Brookfield Zoo, a renowned zoological park located in Chicago, is undergoing a significant transformation through a series of construction projects aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and improving animal habitats. From the creation of immersive primate habitats to the renovation of the dolphin exhibit, the zoo is committed to providing its guests with a more engaging and educational journey.
Tropical Forests for Primates: A $66 Million Investment
One of the most ambitious projects at Brookfield Zoo is the construction of the Tropical Forests for Primates, a $66 million endeavor expected to be completed by Spring 2025. This expansive project will create 125,000 square feet of outdoor space for primates, including four new outdoor areas for gorillas, orangutans, and South American monkeys. The habitat will feature two-story glass windows, allowing visitors to observe the primates in their naturalistic environments, which will include climbing structures, grasses, and vines.
The Tropical Forests for Primates project will also include a Gorilla Conservation Center, complete with a learning space and the King Conservation Leadership Academy, a program designed to engage high school students in conservation efforts. This project is expected to create 1,000 new jobs over the next three years and generate $70 million in labor income and $24 million in county, state, and federal tax revenue.
Dolphin Habitat Renovation: A $10 Million Upgrade
In addition to the Tropical Forests for Primates, Brookfield Zoo is also investing $10 million to renovate its dolphin habitat, with the project expected to be completed later this month (March 2024). This renovation will provide the dolphins with improved facilities and a more engaging environment for visitors.
The Master Plan: Transforming the Zoo’s Landscape
Brookfield Zoo’s master plan goes beyond the Tropical Forests for Primates and the dolphin habitat renovation. The overarching goal is to redevelop underutilized visitor space to create more naturalistic habitats for the animals. Over the next decade, the zoo plans to implement several key features, including:
- A new amphitheater for live programming
- Meditation and reflection gardens
- Renovation of the 1920s-era pachyderm building
- A sustainability plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050
Habitat Africa Expansion: A Future Possibility
While no specific plans for a major expansion of Habitat Africa have been announced as part of the master plan, the zoo is considering the creation of a large, integrated African safari habitat in the northwest corner of the campus. However, this project is still years away from implementation.
Get in Touch
For more information about the ongoing construction projects at Brookfield Zoo, you can contact the Public Relations Director, Sondra Katzen, at the following:
- Office Phone: 708-688-8351
- Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
- Email: [email protected]