Brookfield Zoo Facts: A Comprehensive Guide for Zoo Enthusiasts

Brookfield Zoo, located in Brookfield, Illinois, is a 216-acre zoo known for its extensive use of open-air, unbarred enclosures. This comprehensive guide will delve into the fascinating facts and details about this renowned zoological institution, catering to the interests of zoo enthusiasts.

Size and Layout of Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo covers an impressive 216 acres (87 hectares) of land, making it a sizable and expansive zoological park. The layout of the zoo features Italian provincial buildings and formal malls, creating a unique and visually appealing atmosphere for visitors.

Brookfield Zoo’s Remarkable History

Brookfield Zoo has a rich history, with its opening date tracing back to July 1, 1934. Over the years, the zoo has achieved several notable milestones:

First U.S. zoo to exhibit giant pandas (1937)
First inland zoo to build a dolphinarium (1961)
First U.S. zoo to earn the American Humane Certified seal (2016)

Diverse Animal Collection at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo boasts an impressive animal collection, with over 450 species and more than 2,500 individual specimens. Some of the notable animals found at the zoo include:

Giant pandas (historical)
Black rhinoceros (first captive-born in 1941)
Gray-headed kingfisher (first captive-born in 1980)
Okapi (first born in the U.S. in 1959)
Wombat (first born outside Australia in 1975)

Captivating Exhibits and Attractions

Brookfield Zoo offers a wide range of exhibits and attractions that captivate visitors. Some of the major exhibits include:

Tropic World (indoor rainforest simulation)
Seven Seas (dolphinarium)
Habitat Africa (rainforest and savanna exhibits)
Fragile Kingdom (animal-environment interactions)
Children’s Zoo (opened in 1953, replaced by Wild Encounters in 2015)
Hamill Family Wild Encounters (opened in 2015)
Great Bear Wilderness (opened in 2010)

Brookfield Zoo’s Commitment to Conservation

Brookfield Zoo has a strong focus on conservation efforts, with its Conservation Biology Department established in the 1980s. The zoo is involved in various research and conservation projects, including:

Pangolin conservation (founding member of the Pangolin Consortium)
Cetacean research (completed largest multi-institutional study in 2020)
Blanding’s turtle conservation (released endangered turtles into the wild in 2020)

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Brookfield Zoo is accessible to visitors, with the following ticket prices and hours of operation:

Ticket Prices:
Adults: $29.95
Seniors (65+): $24.95
Children (3-11): $20.95
Children under 3: Free
Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Additional Details about Brookfield Zoo

Ownership: Owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and operated by the Chicago Zoological Society
Annual Visitors: Approximately 2 million

Brookfield Zoo’s commitment to animal care, conservation, and education makes it a must-visit destination for zoo enthusiasts. With its rich history, diverse animal collection, and captivating exhibits, the zoo offers a truly immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.