Brookfield Zoo Brookfield Zoo News 2023
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A veiled chameleon is now on display in the Reptiles and Birds building. This is the first time the zoo has exhibited a chameleon species in several years.
Yes, there are two, Issa (in Desert’s Edge) and Jasmine (in Hamill Family Play Zoo). Having worked with Jasmine she is definitely more shy, so chances of seeing her (other than sleeping and hiding her face) are not that good. Issa, however, is much more visible. I’m not sure though when she is most active. My guess would be early and later in the day.
TriHornedRhino
Member
Jasmine has been moved to BTS space and will likely not be moved back onto habitat anytime in the foreseeable future. The one at Desert's Edge is still on exhibit.
Did something replace her in that exhibit?
As of my last visit the exhibit was empty and the signage was removed. I never thought the exhibit was very appropriate for a genet so I’m not surprised to hear she was moved off exhibit.
biggest_dreamer
Well-Known Member
During my visit I went through Desert's Edge twice. Once probably around 11 or so, with the genet nowhere to be found. I returned around 4 and saw it very actively gnawing on some food. Between my two visits, I was able to see all of the Desert's Edge inhabitants in some capacity, with only the ocelot being asleep (and well hidden, but still visible) for both of them. I think several of the species had just gotten fed around 4 though, because the bat-eared foxes, black-footed cat, and coatis were all very energetic then as well.
I saw Jasmine for a brief moment on my last visit to the play zoo. The enclosure had seemed empty, I stopped by the lemurs, and on my way out I saw a young guest looking at her and I decided given I was on a time crunch to let the kid have the experience. Hoping to see the one in Desert's Edge next visit.
Are there any mammals left in the play zoo besides the armadillo and ringtail lemur?
Are there any mammals left in the play zoo besides the armadillo and ringtail lemur?
What is the exhibit like? Are they still making changes? I've noticed there still seems to be no announcement of it.
I saw one of the photos from before the birds were added but I wasn't sure if they might have made any further changes. Did they add signage? I guess since it's not been 'announced' I feel less sure if the exhibit is 'complete'. Sorry to ask so many questions. I'm hoping to check it out myself soon.
I went in there a few weeks ago and it's about the same as the photo I uploaded before the birds were added. They added a pair of TV monitors that displayed some information, but that's about the only signage I recall. The whole area is a bit of a mess at the moment, as the other half of the building is now being used for storage. It's also still referred to as the 'Peacock Cafe' when it contains macaws and no longer acts as a cafe, so I really have no idea what the long term plan with the space is.
Oh, certainly for the warmer months, yes. The lack of signage simply made me wonder aloud if they intend for the Peacock Cafe to be their permanent cold/winter holdings or if they may have plans for down the road to give them a more naturalistic winter/part-time accommodation. I am likely being too speculative again.
The zoo has finally announced the birth of the nyala I mentioned recently:
Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo & The Chicago Zoological Society
Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo & The Chicago Zoological Society
ericnielsenkc
Member
Growing up in Chicago has always made Brookfield my sentimental favorite among the hundred or so zoos I have been to; so I am excited to see more information on this major new enhancement. Brookfield Zoo expanding space for apes and monkeys
This actually looks incredible. I do hope the zoo goes all out with the best rockwork/treework they can build along with letting the plants establish before the 2025 opening.
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Love the imagery of the orangutan on top of the viewing area. Reminds me of the lion loop at Pepper Family Wildlife Center, which has worked out well. You can get a lot out of making visitors feel inside the habitat as opposed to looking into it.
The exhibits look very lush, which I might take as artistic license but the article mentions new trees and plantings... this could be something very special if it follows this vision closely. There will of course be compromises but there is so much potential.
I hope there is more concept art to come. I'd like to see better the new gorilla interior vision and South American exhibit.
The exhibits look very lush, which I might take as artistic license but the article mentions new trees and plantings... this could be something very special if it follows this vision closely. There will of course be compromises but there is so much potential.
I hope there is more concept art to come. I'd like to see better the new gorilla interior vision and South American exhibit.
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