Page 6 - Annual Report 2022

TROPICAL FORESTS

When Tropic World opened at
Brookfield Zoo in the 1980’s, it was
a revolutionary space and the largest
indoor mixed-species exhibit in the
world. Visitors are immersed in the
tropical rain forests of South America,
Asia, and Africa. Over the next
40 years, Tropic World inspired tens
of millions of visitors to care about
rain forest conservation.
Although it continues to be a
state-of the-art facility, we’ve learned
more about primate behavior and
animal health over the years and our
expectations have evolved. In 2022,
we began the planning and design Construction model of one of four outdoor primate habitats
phases for Tropical Forests, an expan-
sion of our current Tropic World The establishment of a bachelor New generations of visitors
habitat and our most ambitious and group will allow the younger males will be able to witness these
innovative project in decades. to interact and learn important majestic, charismatic primates up
Primate behavior, health, and skills from the more experienced close and watch them experience
animal welfare were all taken into silverbacks. Outdoor areas will running water features, climbing
consideration during planning. also be created for our orangutans structures, vines, natural grass under
We also ensured that Zoo guests and several species of South Amer- their feet, and sunlight shining on
will be able to view the animals ican monkeys. their faces. Visitors will be able to
from unique vantage points. A Gorilla Conservation Center stand face-to-face with a western
The project, designed by will contain state-of-the-art learning lowland gorilla, separated from the
Goettsch Partners, Inc., and PJA, spaces for the public, as well as animal by a two-story glass window.
will provide new and reimagined a dedicated home for the Chicago
habitats for our gorillas, orangutans, Zoological Society’s King Conserva- These world-class animal experiences and conservation
and monkeys. When completed tion Leadership Academy. The King center will build guests’ empathy for the animals and
in 2025, it will feature indoor and Academy includes a program inspire them to become better stewards of our planet.
outdoor habitats for two gorilla for high school students that
troops—a family unit and a bachelor involves them in science program-
group consisting of adult and ming with an emphasis on career
adolescent males. and college readiness.

4 BROOKFIELD ZOO | CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY