Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Cheers to ZooBrew! Join us on Saturday, August 17 for our annual 21+ beer-tasting event. In addition to unlimited beverage samples, your ZooBrew ticket includes all-day Zoo admission, parking, a DJ dance party, lawn games & more! Score your tickets today at https://bit.ly/3LD2Wjy.

It's World Echidna Day, and we have great news to share: A baby short-beaked echidna, or puggle, was born on June 9 to mom Waddles and dad Pokey. This is their second baby born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago; their first, Quill, was born in 2022. The puggle is currently staying cozy in its nest box, but we will be sure to update once they're out on habitat in the Australia house.

Short-beaked echidnas are monotremes, which means they are egg-laying mammals. The only animals in this category are echidnas and the duck-billed platypus!

In breaking news, the universal outage is causing Pallas's cat face worldwide.

But in good news, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is still open! Visit us until 6 p.m. today. Please note, our paid experiences and attractions will be closed today and our website is currently down. We are working to get back online as soon as possible!

UPDATE: Thanks for your patience; our website is back online!

Born to love, trained to serve, and loyal to the end. Today, we share that K9 Kirby, the beloved Brookfield Zoo Chicago Police Department ambassador animal, has passed away.

Kirby started her career at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2012 at the age of 2. She fit right into her role as an ambassador, wowing guests on the South Mall with frisbee demonstrations, scent box demos, and chasing tennis balls. She could often be seen interacting with guests, and always wagging her tail.

Kirby was involved in many Zoo & community outreach programs, including First Responders Day, the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride, Best Buddies, Girl Scouts, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Around the Zoo, Kirby was always there to provide comfort to those in need. From children getting bandages in the First Aid department, to staff members dealing with the passing of a loved one or beloved Zoo animal, Kirby's happy tail and calming presence provided a positive impact for all around her.

We salute K9 Kirby, and remember her for her 12 years of service. Please leave your favorite memories of Kirby below.

Meet the new capuchin crew! 🐒 🌟

We are delighted to welcome new capuchin monkeys to Tropic World: South America. 26-year-old Jersey and 24-year-old Clementine are crested capuchins, while 27-year-old Mika is a tufted capuchin, the same species as 30-year-old Jose, who arrived at BZC in the past year.

These playful primates are already settling in and can be seen periodically on habitat. Make sure to give a warm welcome to these new arrivals on your next trip!

Welcome to the future of Brookfield Zoo Chicago — introducing our Next Century Plan!

As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2034, our 15-year plan with a 30-year vision will elevate the Zoo to new heights, blending our rich legacy with innovative advancements.

This is more than a campus plan; with the urgent call to action against biodiversity loss and climate change, our mission extends globally, transforming our campus with dynamic animal habitats, updated facilities, and enhanced educational experiences while making Brookfield Zoo Chicago a beacon of worldwide conservation and education.

Here's a glimpse of what's to come:

🏞️ Doubling the size of our experience footprint within existing Zoo property with immersive habitats that transport guests to the heart of the natural world

🎓 Providing enriching, educational experiences for future conservationists with new learning spaces

♿ Ensuring that everyone has access to the wonders of wildlife with inclusive programming, sensory-friendly experiences, and redesigned pathways

🔬 Advancing wildlife conservation through cutting-edge research partnerships to drive meaningful change and protect biodiversity for future generations

🌱 Integrating sustainability into our day-to-day operations, minimizing our environmental footprint, and promoting sustainable practices

Learn more at www.brookfieldzoo.org/nextcenturyplan.

We had a roaring good time on Friday with Ba*****ed Ladies at our second Roaring Nights concert of the year! Thanks for joining us at this unforgettable night. See you on July 27 when we cap off our summer concert season with Gin Blossoms!

Have you heard? On our new Brookfield Zoo Chicago app, you can see our full schedule of free Zoo Chats! Check out "View What's On" to see the activities, chats, feedings & more that are offered today.

The app also includes a wayfinding map, links to mobile ordering at our restaurants, info on your favorite animals & so much more. Make sure to download the free app now & maximize your next Zoo trip!

Download for iOs: https://apple.co/44woAhI

Download for Android: https://bit.ly/44OURRD

🎵 Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters 🎵

Molly and Sierra, our new Mexican wolf pups, are now 11 weeks old! Have you spotted them yet inside Regenstein Wolf Woods? Stop by on your next visit, and you just might see them wrestling, running, or snuggling.

Walk with the flock!

Did you know that the flamingos go on a stroll with their care team each day (weather permitting)? Head toward the south end of the Zoo to catch them in action!

We have beary good news: Brookfield Zoo Chicago is in the running for Newsweek's Reader's Choice Best Zoo of 2024! Please help us secure the number one spot by voting for us daily through July 31 at www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-zoo.

We've got a new bear on the block: say hello to Lila! 🐻

Lila is a recent arrival to Brookfield Zoo Chicago on the recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). This 2-year-old cutie has been getting cozy in her new home and bonding with her new roommate, Kartik. You can spot Lila and Kartik exploring and playing in their habitat along the Big Cat Walkway.

There's an adorable new face in Tropic World: South America: meet Frederick! This squirrel monkey infant was born to mom Gizmo and dad Zeus on April 11. This baby is Gizmo's seventh offspring! Their care team notes that Frederick can often be found playing with his 1-year-old big brother, Marzo.

