On July 17, 1969, the Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago experienced a remarkable event that captured the attention of the nation. Seven polar bears, the largest of the living bear species, managed to escape their enclosure due to heavy flooding, leading to a unique and unexpected encounter with a nearby concession stand.
Causes of the Flooding
The Brookfield Zoo’s polar bear exhibit was designed with deep moats to create a cageless, natural-looking environment. However, on the evening of July 16 and the early morning hours of July 17, 1969, the Chicago area was hit by torrential downpours, causing the moats to overflow and transform into a pool, effectively removing the barrier that had previously contained the bears.
The Escape
As a result of the heavy flooding, the seven polar bears were able to swim out of their enclosure and make their way to a nearby concession stand that sold marshmallows for bear feedings. The bears, driven by their natural curiosity and the allure of the sweet treats, proceeded to break the concession stand windows and consume the marshmallows, ice cream, and chips. They even tossed around a cash register, adding to the chaos.
Response and Resolution
When zoo employees arrived on the scene, five of the bears immediately swam back into their enclosure. However, one bear decided to visit the nearby grizzly bear exhibit, while another bear was redirected back to the polar bear exhibit using vehicles with sirens and horns, as well as shotgun blasts fired into the air. The local fire department was called in to pump out the flooded water, and the bears were kept busy with more marshmallows to prevent any further incidents.
Remarkably, the bears did not need to be tranquilized, as the zoo staff was prepared to do so if necessary. The incident was a testament to the zoo’s quick thinking and the bears’ own cooperative nature.
Aftermath
The Brookfield Zoo Polar Bear Escape made national news and inspired a children’s book titled “The Marshmallow Caper.” It was the first time in the zoo’s history that the gates had to close, as the facility is normally open 365 days a year. In response to the incident, the zoo ended the sale of marshmallows and prohibited animal feedings in 1970, ensuring that such an event would not occur again.
Additional Context
Brookfield Zoo, located in suburban Chicago, was the first zoo in the United States to incorporate cageless, moated exhibits. It was also the first zoo in America to house giant pandas. Polar bears, the largest of the living bear species, are known for their adaptations for swimming, including a membrane between their toes and fur on the soles of their paws, which aided their escape from the flooded enclosure.
References
- https://zoohistories.com/2019/02/27/maneuvering-moats-for-marshmallows-the-great-polar-bear-escape-of-69/
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/11/14/brookfield-wolf-killed-after-visitor-is-attacked/
- https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/polarbear