Page 16 - Bookfield Zoo Chicago Annual Report 2024

Wild Connections

This year, we launched our Wild
Connections program of animal
encounters at Brookfield Zoo
Chicago. In addition to our popular
Giraffe Feeding Encounter, Penguin
Encounter, and Penguin Feeding
Adventure, we added Rain Forest
Aviary Feeding Adventure. Guests
assist animal care specialists as they
set up feedings for tropical birds
inside Feathers and Scales.
VIRTUAL REALITY These exclusive experiences give
EXPERIENCES guests opportunities to get up close
to species residing at Brookfield Zoo
Chicago, have unforgettable inter-
In 2023, Brookfield Zoo Chicago actions, and learn fascinating details
launched an exciting new attrac- about each species from the animal
tion: our Virtual Reality Theater. care teams. Participants also contrib-
This new experience takes guests ute to conservation efforts to save
in motion-platform seating on an dozens of imperiled species, support
unforgettable virtual journey as they research in veterinary science and
enjoy 360-degree, live-action films. husbandry and animal enrichment
Guest options include “Gorilla Trek,” investigations, and more. In spring
which provides an unprecedented 2024, the program will expand to
look at mountain gorillas in Rwanda also include encounters with our
and “Shark Dive,” a voyage to Tiger North American river otter, macaws,
Beach, renowned for its stunning flamingos, leopard sharks, and
coral reefs and native tiger sharks. Animal Ambassadors.
The holidays also offered seasonal
opportunities for the Virtual Reality
Theater. For October’s Boo! at the
Zoo, we offered “Jinxed,” a spooky
carnival-coaster simulator with dips,
drops, and thrills. Throughout Holiday
Magic, guests enjoyed “Elf Power,”
a virtual journey of the elves traveling
on Santa’s sleigh to deliver presents
throughout the world.

12 BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO