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Next Century continued

Gateway to Africa (completed 2034)
Four dramatic African ecoregions unfold across this 35-acre space,
connected by the Savannah Passage, a mixed-species transfer
corridor that allows various species to move freely between them.
The exciting variety of changing landscapes and scenery
will enrich the animals’ lives.
• East African Forests: Huge hippopotamuses and Nile
crocodiles wallow in shallow ponds, marshes, and mud banks.
The environment is modeled on the lush landscapes along
the eastern coast of Africa, where tropical forests intermingle
with patches of savannah, woodlands, and wetlands.
Here and elsewhere, some species will be separated by invisible
barriers for their safety.
• African Savannah: The landscape is modeled after the
sub-Saharan region spanning from Ethiopia to Mozambique.
Giraffes and mixed hoofstock species (kudu, addax, eland,
The renovated Pachyderm Building reverses the current animal-guest relationship by and nyala) are immersed in iconic savannah habitats of vast
replacing indoor animal space with exciting guest and event space. Large picture windows
offer expansive views to the flexible, mixed-species habitat north of the building. grasslands interspersed with tall, acacia-like canopy trees
and scrubland shrubs.
• Central African Forests: Featuring dense forests, impassable
swamps, and meandering watercourses, this region stretches
from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast.
An underwater viewing shelter gives guests views of reclusive
pygmy hippos swimming underwater, while bongo antelope
roam through a wooded habitat. Brookfield Zoo Chicago
is one of only a few U.S. zoos to have successfully housed,
bred, and birthed white-bellied pangolins, nicknamed scaly
anteaters. Guests have opportunities to experience the
endangered and fascinating animals up close.
• South African Forests: Expansive grasslands blend into
woodlands of dense foliage, towering trees, and babbling
streams in this ecoregion. Using the Savannah Passage,
majestic elephants and rhinoceroses roam freely through
five shared habitats. A separate half-acre lion habitat nestled
at the ecoregion’s eastern edge gives African lions space
to roam and explore.
Guests gaze underwater into the new hippopotamus pool in East African Forests.
Plantings within and alongside the pool create a wild and immersive experience
for guests and animals alike. Southwest Australian Provinces (completed 2034)
Guests are transported to the landscapes of Southwest Australia,
a land of scrublands studded with towering termite mounds.
Vibrant rose-breasted cockatoos flit through the canopy and tawny
frogmouths sound their mysterious call. An elevated walkway
offers guests panoramic views of iconic species such as kangaroos
and emus, and intimate encounters with koalas nestled in
eucalyptus trees.
Lush indoor and outdoor environments of the newly renovated,
historical Australia House showcase the rich tapestry of Australian
wildlife including brush-tailed bettongs, wombats, echidnas,
elusive reptiles, and tiny insects.

26 G A T E W A YS | NEX T CENTUR Y PLAN
GATEWAYS | NEXT CENTURY PLAN