Reindeer dropping ornaments, jewelry earn Ill. zoo $20,000

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Necklaces and Christmas ornaments made from dime-sized pieces of reindeer droppings have earned the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington $20,884 this holiday season.

The Miller Park Zoological Society made about $5,000 selling reindeer-dropping ornaments last year and added necklaces this year when customers asked if jewelry was available. The reindeer droppings are dehydrated, sterilized and spray-painted with glitter. They're called "Magical Reindeer Gems."

"For sure this has been great for the zoo," said Susie Ohley, spokeswoman for the zoological society. "We are very appreciative of the support and attention this project has given us."

The last two ornaments were sold Sunday. The ornaments were priced at $7.50 at the zoo's gift shop or $10 by mail. The necklaces sold for $15 apiece at the gift shop, or for $20 by mail.

The society made about 300 necklaces and more than 2,000 ornaments this year, Ohley said.

"I lost track of exactly how many we made because it seemed like we were making them 24/7," she said.

There was nationwide demand for the ornaments and necklaces, she said. The zoo also received requests from foreign countries, but federal regulations do not allow reindeer droppings to be exported.

The items will be available in the zoo gift shop again next year.