Page 5 - Gateways_2019_SPRING

Perspective

Spring is a special time
of year. It’s a time for
new resolutions and looking

forward; a time to make plans

and celebrate the future.
This year, looking forward
is particularly exciting, as
2019 marks the 100-year anni-
versary of Edith Rockefeller
By Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D. McCormick’s donation of
President & CEO 83 acres of land to the Forest

Preserves of Cook County.
Her vision was to create a
large zoological park with
modern construction and open enclosures, and in the years
following her donation, the Chicago Zoological Society
and Brookfield Zoo were born.
The past 100 years have been filled with many achieve-
ments. We pioneered the research field of conservation
psychology, which investigates the best way to motivate
human action on behalf of wildlife. We became the first
zoo in the world to receive humane certification from the
American Humane Society for our animal care and welfare.
We’re currently leading the first-ever international cetacean
welfare study, and providing important science and environ-
mental programming and activities in libraries, schools,
and community centers in eight under-resourced communities.
I’m incredibly proud to look back at what this organization
has accomplished over the past 100 years, and even
more thrilled to look forward, both into 2019 and beyond.
As we continue setting a global standard for animal care
and welfare, we’re also looking to expand our zoo in
exciting new ways (see story on page 10), and I know this
year is going to be something special.
None of this groundbreaking work would be possible
without our dedicated members, volunteers, and guests,
and for your support, I am so thankful. I look forward to
seeing you at Brookfield Zoo this year, and beyond.

BROOKFIELD ZOO | SPRING 2019 5