Page 22 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

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