Brookfield Zoo in Chicago is a popular destination for zoo enthusiasts, but it’s important to understand their reciprocity policies before planning your visit. Unlike many other zoos, Brookfield Zoo does not participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Reciprocal Admissions Program, which means that Brookfield Zoo members do not receive reciprocal benefits at other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and vice versa.
Brookfield Zoo Membership Benefits
Despite not being part of the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program, Brookfield Zoo does offer its own membership benefits, which include:
- Free admission for one year
- Free parking for one vehicle at the North Gate entrance
- Member discounts on select attractions inside the Zoo
- Publications including weekly member e-mails and Gateways, their quarterly member magazine
- Restaurant discounts
- Education program and special event discounts
- And more
Reciprocity with Other Zoos and Aquariums
If you’re planning to visit other zoos or aquariums, it’s essential to check their reciprocity policies and lists to ensure you understand the benefits available. Some zoos, like the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, have negotiated reciprocity with additional facilities that are not AZA accredited, but Brookfield Zoo is not part of these agreements.
Checking Reciprocity Policies
To find out more about Brookfield Zoo’s membership and reciprocity, you can visit their website or contact their Membership Department at (708) 688-8341. It’s important to note that reciprocity policies can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before your visit.
Unique Aspects of Brookfield Zoo Reciprocity List
One unique aspect of Brookfield Zoo’s reciprocity policy is that they do not participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. This means that Brookfield Zoo members cannot receive free or discounted admission at other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and vice versa.
Another unique aspect is that Brookfield Zoo has negotiated its own set of membership benefits, which may differ from the benefits offered by other zoos and aquariums. For example, Brookfield Zoo offers free parking for one vehicle at the North Gate entrance, which is not a common benefit at other facilities.
Comparing Brookfield Zoo Reciprocity to Other Zoos
When comparing Brookfield Zoo’s reciprocity policy to other zoos and aquariums, it’s important to note that many AZA-accredited facilities do participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program. This means that members of these zoos and aquariums can often receive free or discounted admission at other participating facilities.
For example, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is part of the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program, so Shedd Aquarium members can receive free or discounted admission at other participating zoos and aquariums across the country.
Planning Your Visit to Brookfield Zoo
When planning your visit to Brookfield Zoo, it’s important to keep their reciprocity policy in mind. If you’re a member of another zoo or aquarium, you may not be able to receive any reciprocal benefits at Brookfield Zoo. However, Brookfield Zoo’s own membership program can provide you with a range of benefits, including free admission and parking.
To make the most of your visit, it’s a good idea to review Brookfield Zoo’s website or contact their Membership Department to understand the specific benefits and restrictions of their membership program.
Conclusion
Brookfield Zoo’s reciprocity policy is unique compared to many other zoos and aquariums, as they do not participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. However, Brookfield Zoo does offer its own set of membership benefits, which can provide a range of perks for visitors.
When planning your visit to Brookfield Zoo, it’s important to understand their reciprocity policy and the benefits of their membership program. By doing so, you can ensure that you make the most of your visit and enjoy all that Brookfield Zoo has to offer.
Reference:
– Brookfield Zoo Membership
– AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program
– NEW Zoo & Adventure Park Reciprocity