Page 5 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024
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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
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