Brookfield Zoo, a renowned zoological institution in Illinois, is undergoing a significant transformation as part of its master plan. The zoo is focused on enhancing animal habitats and improving the overall guest experience, ensuring that visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Let’s dive into the details of these exciting upgrades.
Tropic World Renovation: A Primate Paradise
The Tropic World renovation is a $66 million project that aims to create a new and improved habitat for the zoo’s primate residents. Construction began in 2023, and the project is expected to be completed by 2025.
Key features of the Tropic World renovation include:
- New outdoor habitats for gorillas, orangutans, and South American monkeys, providing them with more space and natural elements.
- Revamped indoor habitats with real substrates, plants, and fresh paint, creating a more naturalistic environment.
- The addition of a Gorilla Conservation Center and the King Conservation Leadership Academy, which will focus on primate conservation and education.
- Incorporation of running water features, climbing structures, grasses, vines, and pollinator gardens, enhancing the overall aesthetic and enrichment for the animals.
Dolphin Program Upgrade: Enhancing the Aquatic Experience
The Brookfield Zoo is also investing $10 million to renovate the dolphin habitat, with the unveiling of the new and improved space scheduled for March 2024. While the specific details of the changes are not yet available, the zoo is committed to enhancing the dolphin habitat and providing visitors with an even more engaging and educational experience.
Habitat Africa Expansion: Expanding the Horizons
In the future, the Brookfield Zoo plans to expand its Habitat Africa section, potentially taking over the hoofstock paddocks and the Pachyderm House. This expansion could introduce new species, such as black rhinos, and potentially relocate the lions to the Habitat Africa area.
The Master Plan: A Comprehensive Transformation
The Brookfield Zoo’s master plan aims to transform the zoo over the next decade, leading up to its centennial in 2034. The plan includes several key features:
- Redevelopment of underutilized visitor spaces to create more room for animal habitats.
- New projects, such as a new amphitheater, meditation and reflection gardens, and the renovation of the 1920s-era pachyderm building.
- A commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, demonstrating the zoo’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As the Brookfield Zoo embarks on this exciting journey of upgrades and enhancements, visitors can look forward to an even more immersive and engaging experience. The zoo’s commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education is evident in these ambitious projects, ensuring that the Brookfield Zoo remains a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.
For more information or to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, please contact Sondra Katzen, the Director of Public Relations, at the contact information provided.
References
- ZooChat. (2021). Brookfield Zoo Master Plan Discussion and Speculation. Retrieved from https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/master-plan-discussion-and-speculation.482854/
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Strategic Plan. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/StrategicPlan
- Brookfield Zoo. (2023). Brookfield Zoo Expanding Space for Apes and Monkeys. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo/About-%281%29/Press-room/2023-Press-Releases-%281%29/Brookfield-Zoo-Expanding-Space-for-Apes-and-Monkey
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Next Century Commitments. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/nextcenturycommitments
- Chicago Tribune. (2024). Brookfield Zoo Chicago announces $66 million Tropical Forests for primates as part of major redesign. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/01/brookfield-zoo-chicago-announces-66-million-tropical-forests-for-primates-as-part-of-major-redesign/.