Page 73 - Bookfield Zoo Chicago Annual Report 2024

New Events New Animals and SANDHILL Wild Connections:
CRANE
and Attractions Animal Habitats Coming Soon! Get Up Close and Personal
The Zoo is expanding its Wild
Members and guests of Brookfield Koalas! Connections experiences that give
Zoo Chicago will find many novel For the first time in our history, participants the opportunity to get
and exciting events and attractions koalas will take up residence at up close to, and in some instances
in the upcoming year. These events the Zoo. Beginning Memorial Day feed and touch, an animal. They will
and attractions are some of the many weekend, the Hamill Family Play Zoo also learn about the species and
ways the Zoo hopes to encourage will be home to two male koalas, their conservation stories. In addi-
visitors to engage with wildlife. Brumby and Willum. Guests will tion to the Penguin Encounter and
have an incredible opportunity to feeding adventures involving giraffes,
This spring saw the launch of
get eye to eye with this Australian North American penguins, and rain forest birds, new
our new springtime celebration,
vulnerable species and learn about attractions include:
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Bunny Hop. Prairie Aviary
their unique biology, while also being • Shark Feeding Adventure
Held on March 23, this event was Opening this June, a new North
inspired to develop a respect and • Animal Ambassador Adventure
comprised of a virtual egg hunt, American Prairie Aviary will house
appreciation for them and wildlife • Flamingo Feeding Adventure
dance party, Animal Ambassadors, a pair of sandhill cranes and nearly
around the world. • Macaw Playtime Adventure
and storytime sessions for guests a dozen greater prairie chickens
• Otter Adventure
of all ages to enjoy. The koalas are at the Zoo through a (a large bird in the grouse family).
loan partnership with San Diego Zoo Nestled within a 3,000-square-foot
In addition to our popular Boo!
Wildlife Alliance and San Diego Zoo’s habitat on the north side of Hamill
at the Zoo, spooky season will
Koala Education and Conservation Family Nature Plaza, the habitat’s
include Zoo After Dark: BOOs and
Project. Brookfield Zoo Chicago will natural landscape will feature a pool
Brews, a 21-and-over event that
be the only accredited zoological to entice the 4-foot-tall, regal-look-
will feature fall-inspired cocktails,
organization in the state where the ing cranes to demonstrate their
entertainment, music, and more.
public will have the opportunity to beak-probing behavior. The lush
Costumes encouraged!
see these iconic animals. vegetation will be a haven for
And, the holiday season will see foraging and nesting for the
the launch of our Zoo After Dark: prairie chickens.
Holiday Sip & Stroll, a festive,
adults-only evening event that will
feature seasonal sips, entertainment,
Animal Ambassadors, and more.
Anniversary FLAMINGO
FEEDING
Ferris Wheel ADVENTURE
th
In honor of the Zoo’s 90 anniversary, The Swamp
we’ve added a Ferris wheel to
2024-2025
our repertoire of exciting guest
experiences. Get a bird’s-eye view
Connect. Care. Conserve.
at 110 feet—you can’t miss it!