Brookfield Zoo Brookfield Zoo News 2024

[pachyderm pro]

The zoo has just announced on Facebook that Banana will be leaving the zoo.

I get why they are doing it, but now I wonder abput Layla, the tapirs, and the last remaining capybara.

Looks like the beginning of the end for the pachyderm house in its original form. Per the announcement:

"Banana’s move comes as we begin an exciting renovation of the historic Pachyderm House. A beloved icon of Brookfield Zoo since 1934, the Pachyderm House has played a pivotal role in animal care and zoo architecture. With its blend of Art Deco style and modern design, it was a trailblazer in creating naturalistic habitats for animals like hippos, elephants, and rhinos."

Wouldn't be surprised if the remaining animals at the pachyderm house are all sent out within the next year. It's exciting to see this iconic building finally get a much needed overhaul, but also a bit sad to lose these species for the time being. Rhinos and pygmy hippos will both be back in the near future, but it'll be a long time before tapirs and capybara return to the zoo...

 

[JVM]

The zoo has just announced on Facebook that Banana will be leaving the zoo.

I get why they are doing it, but now I wonder abput Layla, the tapirs, and the last remaining capybara.

Banana is very possibly my favorite animal at Brookfield right now so I am sad to hear this. I really wish I could stop by for the going away party on Friday!

I only hope this is a positive sign that work will be starting VERY soon.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

The zoo has just announced on Facebook that Banana will be leaving the zoo.

I get why they are doing it, but now I wonder abput Layla,

For anyone who doesn’t know, Banana is a Pygmy Hippo and Layla is a Black Rhinoceros. Please don’t forget to state the species name as many people are not familiar with the individual animals by name.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Looks like the beginning of the end for the pachyderm house in its original form. Per the announcement:

"Banana’s move comes as we begin an exciting renovation of the historic Pachyderm House. A beloved icon of Brookfield Zoo since 1934, the Pachyderm House has played a pivotal role in animal care and zoo architecture. With its blend of Art Deco style and modern design, it was a trailblazer in creating naturalistic habitats for animals like hippos, elephants, and rhinos."

Wouldn't be surprised if the remaining animals at the pachyderm house are all sent out within the next year. It's exciting to see this iconic building finally get a much needed overhaul, but also a bit sad to lose these species for the time being. Rhinos and pygmy hippos will both be back in the near future, but it'll be a long time before tapirs and capybara return to the zoo...

Do you know when the elephants and Nile Hippos will arrive?

 

[pachyderm pro]

Do you know when the elephants and Nile Hippos will arrive?

In at least several years, but no specifics yet. More details will likely be revealed in the next five-year strategic plan, which will be released in February.

 

[Ebirah766]

For anyone who doesn’t know, Banana is a Pygmy Hippo and Layla is a Black Rhinoceros. Please don’t forget to state the species name as many people are not familiar with the individual animals by name.

Thank you, I was so confused

 

[Giraffeweevil04]

Apparently it’s not just Banana being prepared to be moved but the Tapirs as well

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Apparently it’s not just Banana being prepared to be moved but the Tapirs as well

And this is according to where?

 

[MeiLover]

Apparently it’s not just Banana being prepared to be moved but the Tapirs as well

I chatted with a keeper earlier and found that out as well. The two tapirs and pygmy hippo are all leaving together. The capybara, Galapagos tortoises, and black rhino are staying during construction of the Pachyderm House.

 

[JVM]

I was hoping to make Banana's keeper chat/party in twenty minutes but failed to fit the plans in. Is anyone here attending?

 

[MeiLover]

I was hoping to make Banana's keeper chat/party in twenty minutes but failed to fit the plans in. Is anyone here attending?

I am here.

 

[JVM]

I am here.

Oh cool! Let me know how it all is!

 

[MeiLover]

Oh cool! Let me know how it all is!

It was fun to watch. Missed the first feeding. Second feeding she got popcorn, and the last feeding that just happened she got little balls of watermelon, celery, and honeydew. Keeper threw all of the leftovers to the tapirs as well.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

It was fun to watch. Missed the first feeding. Second feeding she got popcorn, and the last feeding that just happened she got little balls of watermelon, celery, and honeydew. Keeper threw all of the leftovers to the tapirs as well.

Do you know when Banana is leaving?

 

[MeiLover]

Do you know when Banana is leaving?

The keeper was not able to disclose that information.

 

[Milwaukee Man]

News via the zoo’s facebook- a juvenile California two-spot octopus is now on exhibit in The Living Coast building.

An article about the new octopus, along with four hatchlings:

New octopus arrives at Brookfield Zoo

 

[JVM]

It was fun to watch. Missed the first feeding. Second feeding she got popcorn, and the last feeding that just happened she got little balls of watermelon, celery, and honeydew. Keeper threw all of the leftovers to the tapirs as well.

Thank you so much. I do appreciate it.

 

[JVM]

Starting on Thursday, Tropic World will be closed until May 2025, per email.

Big things are happening at Brookfield Zoo Chicago! Starting Thursday, November 21, our beloved Tropic World will be temporarily closed as we gear up for something truly spectacular: the opening of Tropical Forests in Summer 2025! We’re planning to reopen Tropic World in late May 2025, and we promise — it’ll be worth the wait.

Want one last visit to soak up the Tropic World vibes? The exhibit will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. through Wednesday, November 20. We’d love for you to swing by and say hi!

 

[CMP]

Starting on Thursday, Tropic World will be closed until May 2025, per email.

I wonder what work will be done in tropic world itself if the entire building is closed. One can hope for a full-on revamp...

 

[theangryquokka]

I wonder what work will be done in tropic world itself if the entire building is closed. One can hope for a full-on revamp...

probably move some animals, break some walls for doors, maybe add some natural/softer materials on the floors, nothing that big, highly doubt a full-on revamp considering it's only a few months but I could be wrong