Page 14 - Bookfield Zoo Chicago Annual Report 2024

SEVEN SEAS RENOVATION

A $10 million renovation and update that improves airflow for both the
of the dolphins’ Seven Seas habitat animals and guests, new pool linings,
includes the addition of dynamic replacement of fluorescent lighting
elements to enrich their daily lives with energy efficient LED lighting,
and encourage natural behaviors, and the creation of accessible
such as searching for food, playing, seating areas for people who use
utilizing echolocation abilities, wheelchairs during presentations.
chasing objects, and interacting The Underwater Viewing Gallery also
with each other. For example, new received a refresh, including new
rockwork structures have attach- signage and lighting projections.
ments for a variety of enrichment BOTTLENOSE
Later this year, the Zoo is planning
items and built-in bubbler systems DOLPHIN
to install a 35-foot-diameter movable
that release streams of bubbles for Seven Seas
floor in the south holding pool. This
the dolphins to play in. Dolphins can
will allow staff to raise the lift along We are grateful to Minnesota Zoo, which provided our dolphins with a
use their echolocating skills to find
with a dolphin in a quick, low stress temporary home while renovations were made to the 36-year-old facility.
enrichment or food items buried by
manner for any medical care that may
the staff in a shallow sand pit. We are also thankful to members of our marine mammal care staff
be needed.
who relocated with the dolphins to provide their daily care.
Other improvements include a new
roof, a heating and cooling system for
The Seven Seas renovation was funded
a better temperature-controlled
in part by the Public Museum Capital
climate in the building year-round, Grants Program, Illinois Department of
a high-quality ventilation system Natural Resources, Illinois State Museum.
10 BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO