Brookfield Zoo Chicago

About Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago sits at 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, Illinois, and has been open since 1934. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo's own materials give two different figures for its size: one listing puts it at 216 acres, while the zoo's app description calls it "our 235-acre park." Either way, it is one of the larger zoo campuses in the country, with two public entrances, one at 31st Street and Golfview Avenue and another at 3300 Golf Road.

The zoo states its mission as inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature, and describes itself as a recognized leader in influencing people's actions to conserve wildlife and value nature. Its website lists 511 published species across its collection, organized into a series of named habitat areas rather than a single walking loop.

History

Brookfield Zoo Chicago opened in 1934. Since then, the zoo says it has been known worldwide for its work in animal care and wildlife conservation, and describes ongoing efforts to inspire conservation action among children, students, teachers, and the broader community, in addition to supporting professional conservationists.

Exhibits and habitats

The zoo's named habitat areas include Habitat Africa! The Forest and Habitat Africa! The Savanna, grouping African species by ecosystem, and the Clouded Leopard Rain Forest, home to one of the zoo's big cat species. Tropic World is a large indoor habitat with its own shortened hours, closing at 3:30 p.m. rather than with the rest of the park. Other named areas include Australia House, The Fragile Kingdom, Dolphin Bay, the North American Prairie Aviary, and Hamill Family Wild Encounters. Strollers are not permitted inside Tropic World, Australia House, The Fragile Kingdom, or Dolphin Bay due to fire safety requirements.

The zoo has also hosted temporary exhibits, including a dinosaur-themed exhibit included with standard admission or membership, alongside food locations such as Cup and Cone North and South. A zoo app provides a GPS-enabled way-finding map across the grounds along with a digital membership card.

Animal highlights

Brookfield Zoo Chicago lists 511 species on its website. Among the big cats named in its collection are the Amur leopard, Amur tiger, clouded leopard, lion, Pallas's cat, sand cat, and snow leopard. The zoo's own materials also highlight a handful of animal facts about residents elsewhere in its collection: green tree frogs, nicknamed "rain frogs," are most vocal just before or during rainy weather; clownfish are all born male, with the more dominant individuals later transforming into females; and flamingos are not born pink, with their color instead coming from beta-carotene in the shrimp and algae they eat.

Planning your visit

As listed on the zoo's website, hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though Tropic World closes earlier, at 3:30 p.m., and the zoo notes that operating details are subject to change due to weather, temperature, and animal care needs. Daily admission passes are valid for one day and include all taxes; pricing listed on the site covers the May 1 through September 30 season, and access to special ticketed events is purchased separately from general admission. An annual membership option offers unlimited access along with benefits such as free admission and free parking.

The zoo can be reached by bus, train, or car, with entrances at 31st Street and Golfview Avenue and at 3300 Golf Road. Guests may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, though glass containers and outside alcohol are not permitted; alcoholic beverages sold on site must be consumed at the point of sale. Service dogs are welcome throughout most public areas, with some sensitive exhibits restricted, and miniature horses may be accommodated case by case; emotional support and comfort animals are not permitted. Pets other than service animals are not allowed anywhere on zoo grounds. The zoo describes ongoing efforts to make its grounds, pathways, buildings, exhibits, and programs accessible to all visitors. Confirm current hours, prices, and event details on the official website before visiting.