Brookfield Zoo Chicago

In the past two weeks, two major hurricanes have devastated the Southeastern region of the United States, causing historic flooding, major infrastructure damage, and tragic loss of life. Here at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, our hearts go out to all who suffered and continue to suffer from the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Among the communities impacted were those in Sarasota, Florida, home to our Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), and our Sarasota-based staff members are working tirelessly to ensure the SDRP is fully functional again as quickly as possible. While the team’s offices, labs, and boats were largely intact — despite damage to Mote Marine Laboratory where they are housed — many of the station housings and hydrophones that make up the SDRP’s Sarasota Bay Listening Network have been lost or severely damaged. The Listening Network, a powerful tool for studying the lives of marine animals, continuously record underwater sounds so that the team can monitor dolphins and other sound-producing animals, as indicators of ecosystem health. The full extent of the damage to the Listening Network is not yet known, as the team has still been unable to access some of the 15 hydrophone sites, but there will certainly be significant work required to restore the network to its pre-hurricane capacity. For 54 years, the SDRP — the world's longest-running dolphin conservation research program — has been at the forefront of dolphin conservation. The team’s groundbreaking work has revealed critical insights into the complex societies of bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, helping scientists better understand their behaviors and the ecosystems they depend on. In addition, the SDRP has contributed invaluable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) management plans for the species and guided officials’ responses to environmental disasters and helping to protect endangered marine species worldwide. In the face of such climate-related challenges, our commitment to conservation has never been more critical. Protecting our marine ecosystems not only helps build resilience against future storms but also ensures that we can continue to support the vital research and education efforts that benefit both wildlife and our communities. The SDRP's work not only reduces preventable tragedies, such as dolphin entanglements in fishing lines — which account for 20% of dolphin deaths in the region — but also provides vital insights into the overall health of our shared coastal waters. If you would like to support the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program during this critical time, visit https://bit.ly/4h4zYas. Your generosity will allow us to respond to the team’s areas of greatest need as they work toward resuming normal operations. Photos taken under NMFS Scientific Research Permit No. 26622.

Calling all bird lovers! Join Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s 2nd annual Fall Migratory Bird SAFEty Challenge to collaborate with other bird watchers and conservationists in community science efforts while enjoying nature. From October 12 - 20, enter your feathered observations into the BZ BioBlitz 2024 iNaturalist page through the iNaturalist app - available to both Android and Apple users through their respective app stores. Participants are eligible for a chance to win one of three coveted awards for most observations, most species, and most observed species. For more information: https://bit.ly/3NizoZd

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Daniela Herrera! Our ZAP! Conservationists in Action series wraps up with Daniela Herrera, a passionate Mexican American birder based in Chicago. As a leader and organizer for Chicago BIPOC Birders, Daniela creates inclusive spaces for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to connect with nature through birdwatching. Her work in philanthropy supports grassroots efforts in environmental and climate justice initiatives. Join us on Wednesday, October 9 at 5 p.m. for her inspiring presentation to learn how local conservation efforts and community engagement can make a global impact! Register for our free, virtual discussion at https://bit.ly/4ddGI2S

Calling all Teachers! 📚 We’re thrilled to announce a series of FREE classes designed to enhance your field trips at the zoo! These sessions will equip you with creative strategies to engage your students with wildlife and conservation. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3zL7Fx7

Happy International Zookeeper Day! Today, we celebrate our amazing animal care teams who care for over 3,400 animals and more than 500 species of furry, feathered, and scaled animals from around the globe. Their dedication to animal care helps connect our guests to the wonders of wildlife and the importance of conservation for our shared future. Thank you to our animal care teams for all you do!

