I hope they are now more accurate than last year with their 'June' opening target.
Brookfield Zoo Brookfield Zoo News 2024
- Thread starter MeiLover
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Interesting there is no mention of the prairie dogs or eagle owls, but overall a very nice update. Probably the most excited about the new prairie aviary. Sandhill cranes aren't the most thrilling species for me personally, but I've been wanting to see prairie chickens for a while. I've come around to the idea of the koalas being exhibited in the play zoo; when you think about it the space actually suits them quite nicely. Considering the modifications they appear to be making, maybe I was wrong in my earlier post and they'll be staying here long-term instead of moving to the Australia House.
Speaking of which, shocked that the Hamill Family attractions are now free with entry; a great change I never thought they would make. Making children's zoos upcharge attractions seems to largely be a thing of the past. The only other children's zoo within a US facility that still costs an additional fee to enter is Bronx and maybe the upcoming one at Saint Louis.
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Persephone
Well-Known Member
Charging for the children’s zoo was the thing that finally managed to tilt me during my first visit to Brookfield. Paying a relatively high admission for a zoo, parking, probably lunch, and then an extra $10 to see the whole thing pushed it past the point I would happily pay for a zoo. Didn’t help that Lincoln Park was free and I ended up spending less at Shedd, a top notch aquarium.
I am also very excited for the prairie chickens and reasonably excited for the koalas. My old home zoo, Riverbanks, had koalas on permanent display. They weren’t always active but they were very fun when they were.
I am also very excited for the prairie chickens and reasonably excited for the koalas. My old home zoo, Riverbanks, had koalas on permanent display. They weren’t always active but they were very fun when they were.
I agree it is signalling that the Brookfield Zoo is becoming more visitor friendly without extra and unnecessary charges for attractions. It will bring more people back to the zoo I am sure.
I'm really glad to see them removing the upcharge from the children's areas and as much as I think the zoo desperately needs revenue I think it is the correct move. The whole southeastern section is such a dead zone if these areas are skipped, and there are other children's playgrounds which has removed incentive for parents to pay for these areas if they can leave their children elsewhere. The zoo also has its sensory room and other inclusivity materials in the Play Zoo, things that should absolutely not be hidden in an upcharge area. They also somewhat lack animals with enough interest to justify cost by themselves, especially since Red Panda left the collection. Since the zoo started suspending the upcharges in winter I've been wondering if they were resting waters to remove them for at least one of the attractions, and I figured they were probably comparing notes on how much attendance and revenue changed between opening and closing dates. This will definitely make the zoo a more family-friendly destination in the future and enable popping into both exhibits more regularly.
I loved the Hamill Family Play Zoo as a kid but we stopped going there or the Children's Zoo for a decade plus to save time and money. I legitimately forgot what species either area held for a long time and mentioned recently I often misremembered the Play Zoo as a relatively tiny building. That was actually a major reason I was so disappointed some of the new birds were moving there, which I overreacted with.
The prairie aviary is also exciting and I'm glad to see it will be well-populated. Cranes are great display animals not well represented in the zoo already (present, but easy to miss) and the prairie chickens will be a fun addition, too. The bird collection will be improved by both and it will stand out well alongside the zoo's existing aviaries, most of which are indoors, hold birds of prey, and/or are based on tropical settings. June is an ambitious date but I hope they meet it and look forward to it!
Great to get confirmation on the Koala and official information, I'm really excited to see them locally and it'll be a good way to convince friends and family to come with me on a trip, and I actually think the Ferris Wheel is a pretty cool addition for the year!
I loved the Hamill Family Play Zoo as a kid but we stopped going there or the Children's Zoo for a decade plus to save time and money. I legitimately forgot what species either area held for a long time and mentioned recently I often misremembered the Play Zoo as a relatively tiny building. That was actually a major reason I was so disappointed some of the new birds were moving there, which I overreacted with.
The prairie aviary is also exciting and I'm glad to see it will be well-populated. Cranes are great display animals not well represented in the zoo already (present, but easy to miss) and the prairie chickens will be a fun addition, too. The bird collection will be improved by both and it will stand out well alongside the zoo's existing aviaries, most of which are indoors, hold birds of prey, and/or are based on tropical settings. June is an ambitious date but I hope they meet it and look forward to it!
Great to get confirmation on the Koala and official information, I'm really excited to see them locally and it'll be a good way to convince friends and family to come with me on a trip, and I actually think the Ferris Wheel is a pretty cool addition for the year!
A few updates from my visit yesterday.
Clouded Leopard Rainforest- modifications are currently happening to the fishing cat exhibit, and I’m guessing that might be where the lemurs end up.
Tropical forests- work has begun on the outdoor exhibits. I included a photo of both updates.
Clouded Leopard Rainforest- modifications are currently happening to the fishing cat exhibit, and I’m guessing that might be where the lemurs end up.
Tropical forests- work has begun on the outdoor exhibits. I included a photo of both updates.
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It's been a great morning for news -- amazing to start seeing the physical outdoor construction for Tropical Forests at last, the birth of an adorable gray seal that will help one of the smaller AZA populations, and I'm sorry to hear the fishing cat may go off for the lemurs but it's always been a shy animal here; the tree definitely looks new for the lemurs.
GibbonGuy95
Well-Known Member
it is now official that two male Koalas will be making their debut at Brookfield zoo! They will be in old lemur habitat. Based on photos we've sewn it looks like Lemurs will be in clouded leopard where the fishing cats are.
