Brookfield Zoo’s Wild Encounters exhibit offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. This interactive exhibit allows guests to get up close and personal with a variety of animal species, from wallabies and parakeets to Nigerian dwarf goats. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo-goer or a first-time visitor, the Wild Encounters exhibit is sure to delight and educate.
Hands-on Experiences at Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters
The Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters exhibit is designed to provide visitors with a multisensory experience. Guests can engage with the animals in a variety of ways, including:
Touch and Feed Animals
Visitors can touch and feed certain animal species, such as wallabies and Nigerian dwarf goats. A small fee may apply for dispensed grain to feed the goats.
Indoor Aviary
The 6,500-square-foot aviary is home to over 700 free-flying parakeets, allowing visitors to interact with them up close.
Multisensory Experiences
The exhibit features various interactive elements, including narrative illustrations, art, sculptures, audiovisual media, and hands-on activities facilitated by the zoo’s animal care and volunteer staff.
Specific Animals at Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters
The Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters exhibit features a variety of animal species, each with its own unique characteristics and interactive opportunities:
Wallabies
Visitors can feed and interact with over 20 Bennett’s wallabies in the walk-in wallaby yard.
Parakeets
The large indoor aviary is home to more than 700 free-flying parakeets, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and interact with these colorful birds.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Guests can touch, groom, and feed nearly 30 Nigerian dwarf goats in the exhibit.
Additional Details about Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters
To help you plan your visit, here are some additional details about the Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters exhibit:
Cost and Admission
The cost of visiting Wild Encounters is included in the general admission to Brookfield Zoo. However, some activities, like feeding the goats, may require a small additional fee.
Timings and Location
The zoo is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during summer and special events. Brookfield Zoo is located at 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513.
Other Encounters at Brookfield Zoo
In addition to the Wild Encounters exhibit, Brookfield Zoo offers other unique experiences, such as the Penguin Encounter and the Wild Connections program, which provide behind-the-scenes animal encounters.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or need more information about the Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters exhibit, you can reach out to the zoo’s team:
- Phone Number: 708.688.8351
- Email: [email protected]
Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Brookfield Zoo Wild Encounters exhibit is sure to provide a memorable and engaging experience. With its hands-on activities, interactive elements, and up-close encounters with a variety of animal species, this exhibit is a must-visit for anyone exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom.
References
- Brookfield Zoo. (2020). Hamill Family Wild Encounters: A Sensory Experience. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo/Archive-Education/blogs/March-2020/Hamill-Family-Wild-Encounters-Sensory-Experience
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). HAMILL FAMILY WILD ENCOUNTERS PHOTO CAPTIONS. Retrieved from https://www.czs.org/custom.czs/media/CZS_PR/PressKit/WildEncounters/Photo-Captions-Hamill-Family-Wild-Encounters_1.pdf
- ABC7 Chicago. (n.d.). Wild Encounters at Brookfield Zoo. Retrieved from https://abc7chicago.com/wild-encounters-brookfield-zoo-hamill-family-encounter/801787/
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Penguin Encounter. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/penguinencounter
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Wild Connections. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/wildconnections