandemic. The zoo’s “Pride of Chicago” campaign was wrapping up, but Buik emailed a member of the zoo’s fundraising team to share his thoughts. She responded with a proposal and Buik initiated a series of visits to the site. The more he learned, the more of a connection he felt to the project.
“It sounded a bit like Roscoe’s story – taking a century-old building and repurposing it into a state-of-the-art facility that all of Chicago can enjoy, while keeping the history intact. That kind of sung to me,” Buik said. “It was the biggest single donation my company or the family has ever made. It was a big decision, but it was a decision supported by the great work that the zoo does, the community commitment that Roscoe has and the connection between the ‘Pride of Chicago’ theme and our own ‘Take Pride’ motto.”
So for many reasons, we are especially proud to announce our donation in support of this incredible project.
Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is home to one of the country’s largest zoo-based conservation and science programs and is open free, 365 days a year.
The “Take Pride” Company is Proud to Support Chicago’s Next Lion Pride
The new habitat is scheduled to open this fall, with double the space and a new pride of lions. With an expanded “savanna,” climbing trees and rocks, and plexiglass walls that provide what the zoo describes as “nose to nose viewing opportunities,” the new enclosure provides a dramatically improved habitat while preserving the 1912 Chicago landmark it is built around.
“The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in North America and an iconic part of the Chicago landscape,” Buik said. “This facility, which will provide these amazing animals with a state-of-the-art habitat, represents the best of both community spirit and modern zoological practice. We are really excited to be able to play a small role in helping to bring it about.”
Roscoe’s donation will be marked with a plaque outside the historic brick and mosaic entrance to the lion house. We can’t wait to see you there! And thank you again for helping us reach our roaring 100th anniversary. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Contact us to learn more about our work uniform rental services