Exciting news! Last week, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been awarded the Master Key of Success in Innovation–Best Practices Award by the International Association for Human Resources Information Management (IHRIM)! Our project team was recognized for exhibiting exemplary collaborative spirit, working with HRchitects Consulting consultants to successfully implement a new enterprise Human Capital Management system. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Dr. Alejandro Grajal! We're excited to feature Dr. Alejandro Grajal, President and CEO of Woodland Park Zoo, as part of our ZAP! Conservationists in Action series on October 2 at 5 PM! With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Grajal has dedicated his career to advancing global conservation efforts, from leading biodiversity programs to shaping sustainable zoo practices that engage the public in pro-environmental behaviors. On top of all this, Dr. Grajal is an avid wildlife artist with many of his works exhibited in galleries across the world! As a key figure in the fight to protect endangered species and ecosystems, Dr. Grajal's work highlights how modern zoos play an essential role in conserving wildlife while educating and inspiring future generations of conservationists. You can register for this free, virtual discussion at https://bit.ly/4gqsUVn.

We are thrilled to share that Brookfield Zoo Chicago has contributed to a groundbreaking project that integrates ex situ species data from the Species360 ZIMS database into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This collaboration marks a major step forward in aligning conservation efforts to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species. By combining data from both in situ (wild populations) and ex situ (species in human care) sources, the IUCN Red List now provides a more complete picture of global biodiversity. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the vital role that zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries play in safeguarding threatened species through breeding programs, genetic diversity management, and species reintroductions. At Brookfield Zoo Chicago, we are honored to be part of this initiative, supporting the "One Plan Approach" to species conservation. Every day, our dedicated team collects and shares critical data on the animals in our care, contributing to a global effort to better understand and protect the world’s wildlife. This partnership with Species360 and the IUCN underscores our commitment to conservation, education, and the long-term survival of the species we all cherish. Together, we are building a future where biodiversity can thrive. #Conservation #Biodiversity #IUCNRedList #BrookfieldZooChicago #OnePlanApproach #Wildlife #Species360 #EndangeredSpecies #ZoologicalConservation

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is pleased to announce the return of Rita Stacey as Senior Vice President of Programs and Impact. In this newly created role, she will oversee the integration of the Zoo’s Animal Care & Programs and Education & Community Engagement teams, fostering a collaborative and strategic approach to animal care, conservation, and community outreach. Rita is a distinguished zoological professional with more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience, and is no stranger to Brookfield Zoo Chicago. She previously served as our Vice President of Animal Programs and Curator of Marine Mammals. Her influence extends nationally through her work as the Grey Seal Studbook Keeper and Population Management Planner for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and internationally as Accreditation Commission Co-Chair for the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Most recently, she served as Chief Conservation and Science Officer at the Texas State Aquarium, where she directed animal care, veterinary services, and conservation programs. Her appointment comes as she nears completion of her PhD in psychology this fall, with a focus on cognition and instruction, the human-animal bond and animal welfare. In her new role, Rita will lead efforts to grow Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s conservation programs and strengthen its engagement with communities both locally and globally. Her return marks a pivotal step in advancing the zoo’s mission to inspire conservation leadership in every guest. Please join us in welcoming Rita back to Brookfield Zoo Chicago!

We’re entering a new era for conservation and veterinary care! Today marks the unveiling of a groundbreaking resource for veterinary professionals: the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database (ZARD). The ZARD is a digital repository of diagnostic images like CT scans, MRIs, and radiographs designed to aid veterinarians in providing the highest standard of animal care and welfare. The project was inspired by a 2017 case involving Layla, a critically endangered black rhino here at the zoo. She developed a sinus growth that obstructed her breathing, leading her veterinary team to perform a CT scan—the first on a living adult rhino. With limited reference material available, as existing scans were from deceased specimens lacking soft tissue details, experts saw the need for more comprehensive imaging resources for Layla's species and others. “Layla’s case shined a large spotlight on a challenge that zoological veterinarians and radiologists face when diagnosing non-domestic species like rhinos,” said Dr. Michael Adkesson, president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the project’s principal investigator. “Undoubtedly, this new resource will be a game-changer for the zoological community and significantly improve our ability to diagnose and treat the animals in our care." Beyond advancing animal care, ZARD will also support wildlife conservation, helping field biologists diagnose wild populations and protect endangered species! Photo Credit: Brookfield Zoo Chicago, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance