News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
March 9, 2016
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
Chicago Zoological Society Highlights Career Opportunities for Women and Girls of Color
During Museum Day Live! On March 12
 
Brookfield, Ill.—The Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo, is joining hundreds of cultural organizations across the country in the Smithsonian’s Museum Day Live! The nationwide event, which takes place on Saturday, March 12, encourages all people, particularly women and girls of color from underserved communities, to explore their local zoos, aquariums, museums, and cultural institutions.

The public can go to www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday to download a ticket for free admission to Brookfield Zoo. The ticket is good for two guests on March 12. Guests can either print their ticket and bring it with them to the zoo or have it accessible on a mobile device to show the admissions attendant.

On Museum Day Live!, the Society will be featuring several of its women staff members who are instrumental in the daily operations at Brookfield Zoo, from animal care and interacting with guests to strategic planning. The 20- to 30-minute panel presentations will take place throughout the day in the zoo’s ITW White Oak Room in the Bramsen Animal Ambassador Pavilion. During the brief talks, speakers will highlight what their jobs entail, their academic backgrounds, and what they love about their jobs and will share advice for those interested in pursuing a career like theirs. Careers being showcased are:
·  interpretive naturalist, associate curator of mammals, and senior keeper of primates at 12:30 p.m.
·  safety manager, director of nutrition, and director of strategic initiatives at 1:30 p.m.
·  vice president of institutional planning and inclusion at 2:30 p.m.

During the event, guests also can learn about some of the animals during special Zoo Chats. Female animal care staff will speak about their jobs and share interesting facts about the animals in their care. Zoogoers can waddle over to The Living Coast for a 10:30 a.m. talk about Humboldt penguins. At noon, the binturong will be highlighted at The Fragile Rain Forest. Additional Zoo Chats with some of the ambassador animals will take place in the ITW White Oak Room at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.