Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Inspiring conservation leaders by connecting people and communities with wildlife and nature.

Talk about a full-circle moment! 🐬Researchers with Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program recently s...
09/03/2026

Talk about a full-circle moment! 🐬

Researchers with Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program recently spotted 9-year-old Nori, the daughter of rescued bottlenose dolphin Ginger, swimming alongside her first calf, the first known grandcalf of a rehabilitated dolphin!

Nearly 18 years ago, Ginger was found stranded on Siesta Key Beach. SDRP staff helped rescue and rehabilitate her at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Dolphin & Whale Hospital before being released back into Sarasota Bay. Seeing Ginger’s daughter thriving in the wild with a calf of her own offers a remarkable, multi-generational look at the impact of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring of wild dolphin populations.

Photos/video taken by Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program under National Marine Fisheries Service Scientific Research Permits.

Membership means more at Brookfield Zoo Chicago! As a special thank you to our members, we've got exclusive weekly thank...
09/02/2026

Membership means more at Brookfield Zoo Chicago!

As a special thank you to our members, we've got exclusive weekly thank-you specials for Member Appreciation Month. Every week from Friday, September 4 through Wednesday, September 30, we'll be offering special member-exclusive discounts, raffles, and giveaways! Plus, every Zoo visit earns you an entry into a special raffle for exciting prizes, including one year of free membership!

Learn more about Membership Appreciation Month at https://bit.ly/4gM8BCX

09/01/2026

It’s almost fall, y’all! 🍂

Mark your calendars because we’ve got tons of exciting events coming up at the Zoo including:

🚑 First Responders Day - Sunday, September 13
Join us in celebrating and showing appreciation for firefighters, police officers, Emergency Medical Services workers, and other first responders!

🍻 Oktoberfest - Saturday & Sunday, September 19-20
Prost! Enjoy German-style family-friendly fun with music, dancing, games and more!

💃 Hispanic Heritage Fest - Saturday, September 26
Celebrate Hispanic heritage with live music, vibrant cultural performances and interactive experiences for all ages — all included with your Zoo admission for a full day of celebration!

👻 Boo Brunch - Saturday, October 24
Join us for a fun-filled buffet brunch with a DJ spinning Halloween tunes, spine-tingling photo ops, and enjoy free face painting for all kids – included with your ticket!

🎃 Boo! at the Zoo - October 3-25
Enjoy family-friendly Halloween festivities, not-so-scary surprises, and seasonal fun for ghosts and ghouls of all ages!

Learn more about upcoming events at https://bit.ly/49FqVuC

08/31/2026

These cotton-top cuties are on the move! 🐒🌿

Cotton-top tamarins are one of the smaller monkey species, weighing in at around one pound. They’re known for their distinctive, white-colored crest of hair and their arboreal lifestyle. While they don’t have prehensile tails, their clawed fingers and toes help them climb, jump, and run through trees with ease!

08/28/2026

A second chance starts with great veterinary care! 🐾🩺

Crouton, a rescued Virginia opossum, recently joined us from a local wildlife rehab and rescue. Due to injuries that left him missing several fingers and a portion of his ear, he was unable to be released back into the wild. Luckily, he found a home here at the Zoo as a soon-to-be Animal Ambassador!

After arriving to the Zoo, Crouton headed to our onsite veterinary hospital for his first checkup which included everything from being weighed to x-rayed. These exams are an essential part of animal care at the Zoo, helping our veterinary team monitor the health and well-being of animals of all shapes, sizes, and species.

With his first checkup complete, Crouton headed behind the scenes to continue settling in. Stay tuned for updates about when you can visit Crouton over at Hamill Family Play Zoo!

The gorilla group is welcoming two new members! 🦍🦍We recently welcomed two western lowland gorillas, 12-year-old Kamina ...
08/27/2026

The gorilla group is welcoming two new members! 🦍🦍

We recently welcomed two western lowland gorillas, 12-year-old Kamina and 8-year-old Zahra, to Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Both arrived from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in recent weeks upon recommendation of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan. As they get settled in, they’re first getting to know Jontu and understanding their role within the troop’s dynamic social structure.

Gorillas are highly social animals, and building relationships can involve plenty of positive interactions like grooming, playing and foraging together. As introductions continue, you may see some behaviors that look intense, including loud vocalizations, physical interactions, or squabbling. While these behaviors may appear out of the ordinary, they’re a normal part of establishing relationships and social dynamics within the group especially as they navigate the first major change regarding females in the troop in more than two decades!

We've got one million reasons to celebrate! 🐾🎉Today our one millionth guest of 2026 walked through our gates! Special sh...
08/26/2026

We've got one million reasons to celebrate! 🐾🎉

Today our one millionth guest of 2026 walked through our gates! Special shoutout to Parrinello family who also received some special goodies including a Premier Family Membership, a Member Bag, and a plush!

A million visits mean a million opportunities to discover something new, make a memory, and connect with wildlife from around the world. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has spent a day with us this year. Here's to many more visits to the Zoo!

08/26/2026

“To me, that has been the most magical part of my job: to have the opportunity to experience these animals up close, and the incredible curiosities that these animals bring.” In the latest edition of the Ozinga Said in Stone podcast, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's CEO and President Dr. Mike Adkesson speaks about his journey in animal care, from volunteering in a Zoo as a child to becoming a veterinarian and leading the Zoo today. Check out the full podcast at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQBsm1qkhGc.

Bone marrow isn't just a delicious delicacy for humans, it's also beneficial for bears! 🐻🦴Brown bears are opportunistic ...
08/25/2026

Bone marrow isn't just a delicious delicacy for humans, it's also beneficial for bears! 🐻🦴

Brown bears are opportunistic omnivores, eating everything from fruits, grasses and leaves to meat and fish when available. Here at the Zoo, bones are sometimes offered as both a tasty treat and a form of enrichment!

Using their long claws and powerful teeth, bears can pull out the marrow or crush parts of the bone to access it. Bone marrow provides important nutrients like calcium and other minerals, making it a valuable, nutritious addition to their diet!

08/24/2026

Your prehistoric adventure awaits! Don't miss Dinos! at the Zoo through October 25.

Plan your visit today at https://bit.ly/3Swzcvs.

Address

3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL
60513

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+17086888000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Brookfield Zoo Chicago posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category