Brookfield Zoo, a renowned zoological institution in Chicago, Illinois, has recently received a historic $40 million donation from an anonymous donor. This generous gift, the largest single private contribution in the zoo’s 89-year history, will have a profound impact on the zoo’s animal habitats, conservation programs, and guest experiences.
Donation Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $40 million |
| Donor | Anonymous family with a long history of supporting the zoo |
| Purpose | To support the development of the Tropical Forests project, new animal enclosures, and conservation programs |
Impact of the Donation
Tropical Forests Project
The $40 million donation will fund the creation of modern habitats for great apes, both in indoor and outdoor settings, as part of the Tropical Forests project.
New Animal Enclosures
The funds will facilitate the establishment of new animal habitats as part of the zoo’s upcoming master plan, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Conservation Programs
The donation will support Brookfield Zoo’s conservation efforts, connecting people with wildlife and nature, and protecting endangered species globally.
Donation Process
Brookfield Zoo accepts donations through the PayPal Giving Fund, and donors have the option to remain anonymous. However, the zoo prefers to acknowledge donors to express its gratitude.
Donors can also specify the purpose of their gift, such as honoring or memorializing someone.
Donation Guidelines
Electronic Items
Brookfield Zoo accepts electronic items with a fair market value greater than the cost of shipping.
Animal Donations
The zoo accepts certain animals, such as captive-bred reptiles, exotic birds, and mammals, on a case-by-case basis.
Wild Native Species
Brookfield Zoo does not accept wild native species and advises contacting local rehabilitation organizations or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Requesting Donations
Brookfield Zoo has exceeded its capacity for community donation requests for auctions and raffles and is no longer accepting such requests.
References
- CBS News. (2023). Brookfield Zoo $40M, largest single donation history. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/brookfield-zoo-40m-donation/
- WTTW News. (2023). Brookfield Zoo Has More Big News to Celebrate: A Record-Setting $40M Donation. Retrieved from https://news.wttw.com/2023/09/19/brookfield-zoo-has-more-big-news-celebrate-record-setting-40m-donation
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Donate. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Donate
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Request a Donation. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/RequestADonation
- Brookfield Zoo. (2023). Brookfield Zoo Receives $40 Million Gift, Largest Donation in Zoo’s History. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo-Receives-%2440-Million-Gift,-Largest-in-Zoo-s-History.