Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago, formerly known as Brookfield Zoo and also referred to as the Chicago Zoological Park, is a significant zoological institution located in Brookfield, Illinois. It stands as the largest zoo within the Chicago metropolitan area and is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society. The zoo is distinguished by its expansive grounds, covering 216 acres, and its diverse collection, which features approximately 511 species of animals.

History and Development

The origins of Brookfield Zoo trace back to 1919 when Edith Rockefeller McCormick donated land for the development of a zoological garden. This led to the establishment of the Chicago Zoological Society in 1921. Construction commenced in 1926, with the zoo officially opening on July 1, 1934. Early in its history, the zoo garnered international acclaim for its innovative approach to animal enclosures, utilizing moats and ditches in lieu of traditional cages. This design philosophy was maintained throughout its development, with significant additions and improvements occurring across decades.

Key milestones in the zoo's history include the opening of the first fully indoor bottlenose dolphin exhibit in the United States in the 1960s, and the introduction of the first fully indoor tropical rainforest simulation exhibit, Tropic World, in the 1980s. Tropic World was notably the largest indoor zoo exhibit in the world at the time of its completion in 1984. The zoo has also been recognized for being the first in the U.S. to exhibit giant pandas, with one notable individual, Su Lin, now taxidermied and displayed at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History.

Notable Features and Exhibits

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has consistently evolved, incorporating modern exhibit designs that focus on immersive, ecosystem-based habitats. Recent developments include the Great Bear Wilderness exhibit, opened in 2010, and the reconfiguration of existing buildings into specialized ecosystem exhibits. The zoo also features the Hamill Family Play Zoo, an interactive butterfly tent, and the largest non-restored, hand-carved wooden carousel in the United States. In 2024, the zoo celebrated its 90th anniversary with the temporary installation of a ferris wheel.

Past and present notable animals associated with the zoo include Binti Jua, a western lowland gorilla who gained fame for her gentle interaction with a child who fell into her enclosure, and Cookie, a Major Mitchell's cockatoo who was part of the collection since its opening until its death in 2016. Ziggy, an Asian elephant, is also noted for his long tenure at the zoo.

Conservation and Community Impact

The zoo is actively engaged in conservation efforts, notably through its project in Punta San Juan, Peru. This initiative focuses on researching and protecting marine wildlife, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins. The Chicago Zoological Society also works to educate younger generations through beach clean-up programs in Peru. Economically, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a significant contributor, generating substantial revenue through admissions, memberships, and contributions, and employing a large number of volunteers and staff, attracting around two million visitors annually. The zoo has also faced closures due to severe weather events and the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.