TOLEDO – The Toledo Zoo announces plans for a memorial bench that will serve as a tribute to Nicholas
Allore, who recently died after visiting the zoo. The wrought iron bench will be inscribed with a
commemorative plaque and will be located in Phase 2 of the new elephant facility which is scheduled to
open in late spring, 2012.
Early ideas for a tribute included the possibility of naming the new African elephant calf after
Nicholas, but the boy’s parents preferred the option of a commemorative bench.
"His parents told us they can envision coming to the zoo and resting on Nicholas’ bench while
watching the elephants and remembering their son," said Dr. Anne Baker, Toledo Zoo executive
director. "While this tribute could not come under sadder circumstances, we hope to provide a
special place where Nicholas’ family and loved ones can share happy memories of a young boy who was
taken much too soon."