Page 48 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024
P. 48
FISCAL YEAR IN REVIEW
On behalf of the Board New and re-opened guest experiences helped drive the Society has set the stage for the continued expan-
the Chicago Zoological Society’s positive Fiscal 2025 sion and enhancement of the Zoo, up to and through
of Trustees, I am pleased
financial results. Those experiences included the the Zoo’s 2034 centennial celebration. This vision will
to share that Brookfield reopening of Seven Seas (including the return of our be further supported by a comprehensive five-year
Zoo Chicago concluded dolphins), refreshed and sold-out Roaring Nights Strategic Plan to be introduced in Fiscal 2026. These
concerts, the welcoming of koalas for the first time plans will ensure the Society continues to deliver on
Fiscal Year 2025 with
in Zoo history, the opening of the new North American our mission to inspire meaningful connections between
strong financial results. Prairie Aviary, and more. people, wildlife, and nature.
These outcomes reflect In Fiscal 2025, the Zoo also continued to make significant While the Society’s financial position remains sound,
disciplined financial capital improvements as part of the Society’s long-range the growth in resources to meet the ambitions of the
campus revitalization effort. Construction progressed Society’s long-term vision is also an ongoing focus.
management, robust
on the $66 million James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Through strategic investments in animal habitats,
philanthropic support, Forests project, while the existing Tropic World building guest amenities, and educational programming,
was repurposed and received other upgrades. Prior to the Society will further strengthen support for Brookfield
strong tax revenues,
its reopening, Seven Seas received a $10 million refresh, Zoo Chicago and expand the Zoo’s impact across
and a full-team effort while roof repairs and other facility upgrades were all communities.
to exceed our budgeted initiated in the Pachyderm House. The Society extends its deepest gratitude to the Forest
attendance figures High-priority infrastructure projects were also completed Preserves of Cook County—our highly valued public
during the year, including the renovation of the South partner—as well as to our dedicated Trustees, Women’s
by 60,353 guests—
Gate restrooms, resurfacing of the South Gate Parking Board members, Governing Member Ambassadors,
a 3.43% increase over Lot, and development of the Philip W. K. Sweet Jr. Center donors, staff, volunteers and public officials for their
last year. for Animal Care and Conservation. These strategic support and tireless efforts to maintain the financial
investments are intended to modernize the Zoo foundation and integrity of the Society and Brookfield
campus, enrich the guest experience, and reinforce Zoo Chicago.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s leadership in animal welfare
and conservation. Michael P. Emmert
Looking ahead to Fiscal 2026, the Society sees meaning-
ful opportunities to further expand attendance and
revenue, while maintaining sound expense management.
Fiscal 2026 attendance drivers include the grand Treasurer, Board of Trustees
opening of Bramsen Tropical Forests, the return of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago & Chicago Zoological Society
Ferris Wheel, a new dolphin presentation at Seven Seas, 1 The Financial Highlights reflect the unaudited financial results
the addition of new dining offerings, and the arrival of the Chicago Zoological Society for the fiscal year ending
and birth of new animal residents. March 31, 2025. The audited statements of financial results
are planned to be available in July 2025.
The Society’s 2026 objectives also continue to focus
on the long-term future of the Society and the Zoo.
With the launch of the Next Century Plan in Fiscal 2025,
38 BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO
