Brookfield Zoo

• Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513 (Map)
• Phone Number: (708) 688-8000
• Email Address: info@czs.org
• Hours of Operation: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm), open 365 days a year.
• Date Founded: July 1, 1934
• Accreditation: The Brookfield Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
• Number of Animals: Over 2,000
• Number of Species: Over 400
• Park Size: 216 acres
• Website Link: www.czs.org/Brookfield-zoo/home

The idea of opening a zoo in the Chicago area was first proposed by the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) in the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the society secured land for the zoo in Brookfield, a suburb of Chicago.

Brookfield Zoo officially opened on July 1, 1934, with an admission price of 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children. The zoo quickly became a popular destination for families, with over a million visitors in its first year alone.

Over the years, Brookfield Zoo has expanded and evolved to become one of the largest and most respected zoos in the world. In 1960, the zoo opened its first indoor exhibit, Tropic World, which showcased animals from tropical regions around the world. In 1982, the zoo opened its first major outdoor exhibit, the Fragile Kingdom, which featured endangered animals like snow leopards and Siberian tigers.

Today, Brookfield Zoo is known for its extensive collection of animals, innovative exhibits, and commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a recognition of its high standards of animal care, education, and conservation. It is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), which is dedicated to promoting and supporting zoos and aquariums around the world.

In recent years, Brookfield Zoo has expanded its focus on conservation and education, offering a variety of programs and initiatives to promote wildlife conservation and sustainability. The zoo is a leader in the field of animal welfare and is committed to providing the best possible care for its animals.

Overall, Brookfield Zoo has a rich history and a bright future, and continues to be a beloved destination for families and animal lovers alike.

• Brookfield Zoo is home to the largest indoor exhibit of primates in the world.
• The zoo is home to one of the largest indoor dolphin exhibits in the world.
• It is the first zoo in the world to use a barless exhibit for big cats.
• Brookfield Zoo is known for its extensive collection of big cats, including lions, tigers, and snow leopards.
• The zoo offers a 3D theater experience for visitors to enjoy.
• The Hamill Family Play Zoo allows children to interact with animals in a hands-on environment.
• Visitors can ride the zoo’s motor safari tram to see animals up close.
• Brookfield Zoo has a large collection of animals from around the world, including those from Africa, Australia, and South America.
• The zoo offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
• Brookfield Zoo hosts special events throughout the year, including holiday-themed events and concerts.

• Brookfield Zoo is home to a variety of unique animals, including okapis, red pandas, and Komodo dragons.
• The zoo is known for its extensive bird collection, which includes over 200 different species.
• Visitors can watch a sea lion show at the Pinniped Point exhibit.
• Brookfield Zoo has a greenhouse that is home to hundreds of different plant species.
• The zoo’s reptile house is home to the largest collection of venomous reptiles in the country.
• Brookfield Zoo has a variety of conservation programs, including efforts to save endangered species like the black rhinoceros and the snow leopard.
• Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how the zoo operates.
• The zoo offers a variety of dining options, including a full-service restaurant and several cafes.
• Brookfield Zoo has a motorize safari tram that takes visitors on a scenic tour of the park.
• The zoo’s Butterfly House is home to over 40 different species of butterflies.

• The Brookfield Zoo has a Children’s Zoo where kids can pet and feed animals like sheep, goats, and cows.
• The zoo has a Dinosaur Exhibit where kids can see life-size models of different types of dinosaurs.
• The zoo has a playground where kids can climb and play.
• Visitors can ride the carousel, which features a variety of different animals.
• The Hamill Family Play Zoo has a splash pad for kids to cool off in on hot days.
• The zoo offers a scavenger hunt activity for kids to explore and learn about the animals.
• Kids can take a ride on the motor safari tram and get up close with animals like giraffes and zebras.
• The zoo has a special exhibit called “Habitat Africa!” where kids can see animals like hippos, meerkats, and African wild dogs.
• Brookfield Zoo has a “Farm-in-the-Zoo” exhibit where kids can learn about different types of farm animals.
• Kids can take part in interactive educational programs and classes designed specifically for them to learn about animals and conservation.