I wonder what will become or the fishing cats? My only thought is that the provost squirrel could be taken out and with a few modifications and construction required make their old exhibit the cats. I honestly don't usually see the squirrel a whole ton and would miss the cats more than them
I wonder what will become or the fishing cats? My only thought is that the provost squirrel could be taken out and with a few modifications and construction required make their old exhibit the cats. I honestly don't usually see the squirrel a whole ton and would miss the cats more than them
The squirrel exhibit is nowhere near big enough to house a cat of any kind.
Deja Vu.
GibbonGuy95
Well-Known Member
I mean obviously they'd need to remodel
I reckon we should hold off on discussing where the lemurs will move to until the zoo makes an official announcement, even if we already have an idea where it may be.
It's remarkable that Brookfield Zoo opened 90 years ago, in 1934, and yet has never had Koalas. I'm a bit stunned by that fact. Anyway, this zoo certainly has a bright future with lots of new animals and exhibits in the pipeline.
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Is it confirmed when the renovated Australia House will open and what's inside it?
Nope.
The zoo has unveiled a new logo and brand identity in celebration of the park's 90th anniversary and forthcoming master plan, now going by the full title of "Brookfield Zoo Chicago." The new logo pays homage to the historic twin lion statues by the South Gate. More details including a promotional video can be found in the link below:
Chicago Zoological Society - Next Century Commitments
Chicago Zoological Society - Next Century Commitments
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Follow-up: the Next Century page also reveals some new guest experiences planned for the future as part of the master plan including an amphitheater, reflection and meditation gardens, enhanced transportation options, mobile application features and more.
"New wayfinding navigation systems will provide seamless guidance throughout new eco-regions and recreational zones, while enhanced transportation systems and circulation pathways will make traversing the park more effortless. Additionally, the integration of technology such as virtual and augmented reality, interactive displays, and mobile application features will provide not only an extended educational dimension but also greater hospitality services in the palm of your hand."
"A new amphitheater will be home to live programming for families, student field trips, community groups, and more featuring lively offerings from concerts to animal encounters. And, new meditation and reflection gardens, will offer a retreat for relaxation amidst the bustling Zoo environment."
"New wayfinding navigation systems will provide seamless guidance throughout new eco-regions and recreational zones, while enhanced transportation systems and circulation pathways will make traversing the park more effortless. Additionally, the integration of technology such as virtual and augmented reality, interactive displays, and mobile application features will provide not only an extended educational dimension but also greater hospitality services in the palm of your hand."
"A new amphitheater will be home to live programming for families, student field trips, community groups, and more featuring lively offerings from concerts to animal encounters. And, new meditation and reflection gardens, will offer a retreat for relaxation amidst the bustling Zoo environment."
I suspect Clouded Leopard Rainforest will go back to the current status quo later on. The fishing cat exhibit is old but was constructed with the species in mind and has a lot of enrichment and specializations for the species intended to encourage their natural behaviors. The squirrel exhibit is too small for any other kind of mammal.
The koalas may only be here for the summer so there's nothing to say the lemurs may not be back home in seven or eight months.
I found it interesting, too. I've thought often about the quote in Let the Lions Roar: The Evolution of Brookfield Zoo where a representative of the zoo is asked about koala and says they will never be held at Brookfield until they are confident they can make an impact on their conservation. They are the only species singled out as such in the book.
No confirmation about the opening at this time, unfortunately. There was a sign last year that was initially reported as teasing the renovation for this year but in retrospect that was probably referring to the temporary koala exhibit and not the building renovation. The only thing we really know for sure at this time, I believe, is that changes will be made to the kangaroo/wallaby habitats outside. There was some other speculation that hasn't panned out.
I like the new name. I will still refer to it as 'Brookfield Zoo' for the most part in lingo, but in formal conversation I think the new name sounds much better, especially keeping in mind the years of confusion between 'Brookfield Zoo' and 'Chicago Zoological Society'; it feels like it brings these identities a little closer, and after watching the video, it seems this is absolutely the intent.
The new logo will take getting used to, but I think it can be powerful. I don't find it as impressive as a static image but it worked very well in the video. I think using lions as a core species is a smart move as well -- they're always big favorites at local facilities, very identifiable, and naturally charismatic. I do like the bison logo, especially as it was a species that let Brookfield contrast nearby facilities, but at least twice I've had people ask why bison?
The media rollout for this new campaign is really promising, the video seemed very slickly-produced, and I think it has the potential to attract donors and support.
I also notice the Tropical Forests page looks to have been updated?
"During construction, guests will still be able to see the animals in Tropic World. Once complete, there will be opportunities in the future to make changes inside the current building that will feature new guest experiences."
This could just be a reference to the former gorilla space but it does make me wonder what plans may be made for the future of the building itself.
Brand new renderings of Tropical Forests have been revealed in a new article from the Chicago Tribune, as well as some recent photos of the construction and some new details on the development. The exhibit is slated to be open next April. Additionally, the master plan is now planned to be released this June and the pachyderm house is being teased as the next major project following Tropical Forests.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago announces $66 million Tropical Forests for primates as part of major redesign – Chicago Tribune
Brookfield Zoo Chicago announces $66 million Tropical Forests for primates as part of major redesign – Chicago Tribune
A news so nice you say it twice
