300-year-old oak tree at Lincoln Park Zoo will be removed in 2023

A centuries-old oak tree at Lincoln Park Zoo that has come to the end of its natural life is set to be removed next year. (Lincoln Park Zoo)

A tree older than the City of Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo is nearing the end of its life and will be removed next year.

The bur oak tree, which is nearly 300 years old, has reached its natural end, despite no present diseases and years of preventative efforts, Lincoln Park Zoo officials said in a statement. It will be carefully removed from zoo grounds next spring.