You can pay your respects and say goodbye to a very old tree in Lincoln Park.
People can pay their respects to a centuries-old oak tree that’s reached the end of its life cycle Friday at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
The zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., is encouraging people to write “thank-you” letters to the bur oak tree before it’s removed Monday.
The tree, which stands about 70 feet tall across from the white-cheeked gibbon enclosure, is estimated to be 250-300 years old and has reached the end of its life cycle. It’s believed to be one of the oldest trees in Chicago — even predating the city’s 1837 founding — but ages can only be estimated by taking coring samples.
“We are devastated to see a piece of Chicago history leave the zoo, but we are determined to extend its legacy throughout the community and zoo in other ways with meaningful partnerships,” said Maureen Leahy, vice president of animal care and horticulture.
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