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The new Hamill Family Nature Plaza
creates an outdoor space for

playful exploration and discovery.

When Betsy Hamill Bramsen, Jon Hamill, and
Nancy Hamill Winter were growing up, they
made frequent visits to Brookfield Zoo with their father,
Corwith Hamill. So began their love of wildlife and a
lifelong commitment to preserving animals and their
habitats. “Zoos are important because they reach children
at a young age and inspire them to care about animals,”
said Bramsen. “The more connected children are to
animals, the more they care about animals and want to
learn about them.”
To forge these connections, Bramsen, her siblings, and
generations of the Hamill family have contributed greatly
to the Chicago Zoological Society and Brookfield Zoo.
For example, the Play Zoo and Wild Encounters bear the
Hamill family name. On the following pages, you’ll read
about their latest gift and our newest exhibit—Hamill
Family Nature Plaza.
The Nature Plaza, which opened on the south end
of the park last fall, helps CZS fulfill an important
mission—to provide children with meaningful science
activities to enhance their knowledge and appreciation
of the natural world. After all, the National Research
Council determined that almost all science learning
occurs outside of traditional classrooms and in settings
such as zoos, aquariums, museums, and nature centers.
Hamill Family Nature Plaza is where you'll find
opportunities to explore the natural world and experience
fascinating animal presentations. You'll also find exciting
events, tasty food at the new Peacock Café & Grill, fun,
and relaxation. Please turn the page for a quick tour—
we're proud to show it off!
BROOKFIELD ZOO | SPRING 2020 29