Page 33 - Gateways 2024_Spring flip_Neat

“Did we really have
that many polar bears?”

•JOA N W ICZEK

My most memorable experience was when we fed the polar bears marshmallows in
the 1950s. The Zoo actually sold them at the concession stand. The bears would
sit and tilt their heads from side to side to catch them. I found the attached photo
in my mom’s old photo album. It’s from the late 1930s. Did we really have that
many polar bears?
[Editor’s note: In the 1980s, the Zoo halted marshmallow sales and hired a nutritionist
who formulates healthy diets for each of our animals, including the polar bears.]

“My grandma taught us…
that it was also a learning zoo.”

•JEN NIFER TSA NA K AS

My grandma took me and my sister to Brookfield Zoo since I was a baby.
She was a teacher and loved Brookfield Zoo. My grandma taught us how
important “our” Zoo was for the conservation of animals and that it was also
a learning Zoo. These visits inspired me to become a member and I cherish
the memories made over my 45 years.
I feel blessed that our grandmother found it so important to teach us
about conservation and the huge impact Brookfield Zoo has made in helping
various animals. My most memorable experience is simply falling in love with
Brookfield Zoo and all the family memories we have been so lucky to share there.

33
BROOKFIELD ZOO | SPRING 2024 33