Page 39 - Bookfield Zoo Chicago Annual Report 2024

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT®
SOLDIER RIDE®

In the summer, Brookfield Zoo The 19.1-mile ride to the Zoo was
Chicago was honored to welcome the first of a three-day cycling event
and host 40 veterans who par- of more than 52 miles through the
ticipated in the Wounded Warrior Chicagoland area. The bicycling
Project® Soldier Ride®. Upon entering event challenges veterans to push
the park, riders were greeted and themselves physically and mentally
cheered on by Zoo staff, volunteers, as they manage the visible and invis-
guests, and young campers who ible wounds of war, and helps them
lined the walkways. Veterans were build their confidence and strength
treated to lunch and met several through shared activities and bonds
of the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors of service.
before taking a narrated tour of the
park aboard Motor Safari Tour trams.

VETERANS DAY

In November, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
hosted a Veterans Day event that
featured a special ceremony with
the posting of colors, an extensive
display of historic military memo-
rabilia, and performances by the
Legacy Girls and the Jesse White
Tumblers. A meet-and-greet with
the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors was
included. Representatives from
veterans organizations, including
Cook County’s Military and Veterans
Discount Program, were on hand to
share information.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is proud to
offer free general admission to the
Zoo year-round to active, reserve,
and retired members of the Armed
Forces with a valid military ID.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 35