Page 41 - Bookfield Zoo Chicago Annual Report 2024

THE 42 ANNUAL WHIRL
ND
GORILLAS IN OUR MIDST

Hosted by the Zoo’s Women’s Board several of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s (above, left: from left to right)
On April 29, more than and Board of Trustees, the fundraiser Animal Ambassadors, including two Arnold Randall, former general superintendent,
grossed more than $1.6 million to Humboldt penguins, a two-toed sloth, Forest Preserves of Cook County;
Cherryl Thomas, chair, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
525 guests attended benefit animal care and welfare ini- and a prehensile-tailed porcupine. Board of Trustees; Toni Preckwinkle, president,
tiatives, as well as conservation and A detailed architectural model of the
Cook County Board of Commissioners;
the 42 annual Whirl, education programs. The theme— new outdoor primate habitat was and Dr. Michael Adkesson, president & CEO,
nd
Gorillas in Our Midst—highlighted the also on display. Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s new 3-acre habitat for Brookfield Zoo (above, right) Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s
Chicago’s western lowland gorillas, Co-chaired by Barbara Bradford Women’s Board at the 2023 Whirl
annual black-tie gala. orangutans, and other primates that and Sasha Gerritson, both members
of the Zoo’s Board of Trustees and
is scheduled to open in 2025.
Women’s Board, the evening also
The evening, held at the Hilton featured a paddle raise, raffle draw-
Chicago, included appearances by ing, and a live auction.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 37