Page 10 - GW_Winter2019-2020

News Bites continued

What’s in a Name?

EXHIBIT If you’ve visited our meerkats and naked mole-rat recently,
you probably noticed something new. First, the name of their

digs has changed. In late 2018, the desert habitat that was

formerly called the Fragile Kingdom was changed to Desert’s

Edge. Along with the name change and some new signs, Desert’s Edge has also

welcomed some new residents.

Our desert habitat is now home to a female white-nosed coatimundi, a

member of the raccoon family. She was joined by a beautiful ocelot—a wild cat

Creating memories of native to North, Central, and South American deserts. To make room for these
a lifetime and beyond
new residents, the rock hyrax and caracal are now living in new homes at other
Testimonial written by Bonnie Greene, member
of the Edith Rockefeller McCormick Society zoos. The elusive bushbabies have a new home, too, which made way for the

My affection for Brookfield Zoo probably began even sleek small-spotted genet. And the black-footed cat now has new orange-tailed
before my memories did. My parents adored the zoo
and brought my sister and me there countless times chuckwallas as neighbors.
during childhood. I am fortunate because my father was
an amateur filmmaker and watching his 16-millimeter films In the near future, Desert’s Edge will be updated with an enhanced lighting
has allowed me to relive my many zoo visits over the years.
One of my favorite films shows just my father and me—he system that will benefit animals and guests alike. The lighting system will help
set up his camera on a tripod and then pushed me past it
in an old, enormous, wooden-wheeled chair. guests by making the walkway easier to see. The lighting will also simulate the

I’ve always been in awe of the powerful beauty of 24-hour, natural-light cycle—including light conditions from sunrise to sunset.
animals, which is why I’m still so drawn to Brookfield Zoo.
The zoo has been like a second home, where I can visit my Animals’ bodies use light to regulate their circadian rhythms, which in turn,
animal friends and see them thrive. A quote, in part, from
Henry Beston says it best: “For the animal shall not be mea- improves their sleep-wake and body-temperature cycles.
sured by man. In a world older and more complete than
ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with On your next visit, make sure to trek through the revamped Desert’s Edge
extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained,
living by voices we shall never hear.” habitat to meet the unique variety of new species that now call it home.

My fascination with animals has never diminished,
and is now accompanied by a deeper respect for nature
as I realize just how delicate and fragile our natural world
is. It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be a member of
the Edith Rockefeller McCormick Society. My future gift
to Brookfield Zoo could make it possible for a child who
had never experienced the wonders of nature to be able
to embrace the magical world of wildlife.

For details on how you can become part of the
Edith Rockefeller McCormick Society, call us at (708)
688-8392, email us at EdithRockefellerMcCormick
Society@CZS.org, or visit our website at
CZS.org/PlannedGiving.

10 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES