Sparkling reindeer-dung jewelry sells at Illinois zoo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Sparkly reindeer-dung necklaces are going on sale at an Illinois zoo that hopes to attract the same holiday shoppers who swept up its dung Christmas ornaments last year.

The limited-edition Magical Reindeer Gem necklaces will debut Friday at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington.

The $15 pendant necklaces contain dried, sterilized reindeer droppings -- sprayed with glitter -- on a beaded chain. They'll be available at the zoo's gift shop, or by mail for $20.

The ornaments are back, and 450 have already sold this season. About 1,500 are still available for $7.50, or $10 by mail.

Miller Park Zoological Society spokeswoman Susie Ohley admits it's a bit silly but estimates the zoo could make $16,500. The zoo lost $200,000 under city budget cuts this year.

On the Net

* Miller Park Zoo: www.cityblm.org/parks/Miller-Park-Zoo/about-the-zoo.htm