Brookfield Zoo — Chicago-area zoological park

Collections and exhibits

The zoo displays a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic species arranged to represent different world regions and ecological communities. Exhibits emphasize space, natural substrates and barriers such as moats and landscaping rather than traditional bars. Typical exhibition areas include:

• Temperate and Arctic mammal habitats
• Large aviaries and tropical indoor environments
• Aquatic and reptile galleries
• Interactive and children’s discovery zones

A full inventory and highlights of species can be explored through the zoo's species pages and educational resources: species and animal care.

History and development

Founded and developed in the early 20th century by the Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo opened to the public as a purpose-built zoological park. Over the decades it introduced more naturalistic, barrier-free viewing techniques that influenced exhibit design at other institutions. The zoo has expanded and renovated exhibit areas periodically to meet evolving standards in animal care, welfare and visitor education.

Conservation, research and education

Beyond public display, Brookfield Zoo is active in conservation, breeding programs and zoological research. Its staff participate in regional and international efforts to protect species in the wild and to maintain genetically healthy captive populations. Educational programs target school groups, families and adult learners with guided experiences, camps and workshops; details are available on the zoo's learning pages: education and programs.

Visiting and notable facts

The site is seasonally busy and offers seasonal events, behind-the-scenes tours and volunteer opportunities. It is accredited and cooperates with other institutions for animal transfers and conservation projects. Practical visitor information — tickets, directions and accessibility — can be found on the park’s visitor information portal: visitor information.

Notable: Brookfield Zoo has been recognized for its early adoption of open-style exhibits and continues to balance public engagement with modern standards of animal care and conservation.