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News Bites continued
One in a Hundred Fifty Million
Since 1934, people from around the world
have been visiting Brookfield Zoo to enjoy IMPACT
fresh air and green spaces and, of course, to
see and learn about amazing animals. On
August 16, we hit a major milestone. That’s
when Rick Sauseda of Elgin was recognized for being the
150 millionth guest to enter the zoo. Rich was visiting the
zoo that day with his wife Agnes and their three children.
Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Chicago
Zoological Society, and Rich Gamble, senior vice president
of operations for the Society, surprised Rick and his family
with a giant “congratulations” sign and a five-year Family
Unlimited Membership to the zoo. With this membership,
the Sausedas receive free admission and parking to the zoo,
as well as free admission to all of the in-park paid attractions
through August 2021.
But there was one additional perk to be had: the Sauceda
family will spend some time with our giraffe herd. The entire
family will experience a behind-the-scenes look at how our
animal care specialists look after these gentle giants, from
preparing their meals to cleaning their habitat, and will even
get to feed the giraffes. An unforgettable family photo will
surely be part of the experience!
The Chicago Zoological Society’s Dr. Stuart Strahl (right) and Rich Gamble (with We always strive to make memorable moments for every
card) greet special guest Rick Sauseda and his family.
guest who walks through our gates, and we look forward to
welcoming another 150 million guests.
Opening Doors Earlier this year, the Society joined with a résumé, searching for a job, paying bills, and
Project SEARCH, Elmhurst College, and local renting an apartment.
PARTNERSHIP The best advice someone can organizations Helping Hand Center and
the LaGrange Area Department of Special One vital area that receives significant focus
receive is grounded in expe- Education (LADSE) to determine Brookfield is socialization skills like those used during job
rience. With that in mind, the Zoo as the perfect location for the program. interviews. Many of the interns have trouble
Chicago Zoological Society is partnering with answering questions, don’t like to make eye
other organizations to implement a program We rolled the program out in October contact, or may move slower than a person
of the Project SEARCH organization that helps with 10 participants. They spent several without special needs. These characteristics
people with significant disabilities transition weeks becoming oriented to the zoo and make it difficult for many employers to hire
to the work world once they no longer qualify building a relationship with their manager. adults with special needs. We and our partners
for services from the State of Illinois school Over the coming months, they are exploring in this initiative want to make sure the interns’
system after age 21. The goal is for participants various areas of interest, such as working in a interviewing skills are sound.
to find employment with an employer and/ restaurant, a gift shop, or our on-site library;
or in a field of their choice. Over nine months, learning the skills needed to maintain Once the interns have rotated throughout
Project SEARCH participants are taking part in signs around the zoo; and even finding out areas around Brookfield Zoo, they will have
a Brookfield Zoo-based internship that reflects what it takes to be part of our Membership experienced many different jobs and interacted
their long-term career goals. The internship Department. At the same time, experts from with various staff members. In this way, we hope
thoroughly exposes them to all areas of the each of the participating organizations are they will find passion for a particular career, as
employment process. helping them gain skills in areas like creating well as the abilities to follow their passion.
10 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES
