Page 22 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024
P. 22

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS


                                                                                 Hispanic Heritage Fest           Día de los Muertos
                                                                                 Returns                          Beloved Pets Ofrenda

                                                                                 In September 2024, the Zoo hosted   Brookfield Zoo Chicago welcomed
                                                                                 a successful Hispanic Heritage Fest   the community to the Hamill Family
                                                                                 to provide an authentic tribute to   Nature Plaza on the weekend of
                                                                                 Hispanic and Latine cultures. The   Día de los Muertos to honor and
                                                                                 event featured over 200 individuals   celebrate cherished pets who have
                                                                                 from neighborhoods near the Zoo   passed away. Día de los Muertos,
                                                                                 and across the Chicago Metropolitan   or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant
                                                                                 area. Nearly 9,000 guests joined us   and deeply meaningful Mexican
                                                                                 for live music, cultural performances,   holiday. “Ofrenda” is a Spanish word
                                                                                 and Latin American cuisine. Perform-  that means “offering” in English.
                                                                                 ing groups from the Chicago area   The altars created for Día de los
                                                                                 took center stage, and families    Muertos honor loved ones who
                                                                                 enjoyed bilingual story time and   have passed away, inviting their
                                                                                 games, as well as a bilingual    spirits back for a joyous reunion
                                                                                 Dolphins in Action presentation!    with the living.
                                                                                 The Zoo was also honored to host   Guests submitted over 300 photos
                                                                                 Cook County Commissioners        of their pets that were used to create
                                                                                 Alma Anaya (District 7) and Frank   colorful displays in remembrance
                                                                                 Aguilar (District 16), as well as    of their departed pets.
                                                                                 representatives from the offices
                                                                                 of U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy”
                                                                                 García (IL District 4), Illinois State
                                                                                 Senator Javier Loera Cervantes
                                                                                 (District 1), and Illinois State
                                                                                 Treasurer Michael Frerichs.



                                                                                 Top: Beloved Pets Ofrenda
                                                                                 Bottom: Hispanic Heritage Fest
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