Page 5 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

TO THE BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO COMMUNITY,

As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate an extraordinary Beyond these transformative projects, we continued to
year for Brookfield Zoo Chicago—one that marked enhance the guest experience through exciting programs
our 90th anniversary and set the stage for an ambitious and attractions. In 2024, our Anniversary Ferris Wheel
and promising future. This milestone year was a delighted guests of all ages, offering a unique view of
testament to our enduring commitment to innovation, the Zoo while celebrating our 90th year. Our Roaring
conservation, and world-class animal care. With immense Nights concert series brought thousands of guests
pride, we share with you this 2024 Annual Report, together for unforgettable evenings of music and
which encapsulates our achievements and the bold community, reinforcing our role as a vibrant cultural
vision that will guide us into the next century. destination. And for the first time in history,
we brought koalas to the Zoo!
A highlight of our anniversary year was the unveiling
of our Next Century Plan—a visionary 15-year roadmap This year was also remarkable for the many new arrivals
with a 30-year outlook designed to redefine the future at the Zoo—our animal family grew with the birth of
of our Zoo. Developed through the dedication of our numerous species, further highlighting the success
Board of Trustees, staff, and key stakeholders, this plan of our conservation and breeding programs. From
will serve as our guide as we expand animal habitats, rare and endangered species to beloved favorites,
revitalize historic facilities, and elevate our programs to these births are a testament to our commitment
meet the ever-evolving needs of our global community. to wildlife preservation.
2024 also saw the further adoption of our new brand We also made significant strides in habitat revitalization,
identity, including our refreshed logo and inspiring with the refresh of spaces within the Hamill Family Play
tagline: Connect. Care. Conserve. This revitalized Zoo and the opening of the Hamill Family Nature Plaza’s Dr. Michael J. Adkesson,
DVM, MBA, Dipl. ACZM & ECZM
identity reflects our mission-driven approach and North American Prairie Aviary, both of which provide
President & CEO,
underscores our commitment to fostering deep immersive and engaging experiences that deepen
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
connections between people and wildlife. guests’ appreciation for nature.
& Chicago Zoological Society
We are also thrilled to usher in a new era with the opening Our dedication to science and conservation remains
of the James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests at the heart of our mission. Throughout this Annual
in the summer of 2025. This $66 million transformational Report, you will find stories detailing our groundbreaking
project has been under development throughout 2024 research and global conservation initiatives that drive
and will be more than worth the wait. Bramsen Tropical real-world impact. From wildlife monitoring projects
Forests is more than an enhancement to our Zoo— to habitat restoration efforts, our work is making Cherryl T. Thomas
it is a bold statement of our unwavering commitment a difference in protecting species and ecosystems Chair, Board of Trustees,
to conservation, education, and guest experience. worldwide. The length and content of the included Brookfield Zoo Chicago
& Chicago Zoological Society
Alongside the King Conservation Leadership Academy, bibliography highlights the enormous impact our
Bramsen Tropical Forests represents the capstone scientists, educators, and conservationists play
of Phase 1 of our Next Century Plan and solidifies in the advancement of our mission.
our role as a leader in advancing animal care and
Thank you for your steadfast commitment to our mission
environmental stewardship.
and for being an integral part of this journey. Together,
we are shaping a future where wildlife and people thrive.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 1