ADOPT AN ANIMAL

When you choose to adopt an animal at Brookfield Zoo, you'll be sharing the care. In addition to contributing to their daily care, you are also helping research and conservation efforts within the Zoo and around the world.

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FEATURED CREATURE

Reticulated Giraffe Kinda

In the last decade, giraffe populations have declined by 40 percent, and there are now fewer than 80,000 individuals in Africa, with fewer than 5,000 of them being reticulated giraffe (the species at Brookfield Zoo) left in East Africa. Additionally, of the nine subspecies of giraffes in Africa, two—the West African giraffe and the Rothschild’s giraffe—are classified as endangered, with less than 250 and 1,500 individuals, respectively, remaining in the wild.

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FEATURED CREATURE

Meerkats

These members of the mongoose family live in tight-knit, cooperative family groups. They are native to southern Africa's dry savannahs and grasslands. Groups of between 10 to 30 animals live together in underground burrows. They work together to raise young and perform sentry duty to protect the group from predators. They have one of the most sophisticated vocal languages in the animal kingdom.

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FEATURED CREATURE

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Pistachio

Pistachio Kemp’s ridley sea turtle arrived at Brookfield Zoo on September 8, 2020. She was rehabilitated at The Florida Aquarium after being struck by a boat propeller in 2012. The injuries she sustained left Pistachio partially blind in her left eye. She also has some partial paralysis in her rear flipper and changes to her shell (it grows differently than it should). These factors contributed to the determination that Pistachio could not be released back into the wild. Brookfield Zoo is pleased to provide Pistachio with a long-term home.

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FEATURED CREATURE

Hoffman's Two-Toed Sloth Luigi

Luigi the Hoffman’s two-toed sloth can usually be found doing what sloths do best; sleeping, climbing, and eating! His Brookfield Zoo home includes access to multiple levels of habitat to climb within, a lot of nutritious vegetables and other plants, and an environment that is also home to a variety of other mammals and birds found in the sloth’s native Central and South American lands. Your package purchase helps provide Luigi with the very best care.

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FEATURED CREATURE

American Flamingo

Our flock of nine flamingos were all hatched between March and August 2023. Once fully grown at approximately 2 years old, they will be up to 5 feet tall, weigh between 4 and 8 pounds, and have a wingspan of about 5 feet. For now, guests can expect to see gray-feathered chicks as their pink plumage appears over time as the birds molt and mature. The American flamingo is found throughout the Caribbean Islands, along the northern coast of South America, and southeastern United States, particularly in Florida.

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BIRDS

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MORE BIRDS TO ADOPT

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MAMMALS

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Addax

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African Lion Brutus

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African Lion Titus

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African Painted Dogs

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American Bison Lucy

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Amur Leopard Sasha

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Amur Tiger Whirl

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REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS & OTHER

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Egyptian Tortoise

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Emperor Newt

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Gaboon Viper

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Galapagos Tortoise

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Green Tree Python

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Jamaican Iguana

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Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle - Pistachio

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ANIMAL ADOPTION info

Caring for animals and their habitats is central to the Chicago Zoological Society's mission. A trained and dedicated staff provides the best care possible through a commitment to the health and well-being of the animals. And, adopting an animal through our Share the Care program means that you are directly contributing to their welfare. Thank you!

CHOOSE YOUR ANIMAL

Interested in adopting? Click a button above to learn more about each animal! You can also review the list of all of the available animals.

CHOOSE ADOPTION LEVEL

On each animal's page, select an option from the Adoption Care Level menu. You'll then see what special benefits are included for each level!

FINALIZE YOUR PACKAGE

Complete the order form on the selected animal's page (don't forget to indicate if it's a Gift Adoption Package!), click Add to Cart & check out.

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Adoption Packages: At the FRIEND giving level ($35), you receive:
5”x 7” color photograph of selected animal in display frame
Personalized certificate of adoption
Species fact sheet
Animal Adoption program decal
Invitation to the exclusive Animal Adoption summer event (ticket purchase required)

Plush Packages: These animals also have a PLUSH PACKAGE option:
American Flamingo
Blue-Throated Macaw (Petal)
Gray Kangaroo (Rooby and Troody)
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Pistachio)
Meerkats
Reticulated Giraffe (Arnieta, Ato, Jasiri, Asha, Kinda & Potoka)
River Otter (Charlotte)
Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth (Luigi)

Elite Status: Animal Adoption program participation combined with your contributions to other Zoo programs may qualify you for status in the Society's Elite Status program, which allows our members and supporters insider access to some of the exciting behind-the-scenes activities at Brookfield Zoo. For more information, click the link above or call (708) 688-8560.

Annual Summer Event: The annual Animal Adoption summer event is usually held on a weekend date in early August. If you are an Animal Adoption program participant, you will receive your invitation in the mail the first week in July. The summer event is a special night when the Zoo is open after regular hours as a special privilege for Animal Adoption program participants.

For 2023 purchases: Under IRS guidelines, we are required to disclose an estimate of goods or services received in return for contributions over $75. The estimated fair market value of goods and services received with the Caregiver package is $16, Partner package is $24, Advocate, Guardian, and Champion packages is $32.

The adoption packet will be mailed within two weeks of the purchase date. When quicker delivery is needed, purchase your package by phone at 708-688-8341 (be sure to request expedited processing).

If your adopted animal is transferred to another zoo, your donation is automatically transferred to the next available animal within the species. A letter is sent to notify you of this transfer. However, you are welcome to contact the Animal Adoption program and arrange to transfer to a different animal of your choice.

Any questions?
Call us at (708) 688-8341 or e-mail your question to sharethecare@czs.org.

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

Reticulated Giraffe Kinda

Meerkats

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Pistachio

Hoffman's Two-Toed Sloth Luigi

American Flamingo

BIRDS

American White Pelicans

Andean Condor Maria

Bald Eagle - Zeus

Emu

Humboldt Penguin Divot

Humboldt Penguin Valentino

Parakeet

MORE BIRDS TO ADOPT

MAMMALS

Addax

African Lion Brutus

African Lion Titus

African Painted Dogs

American Bison Lucy

Amur Leopard Sasha

Amur Tiger Whirl

MORE MAMMALS TO ADOPT

REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS & OTHER

Egyptian Tortoise

Emperor Newt

Gaboon Viper

Galapagos Tortoise

Green Tree Python

Jamaican Iguana

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle - Pistachio

MORE TO ADOPT

ANIMAL ADOPTION info

CHOOSE YOUR ANIMAL

CHOOSE ADOPTION LEVEL

FINALIZE YOUR PACKAGE

mORE TO KNOW ABOUT animal adoption