The last couple of years have seen significant milestones for many of Chicago’s most beloved attractions.
Back in 2022, the Morton Arboretum celebrated a year of centennial celebrations culminating in the unveiling of its $16 Million “Grand Garden” all to mark 100 years since the now 1,700-acre tree museum and research center was first established on December 14, 1922.
Under a year later Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium announced a $500 million renovation project involving a 40-foot underwater glass tunnel in anticipation of 2030 marking 100 years since the aquarium first opened.
Now it is Brookfield Zoo’s turn. Though the suburban zoo isn’t yet turning 100 just yet, 2024 marks 90 years since it first opened and is consequently time for its own large-scale renovation project in advance of its centennial milestone in 2034.
The 90-year-old establishment announced in a news release that a new brand evolution and site redesign will see the zoo renamed “Brookfield Zoo Chicago”, adopt a new slogan “Connect. Care. Conserve.” and change its logo from a bison to a lion.
According to the news release, the latter change “pays homage to the Zoo’s rich history and heritage, reminiscent of the historic stone lion statues that greet guests at the Zoo’s entrances and adorn the promenades within the park.”
While extensive information on the zoo’s Next Century Plan is set to be unveiled this summer, the zoo did share the exciting news that the extensive overhaul will transform the campus with renovated state-of-the-art facilities and exciting new animal habitats.
One particularly exciting new animal habitat announced in the news release is a planned $66 million habitat for primates. Titled “Tropical Forest” the new habitat is scheduled to open next year and will several different primate species including gorillas and orangutans in a new cutting-edge space.
“We have big news to share with you! As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we’re unveiling a new identity: Brookfield Zoo and its parent organization, the Chicago Zoological Society, are now Brookfield Zoo Chicago!” read the announcement.
“It’s the first step in an exciting transformation for the Zoo’s next century. We’ve also got a new mantra, “Connect. Care. Conserve,” and soon, we’ll unveil our bold Next Century Plan – all part of a blueprint to transform our campus, make unforgettable wildlife connections, and propel global conservation efforts.”
The zoo also recently announced a lineup of new and returning experiences for guests of all ages to mark the zoo’s 90th anniversary.
A towering new 130-foot Ferris wheel will give guests a unique bird’s-eye view of the park’s gardens for this year only. Featuring 24 gondolas that seat up to six people each, as well as multicolored LED lighting that will illuminate brightly during evening hours and events, the huge new Anniversary Ferris Wheel will be open from March 15th through to the end of the year.
“From an Anniversary Ferris Wheel in celebration of the Zoo’s 90th year, Easter activities, and up-close animal experiences to new feathered friends and the return of Dolphins in Action presentations, there’s something for everyone at the 235-acre park this spring” announced the zoo.
The zoo will also begin welcoming new species this year starting with two male koala bears. Named Brumby and Willum, the koalas will take up residence in the Hamill Family Play Zoo this summer making Brookfield Zoo the only accredited zoological organization in the state with Koalas.
The habitat will be free with zoo admission and feature both indoor and outdoor spaces, “allowing guests to observe these charismatic marsupials whose diet consists mainly of eucalyptus leaves.”
Brookfield Zoo’s Wild Connections experiences are also expanding allowing guests to get up close to animals, and in some instances feed and touch them.
Shark Feeding Adventures will be available to guests on select days starting in April while Flamingo Feeding Adventures, Macaw Playtime Adventures, and Rainforest Aviary Feeding Adventures will be available on select dates from May onwards.
More information can be found at brookfieldzoo.org/nextcentury.
[Featured image from Brookfield Zoo Chicago]