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See Birds An Inspiring Story

WELFARE Guests come to Brookfield Zoo for the reward of watching and This testimonial is from Kelly Hughes, a
member of the Chicago Zoological Soci-
learning from a wide range of spectacular creatures. But seeing ety’s Edith Rockefeller McCormick Society.
and interacting with guests can be rewarding for the animals, too.
That’s the principle behind a new offering: Penguin Encounters. When I moved to Chicagoland in 2007, it
These interactions began here this past summer and allow guests to get a was just my two dogs and me. I had earned
little closer than usual to a zoo favorite. During Penguin Encounters, up to 20 my Ph.D. in psychology and landed a ten-
participants wait as these charming birds roam the room, interacting at will. ure-track position at a university. Profession-
While this program is a great opportunity to pet a penguin, it is also a way for ally, things were going well, but personally,
these animals to satisfy their natural curiosity. With each new group of guests, the I felt very lonely.
penguins are automatically exposed to a new set of sights, smells, sounds, and
experiences. For these inquisitive animals, the encounters keep their body and I didn’t teach on Fridays, so one after-
mind stimulated. noon, I found myself at Brookfield Zoo. It
was there I met him: Hudson, the baby po-
Penguin Encounters are set up so that each time, the birds can aGMGiafrkte!east lar bear. I fell in love at first sight. I stood in
front of his habitat for hours and watched
choose to participate. If they aren’t feeling social on a particular day, they can him play.

simply avoid an interaction. The animals that choose to mingle with guests seem I started going to the zoo regularly after
that. When I was watching the animals, I
very animated. It’s an enriching experience for penguins and guests alike. always felt connected to them, as if we are
part of something much bigger. I didn’t feel
This popular offering has been considered a huge success, for both human and so lonely, and those days seemed brighter.

animal participants, and is scheduled to continue throughout the winter season. Hudson brought me so much joy and
laughter, I can’t imagine a world without
You can find the Penguin Encounters schedule at CZS.org/Penguins and sign up polar bears. Even though I am now happily
married, I can’t forget my love for that little
in advance there, too. polar bear.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an
organization I know and trust. Now that
I have left my university life behind me, it
seems fitting to name the Society as a ben-
eficiary of my prosperity during that time. I
am grateful for what the zoo provided, and
I hope that, through my gift, it will continue
inspiring the connection we have with the
natural world.

For details on how you can become part of the Edith
Rockefeller McCormick Society, email us at Edith
RockefellerMcCormickSociety@czs.org or call
(708) 688-8174.

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