Squirrel monkey babies will frequently cling to an adult's back when they're little, so keep an eye out for him on your next Zoo visit!

It's fin-ally Shark Week! Did you know that leopard sharks reside at Brookfield Zoo Chicago? You can spot the species inside The Living Coast on your next visit.

You can also celebrate Shark Week with us by adopting a leopard shark! Contribute to their care and conservation this week and all year long when you participate in our Animal Adoption Program.

www.brookfieldzoo.org/adoptleopardshark

Image description: A leopard shark swimming.

Brumby is taking life one leaf at a time. 🐨 🍃

that the word koala comes from one of Australia's aboriginal languages, Dharug, and translates to "no drink." Koalas rarely need to drink water; instead, they get their hydration from the eucalyptus leaves they eat. That's a tree-mendous way to stay hydrated!

Visit Koalas! at Hamill Family Play Zoo from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

Grow, Kinda, grow! 🦒

The youngest giraffe in the tower, Kinda, has been growing taller each day; she last measured in at nearly 11 feet high. Reticulated giraffes aren't considered fully grown for at least five years, so she's still got some growing to do.

Visit Kinda on your next visit to Habitat Africa, or help contribute to her care when you adopt her in our Animal Adoption program!

www.brookfieldzoo.org/kinda

We're seeing red, white, and blue around the Zoo! 🎆

Brown bears Tim and Jess received some fruit-filled ice treats in preparation for the 4th of July. These fruit popsicles provided excellent enrichment for the bears, as they figured out how to dig out the fruit!

See the bears for yourself at Great Bear Wilderness; we're open 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. today.

Drumroll, please! 🐺🌟

We're thrilled to announce the name of the adorable new Mexican wolf pup: Sierra!

The term "sierra" is Spanish for "mountain range." Did you know that the Mexican wolf population is indigenous to the Sierra Madre mountains that run through northwest Mexico and the American southwest? The Mexican wolf population is critically endangered, and Brookfield Zoo Chicago is proud to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, helping bring back the species from the brink of extinction.

And, Sierra's sibling has been named Molly! Make sure to visit Regenstein Wolf Woods on your next visit to see them. Thank you to all who voted.

It's your last chance to vote on the name for the new Mexican wolf pup! Voting closes at 5 p.m. today, so be sure to head to www.brookfieldzoo.org/namethewolfpup and cast your vote for your favorite name. We'll share the name with the most votes on Wednesday, July 3!

Cheers to 90 years!

Today marks 90 years since the Zoo's grand opening to the public on July 1, 1934. Then known as the Chicago Zoological Park, the Zoo soon gained recognition and popularity for its beautiful park setting, wide range of animal residents, and unique use of natural habitats. In fact, more than one million guests visited the Zoo in its first three months!

There's always something new to experience at Brookfield Zoo Chicago; just this year, we've launched several new Wild Connections animal encounters, our Koalas! habitat, and our Anniversary Ferris Wheel. And, you can look forward to our North American Prairie Aviary coming soon. To learn more, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org/ComingThisYear.

Hit us with your best shot! Don't forget, our 2024 Photo Contest is accepting submissions through August 2. Send in your best animal photo for a chance at winning fabulous prizes, including a one-year Family Plus Membership to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, a Penguin Encounter for four, an original painting created by the Zoo's Humboldt Penguins, and so much more! Learn more and send your submission at www.brookfieldzoo.org/digitalphotocontest.

📷 by Serena Ghanayem, 2023 1st Place Winner, Bird Category

Help us name a new wolf pup! 🐺🌟

The pack inside Regenstein Wolf Woods has grown by two female Mexican wolf pups, born on April 27, and we’re asking for your help to name one of the girls. These names were selected by animal care staff to reflect these wolves' heritage and connections to our current pack. Vote today at www.brookfieldzoo.org/namethewolfpup

The names on our ballot are:

🐺 Esperanza—Spanish for “hope”—each new litter of pups brings hope that the species will continue to thrive
🐺 Alma—Spanish for “soul”—many people have a deep connection with the wolves
🐺 Sierra—Spanish for “mountain range” and the Mexican wolf’s historic range includes the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico
🐺 Kelly—Namesake of natural landmarks where Mexican wolves have been reintroduced

You can vote once per person through July 2, and by voting and providing your e-mail address, you’ll be entered to win a four-pack of admission tickets and a parking pass to the Zoo. Plus, thanks to Visit Oak Park, you could also win a one-night stay at the Four Points by Sheraton in Westchester and a $100 gift card to Irish Times in Brookfield! The pup's name will be announced on July 3 and the winner will be contacted by e-mail.

You may have heard people refer to koalas as "bears" before—however, they’re not closely related! Koalas are actually marsupials and have pouches for their young, much like wallabies, kangaroos, and possums. 🐨

Spend some koala-ty time at Brookfield Zoo Chicago! Our Koalas! habitat is now open daily at Hamill Family Play Zoo from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

🎤 What a night! Thank you to the thousands who rocked with us on Saturday at this summer's first sold-out Roaring Nights concert, featuring The Fray! Check out some scenes of the epic night. Can't wait to see you again in July for Ba*****ed Ladies & Gin Blossoms!