Page 25 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

Honoring Innovation at the Conservation Leadership
Awards Dinner

On October 7, 2024, Brookfield Zoo Dr. Laura Adamovicz received
st
Chicago hosted its 21 annual the Rising Conservation Leader connect
Conservation Leadership Awards Award for her groundbreaking
Dinner (CLAD), a flagship event research on wildlife diseases,
that reflects our commitment particularly in turtle species.
to wildlife conservation and As co-director of the Wildlife
education. The evening was Epidemiology Lab, Adamovicz
a resounding success, raising collaborates closely at University
$337,550 in support of our mission. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with
our veterinary team on conservation
The Corwith Hamill Lifetime
projects within local forest preserves,
Achievement Conservation Award
exemplifying the impact of dedicated
was presented to Trustees Ann
scientific leadership.
and John Grube for their remarkable
contributions to the Zoo. Ann, The evening concluded with the
a founding member of the Women’s presentation of the George B. Rabb
Board, played an instrumental role Conservation Medal to Arnold
in launching critical fundraising Randall. As general superintendent
initiatives. John, a trustee since of the Forest Preserves of Cook
1988, dedicated his tenure as Board County, Randall expanded restoration
Chair to enhancing the Zoo’s guest efforts tenfold and introduced
experience and accessibility, leaving the transformative Next Century
a lasting impact on our institution. Conservation Plan. Now serving
as executive director of the Gaylord
The Edith Rockefeller McCormick
and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation,
Partnership Award honored the
his leadership continues to drive
Charles & Margery Barancik
conservation initiatives in the
Foundation for its vital support
Chicago region and beyond.
of the Sarasota Dolphin Research
Program (SDRP). Their generosity The inspiring event celebrated
empowers the SDRP to educate individuals and organizations that
the public and advance the embody our shared commitment to
conservation of dolphins and marine wildlife conservation, strengthening
ecosystems, ensuring the longevity Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission
of this globally significant program. for generations to come.

Top: Ann Grube, Cherryl T. Thomas, John Grube, Forest Preserves of Cook County
President Toni Preckwinkle
Middle (left): Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai and Dr. Laura Adamovicz
Middle (right): Cherryl T. Thomas, Wendy Barancik Roseth, Dr. Rita Stacey Vondra
Bottom: Arnold Randall and Dr. Michael J. Adkesson

19