Page 71 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

New Events Ferris Wheel Returns

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is launching Brookfield Zoo Chicago will welcome visibility and expanding immersive
two new opportunities for the public back a new Ferris Wheel this spring, habitats to elevating the guest expe-
to enjoy the Zoo in unique ways, following a successful 2024 season. rience at every touchpoint, the Zoo
including a new weekend-long event The new Ferris Wheel will seasonally destination is our North Star.
called Spring Fest and an event adorn the Zoo’s East Mall until Labor
Attendance goals will be aligned with
series called Zoo Uncorked. Day, and a wheelchair accessible
the Next Century Plan leading to the
gondola will be added this summer.
Spring Fest will take place in April transformational development of
2025, celebrating the arrival of New Moon Jelly Experience Gateway to Africa within it, and we
spring and new life that comes will commit to launching a new guest
At The Living Coast, guests will
with it. The two-day festival-style experience each year—alternating
soon be able to get up close with
event will feature live performances, between permanent animal habitats,
moon jellies through a new Wild
a community art fair, seasonal dynamic animal encounters, and
Connections program. In groups
food and drinks, and family special temporary exhibitions.
of up to five people, participants will
friendly activities.
be able to touch a moon jelly under This evolution is not just about infra-
Zoo Uncorked combines conser- careful guidance. They will also have structure; it’s about impact. When
vation education with after-hours the opportunity to assist in feeding we welcome more guests, we deepen
experiences. The series will give the jellies, gaining insight into their community engagement, advance
guests the opportunity to learn about dietary needs, observing the various our conservation and education
protecting threatened species while stages of their development, and goals, and generate significant
enjoying themed food, drinks, discovering a deeper understanding economic benefits for the region.
and activities. It will engage guests of marine life.
This ambitious vision would not
in supporting conservation efforts
2030 Strategic Plan be possible without our partnership
in a fun and meaningful way.
with the Forest Preserves of Cook
The Zoo will share a new five-year
The 2025 events include: County. For more than a century,
Strategic Plan in 2025. Its core focus we have proudly operated on their
• Zoo Uncorked: Flocktails
is the bold reinvigoration of the Zoo 235-acre site, and together we
& Feathers, focused experience, with a sharp commitment have cultivated a legacy rooted
on bird conservation
to transforming our onsite assets, in science, education, and steward-
• Zoo Uncorked: Tequila & Tails, facilities, and animal habitats. ship of nature. Their continued
highlighting big cat conservation collaboration enhances our ability
Our vision is to become the #1 zoo
to drive innovation in wildlife care
• Zoo Uncorked: Wines & Vines, destination in the country—and the
and conservation research, while
centered on global primate world. To get there, every initiative,
also ensuring that generations of
conservation in celebration every investment, and every decision
guests have access to one of the
of the Zoo’s Bramsen Tropical must center on enhancing the physi-
most treasured natural destinations
Forests opening this summer cal Zoo itself. From improving animal
in the region.

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 61