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Reimagining

a New Kind of Zoo
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Being eye to eye with a California sea lion at an underwater viewing window.
Brushing the fur of an Nigerian dwarf goat. Watching up close as a mother gorilla
nuzzles her baby. Hearing the bellows of a grizzly bear wrestling with his brother.

hese are the types of experiences that take place in zoos. A Virtual Zoo
TWhen people connect with animals in these ways, they When the zoo was temporarily closed or when social distancing
want to learn about them. Learning becomes caring and caring prohibited group gatherings, meetings on digital platforms such
becomes: “What can I do to make sure these amazing animals as Facebook and Zoom were the next best thing to being there.
are around forever?” This is why zoos are ideal places to promote Our animal care staff gave “Bringing the Zoo to You” live chats
conservation and inspire conservation leadership. on Facebook Live each weekday morning at 11:00 a.m. A total
As you know, visiting the zoo last year was difficult because of 89 live chats were given last year and videos posted to the
of temporary closures and many of the buildings housing CZS Instagram and YouTube channels where they were viewed
animals were not open. We at the Chicago Zoological Society more than 3 million times!
were forced to reimagine the zoo and create new ways to The Marketing & Communications staff was recently awarded
foster meaningful connections between people and wildlife. the prestigious Golden Trumpet from the Publicity Club of
Chicago for the “Bringing the Zoo to You” video campaign.

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