Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Ambassador program offers a unique opportunity for visitors to get up-close and personal with a diverse array of fascinating creatures. From sloth to serval, this program provides an immersive experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Species Included in the Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors Program
The Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors program features a wide range of species, including:
| Animal | Type |
|---|---|
| Ball Python | Reptile |
| Binturong | Mammal |
| California Kingsnake | Reptile |
| Cape Porcupine | Mammal |
| Congo Grey Parrot | Bird |
| Corn Snake | Reptile |
| Domestic Rabbit | Mammal |
| Dumeril’s Ground Boa | Reptile |
| Eastern Box Turtle | Reptile |
| Eastern Screech Owl | Bird |
| Great Horned Owl | Bird |
| Guinea Pig | Mammal |
| Harris Hawk | Bird |
| Leadbeater’s Cockatoo | Bird |
| Leopard Tortoise | Reptile |
| Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth | Mammal |
| Ornate Box Turtle | Reptile |
| Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine | Mammal |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Bird |
| Serval | Mammal |
| Tamandua | Mammal |
| Wood Duck | Bird |
Participation Opportunities in the Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors Program
The Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors program offers several ways for visitors to engage with the animals:
Animal Ambassador Adventure
This 30-minute encounter allows guests to meet and interact with one of the program’s mammal species, such as prehensile-tailed porcupines, cape porcupines, tamanduas, or sloths. The cost is $150 for one or two participants, and participants must be at least 8 years old.
Internships
Brookfield Zoo offers internships in the Animal Ambassador program, providing hands-on experience in animal care, training techniques, and behavioral enrichment. Interns also participate in keeper chats and animal presentations.
Zoo Chats and Pop-up Demonstrations
Throughout the year, Brookfield Zoo staff and Animal Ambassadors appear for educational zoo chats and pop-up demonstrations, engaging guests and promoting conservation.
Cost and Timing for the Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors Program
- Animal Ambassador Adventure: $150 for one or two participants, with sessions at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Zoo admission and parking are not included.
Brookfield Zoo Information
- Address: 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
- Phone Number: (708) 688-8338
- Hours: Vary depending on the season; check the zoo’s website for specific hours.
The Value of the Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors Program
The Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors program provides a unique opportunity for guests to engage with a diverse range of animals, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and promoting conservation efforts. The program also offers valuable educational experiences for interns, enhancing their understanding of animal care and management.
By offering up-close encounters, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities, the Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors program creates a lasting impact on visitors, inspiring them to become stewards of the natural world.
References
- Brookfield Zoo Chicago. (2023). Bringing the Zoo to You: Animal Ambassadors. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX3fQEAl7tI
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Hamill Family Play Zoo/Animal Ambassador Intern. https://www.czs.org/custom.czs/files/e8/e8312e18-6183-45c9-bea8-00a1439edd52.pdf
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Animal Ambassadors. https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/animalambassadors
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Animal Ambassadors. https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo/New-Education/King-Academy/Internships/ACS-Internships/Animal-Ambassadors
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Animal Ambassador Adventure. https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/animalambassadoradventure