So let me get this straight, while the pangolins are off exhibit, they plan to permanently move them to the Tropic World or they may return to their original exhibit in Habit Africa The Forest in the near future?
Brookfield Zoo Brookfield Zoo News 2021
- Thread starter MeiLover
- Start date
The zoo has finished installation of a bronze gorilla sculpture in the center of the North Entrance plaza dubbed "King Nyani." The sculpture was created by artists Gillie and Marc Schattner to raise awareness of gorilla conservation. It's the largest of its kind in the world and has been moved around to various different locations many times in the past, but will now be at the zoo permanently.
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Mr.Ivory
Well-Known Member
Nice, I will see it this Sunday
The capybara that arrived over the summer are now on exhibit.
Mr.Ivory
Well-Known Member
Zoo trips are now free in Fall it will start next week Brookfield Zoo Fall Free Days Schedule Released, Starts Next Week
That's news. I hope he enjoys his time in a whole new environment.
I assume that leaves one of the rhino areas empty, right?
Yes.
Malena, adult female Amur tiger, has tested positive for Covid-19.
Tiger Tests Positive For COVID-19 at Brookfield Zoo
Tiger Tests Positive For COVID-19 at Brookfield Zoo
Lucky, 47 year old male bottlenose dolphin, returns to Brookfield for treatment of cancer.
Chicago Zoological Society - 47-Year-Old Dolphin Back Home at Brookfield Zoo for Cancer Treatment
Chicago Zoological Society - 47-Year-Old Dolphin Back Home at Brookfield Zoo for Cancer Treatment
A binturong and a fishing cat have also been confirmed as positive for SARS-CoV-2 per this press release from the USDA. These are the first confirmed cases in either species in the United States.
USDA APHIS | Confirmation of COVID-19 in a Binturong and a Fishing Cat at an Illinois Zoo
USDA APHIS | Confirmation of COVID-19 in a Binturong and a Fishing Cat at an Illinois Zoo
The zoo has announced their new CEO and Director, Dr. Micheal Adkesson who will take over October 15th. He has been the CZS's Vice President of Clinical Medicine for almost a decade.
Here's hoping for a new era for Brookfield!
Brookfield Zoo names new CEO to lead the 87-year-old institution
Here's hoping for a new era for Brookfield!
Brookfield Zoo names new CEO to lead the 87-year-old institution
What do you personally think will be the first move made by him as CEO?
For me, it's between the construction of the new elephant exhibit or just something quick like an outside viewing for the Tropic World apes.
Honestly, I don't think even he knows
. The guy is just starting this week and considering this is his first time in the director role I can imagine he will need some time to settle in. Luckily, from what I've heard the planning process should move pretty quickly. I have sources in the zoo who I like to touch base with every couple of months to see how things are going so hopefully they will give me something to share sometime next year, perhaps even in the earlier months of 2022 if luck is on our side.I'm not sure what exactly Dr. Adkesson has planned as his first major development - I doubt he's even sure at the moment - but I'll tell you what its definitely not, a new elephant exhibit. Elephants have become astronomically difficult to source in recent years. Considering Nashville - a zoo that has been very vocal in the past about wanting to bring back elephants - has chosen to omit any public mention of them being included in their 200 million Africa project, despite the desire for them behind the scenes, should be enough indication that it's not going to be happening anytime soon. Combine that with the fact that Brookfield is a zoo that has a laundry list of infrastructure issues and significantly less financial support than in the past, and there is a very slim chance of elephants any time in the near future.
I would place my bet on outdoor ape exhibits being the first major project tackled. It wouldn't require any major demolition, just a lot of reconfiguring of things we can't see. It's also way more practical then something like a new elephant exhibit and is sorely needed by comparison.
By the way, I know the article I linked above is behind a pay wall, so here is the full press release from the zoo introducing Dr. Adkesson for those interested.
"We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Michael Adkesson, DVM, has been named President and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society and Director of Brookfield Zoo.
This completes an intensive search for a successor to Dr. Stuart D. Strahl, who led the organization through dramatic change over the past 18 years.
Dr. Adkesson, DVM, MBA, Dipl. ACZM & ECZM is a graduate with the highest honors from the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, and completed his residency in zoological medicine at the St. Louis Zoo and the University of Missouri.
In 2008 he accepted an Associate Veterinarian position at the Brookfield Zoo. Dr. Adkesson was promoted to Vice President of Clinical Medicine in 2012. He oversaw the Society’s veterinary programs and hospital operations before being recently appointed as President and CEO.
Dr. Adkesson has spent over a decade working in the field and overseeing conservation programs in Peru focused on Humboldt penguins, Peruvian fur seals, and other coastal marine wildlife.
As an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, he has trained hundreds of veterinary students, interns, and residents. With a passion for growing local capacity for wildlife conservation, Dr. Adkesson also holds an associate position with Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, where he also provides student mentorship.
Dr. Adkesson is a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine by the American College of Veterinary Medicine and the European College of Zoological Medicine. He is a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a past president of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. A prolific researcher, Dr. Adkesson has authored or co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and over 75 abstracts and conference presentations.
“In Dr. Adkesson, we have found an outstanding and committed leader who is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, who is an experienced manager, and who is widely respected by the staff and by professional colleagues for his work in the zoological field,” Dr. Strahl said.
Dr. Adkesson’s appointment will begin on October 15, 2021."
What parts of the zoo are still closed?
Australia House, Pachyderm House, Hamill Family Play Zoo and the Painted Dog viewing shelter are the only parts of the zoo still closed.