The Chicago Zoological Society can accept donations through the PayPal Giving Fund. If you would like to donate via PayPal, please click here. Please note, you will be taken off the website managed by the Chicago Zoological Society to the charity page for the Society on the PayPal website. When donating, you have the option to make your donation anonymous. We would prefer you do not, so we can properly thank you for your gift. Also, anonymous donations will not be considered if you are attempting to attain an Elite Status. If you have any specifics around the gift you make via PayPal (i.e. honor or memorial gift, or a gift to a specific fund), please contact us at SafariCircle@CZS.org or 708-688-8560.
General guidelines for non-cash donations
For electronics to generally be accepted, the value of the electronic item typically must have a fair market value greater than the cost of shipping the item to the donation facility.
The Chicago Zoological Society will from time to time accept donations of animals from the public, however, the Society does not accept domestic animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, ferrets, cats, dogs, parakeets, and farm animals. Other animal such as captive bred reptiles, exotic birds and mammals may be accepted only on a limited case by case basis.
The Society will not accept wild native species, those possessing such animals should contact your nearest rehabilitation organization or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources who can provide information on the location of rehabilitation organizations.
Diverse Communities Across Chicagoland
We inspire conservation action by leading by example, and Bison Circle donors are an integral part of our conservation programs. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins.
We have also pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature—an endeavor that would be much more difficult without Bison Circle members.
Bison Circle donors care…and their support is critical to animal welfare. Thanks to their donations, thousands of animals representing 400 species receive state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs. In fact, animal care technologies developed at Brookfield Zoo are employed in 165 countries.
Discover the Bison Circle giving levels and associated privileges, or call (708) 688-8667 for more information.
Bison Circle Quartz $2,000 - 4,999
Free admission to all attractions and parking
Free entrée at specific restaurant
10 Additional All-Access guest passes
Elite Status recognition card
Special zoo e-newsletter and immediate press release e-blasts
Priority Zoo Camp registration
Access to VIP phone/email for donor requests or questions
Priority registration for Brookfield Zoo member travel programs
Invitation for escorted golf-cart tour of the zoo
Invitation to participate in exclusive VIP walking tours of the zoo
Invitation to Lunch ‘n Learn programs with CZS animal care specialists
Opportunity for a personal animal experience
Various discounts throughout the zoo
Invitation to appreciation events
Listing in Impact Report
Bison Circle Emerald $5,000 - 9,999
VIP Parking on the day of your tour
Plus all the benefits of the Quartz Status
Bison Circle Ruby $10,000 - 24,999
VIP Parking on the day of your tour
Invitation to private donor-travel program
Plus all the benefits of the Emerald Status
Bison Circle Bronze $25,000 - $49,000
Private concierge phone number
Plus all the benefits of the Ruby Status
Bison Circle Gold $50,000 - $99,000
Invitation to private group dinner
Plus all the benefits of the Bronze Status
Bison Circle Platinum $100,000+
Please contact us for more information for customizable benefits at this level
Plus all the benefits of the Gold Status
Don’t forget your employer’s matching gift program—make your support go even further!
Please note: Under IRS guidelines, the amount of your contribution that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is limited to the excess of your payment over the value of the goods or services provided by the Chicago Zoological Society.
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For 2021 contributions, the value of goods or services received are considered of insubstantial value according to IRS guidelines.
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For 2022 contributions, the value of goods or services received are considered of insubstantial value according to IRS guidelines.
If you would prefer to send in a donation by mail please send to:
Chicago Zoological Society
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
If you would prefer to talk to someone about making a donation please call:
708-688-8667