The zoo originally started out as a farm in 1967 when the Kiwanis Club donated money for its construction.

The money raised by admissions goes to the organization's census study of free-roaming cheetahs in South Africa.

The organization uses radio collars and survey farmers to try to gain a better grasp on the number of cheetahs still roaming Africa.

[4] By donating to the Conservation Parking Meter, set up by the Center for Ecosystem Survival, at Scovill Zoo, guests are able to give money to the Rincon Rainforest, which is 13,838 acres (56.00 km2) along the north edge of the eastern part of the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, in Costa Rica.

The passengers receive a guided tour and behind-the-scenes look at some of the animals residing at Scovill Zoo.

[4] Because of Illinois' changing climate, Scovill Zoo must make special accommodations for some of the animals in residence.

Scovill Zoo responds to high rises in temperature during the summer months by using fans, pools, and a variety of frozen treats for their animals.

Zookeepers often prepare "frozen blood balls" for the wolves out of the drippings of their meat diet.

[7] The zoo, which closes to the public during the winter months, has made several adjustments to existing habitats and has added new buildings to house animals that are not equipped for the drop in temperature.