
Brookfield Zoo’s furry residents got a post-holiday treat this week, and the photos are priceless!
The zoo treated its four-legged residents to a fir foraging session using leftover Christmas trees from last month’s Holiday Magic celebration.
The trees provided a fun way for the animals to explore, play, and stimulate their senses.

Lions Brutus and Titus sniffed through the trees for frozen milk and meat, while Joe the bison rubbed his face against the fir to help shed his winter coat.
Hudson the polar bear put his keen sense of smell to the test, tracking down hidden treats like apples and honeydew. Meanwhile, brown bears Tim and Jess gnawed on melons and dug for meaty bones hidden in the branches.

It’s all part of Brookfield Zoo’s ongoing animal care and welfare program, offering activities that support behavioral health and mental stimulation.
The zoo repurposes over 900 holiday trees annually for mulch, seasonal habitat enhancements, and enrichment exercises like this one.

Chicagoans can support their own mental wellness with a free trip to the zoo this month.
Brookfield Zoo is offering free admission now through February 27 nearly every day of the week.
Admission will be free of charge for all visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.