Chicago Zoological Society

Park Operations The CZS maintains 75 buildings on 235 acres of land to exhibit over 2,500 animals. In a typical year, two million visitors annually enjoy the experience of seeing and learning about the animals of the world. Each individual that enters through Brookfield Zoos gates represents an opportunity to introduce representatives of the wild world, to convey our intertwined connections to the animal kingdom, and to encourage positive change in the world. The Zoo is open every day of the year. Admission is free to the general public 52 days/year and at all times to Illinois school groups and military personnel. The membership team services our 119,000 member households, providing them with the opportunity to participate in the conservation and educational efforts of CZS. The events team provides seasonal and animal themed events such as Earth Day Party, Ape Awareness Weekend, Holiday Magic and Boo at the Zoo. Visitor services provides narrated tram tours and accessible transportation options in the park.

Education and Community Engagement Through its education programs, CZS communicates with others to engender in them a sense of ownership about living harmoniously with nature and helping save endangered species. Education specialists, volunteers, curators, graphic and exhibit designers, photographers and many others contribute to sharing this information both in person and virtually. As well as reaching the daily visitors to the Zoo, CZSs education and outreach programming reaches out to would be conservationists outside of the Zoo including classrooms of school children and teachers, local libraries and community organizations to engage them in nature based programs, strengthening the bridge between education and conservation and working together to create healthy spaces for people and wildlife.

Animal Health, Welfare, Care and Programs More than 2500 ambassadors of the animal kingdom provide our visitors with a rare opportunity to see species from around the globe and experience up close, personal encounters. CZS staff provide expert care of these ambassadors, where innovations in husbandry techniques and pioneering breeding programs are part of the cuttting edge culture of excellence and integrating disciplines such as population biology, behavioral science, nutrition and veterinary science help determine the best ways to provide and continuously care for the animals. CZS also incorporates models and practices from an array of animal care professionals around the world, to develop the best possible zoo-based animal care and management practices. Through Keeper Chats and Ambassador Animal Encounters, staff share their knowledge of the animals in their care with zoo guests, helping them gain an appreciation for all citizens of the natural world. Through field programs,CZS support efforts to protect and restore populations of threatened species in other parts of the world.