News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
April 5, 2022
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 Note: Scroll to end of press release to download images.

   
 Ice Age Giants
April 1 through October 30
Thousands of years ago during the Ice Age’s Quaternary Period, creatures such as the woolly mammoth, mastodon, saber-toothed cat, giant ground sloth, and short-faced bear roamed North America and Eurasia. Through October 30, these and other now extinct megafauna have made a comeback at Brookfield Zoo’s Ice Age Giants, sponsored by Duly Health and Care. More than 30 life-sized, animatronic re-creations featuring lifelike effects, including the enormous animals’ moving heads, eyes, mouths, and tails, can be encountered throughout the 216-acre park. (Free with zoo admission.) For more information, visit CZS.org/IceAgeGiants.
 
Virtual Lecture—Conservation of Biological Diversity in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
April 6 (Wednesday)
Join Chris Anchor, wildlife biologist for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, for an informative discussion about the research and management relative to the conservation of biological diversity in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. During his talk, Anchor will share his knowledge about the Urban Coyote Study, fish telemetry, zoonotic disease surveillance, as well as insight about bears, wolves, mountain lions, North American river otters, and badgers. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session. The lecture, which begins at 7:00 p.m. CT, is free, although a $10 donation is appreciated. Online reservations are required and can be made at CZS.org/LectureSeries.
 
Maintaining the Traditions of the Ancestors and Restoring to Health the Natural Environment
April 21 (Thursday)
For over 30 years, Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, president of Midwest SOARRING (Save Our Ancestor's Remains & Resources Indigenous Network Group) Foundation and a member of the White Earth Band Minnesota Ojibwe Nation, has been an activist supporting Native American issues. These include the protection and restoration of local plants, animals, natural areas, and sacred sites in Illinois and throughout the country. Hear about the history of the Midwest SOARRING Foundation and its role in conservation success stories such as the establishment of a bison herd, protection of more than 1,900 acres of land throughout Illinois, the designation of Plum Island as a sanctuary for bald eagles, and more. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session. The lecture, which begins at 7:00 p.m. CT, is free, although a $10 donation is appreciated. Online reservations are required and can be made at CZS.org/LectureSeries.
 

Earth Day: A Party for the Planet

April 23 (Saturday)
Every day is Earth Day at Brookfield Zoo, but on this very special day, the zoo will be showcasing some of the steps people can take that can truly make a difference for animals across the globe—including recycling! From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to drop off unwanted recyclable electronics as well as textiles and used books in the zoo’s north park lot, which is located at 8400 31^st Street in Brookfield. The event is presented by Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program. A complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items can be found at CZS.org/PartyPlanet.
 
Earth Day Run
April 24 (Sunday)
Spring has sprung and there’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day then by getting outside, enjoying nature, and visiting Brookfield Zoo. So, lace up your sneakers and join in the first-ever Earth Day Run—A Run for the Planet. The 2.2 mile “fun run,” which takes place inside the zoo during pre-park hours, is non-competitive and geared for participants of all ages—making it fun for the entire family. Afterwards, enjoy strolling through the zoo to see your favorite animals. For further information, including pricing and registration, go to czs.org/EarthDayRun.
 
Virtual Lecture—Monty and Rose—Piping Plovers at Montrose Beach
May 4 (Wednesday)
In the spring of 2019, and then again in 2020 and 2021, Monty and Rose, a pair of endangered piping plovers, nested on Illinois’ Montrose Beach Dunes—the first such recorded event in Chicago in more than 70 years. The pair and their chicks weaved themselves into the hearts of birders and non-birders alike, becoming local and national celebrities and stellar ambassadors for their species. Join Tamima Itani, volunteer coordinator, board member of the Illinois Ornithological Society, and author of the children’s book "Monty and Rose Nest at Montrose," who will share her love of piping plovers. During her engaging presentation, Itani will describe the species’ life history, how the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Effort is bringing these birds back, and sharing stories from the Chicago experience. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session. The lecture, which begin at 7:00 p.m. CT, is free, although a $10 donation is appreciated. Online reservations are required and can be made at CZS.org/LectureSeries.
 
Wines in the Wild
June 11 (Saturday)
Enjoy the opportunity to sample an array of wines and liquors from around the world at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Wines in the Wild. Accompanying the selection, provided by the evening's purveyor, Prestige Countryside Liquors, will be delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by SSA Group. The evening fundraiser, which takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center, also features a silent auction, premier silent auction, and up-close experiences with some of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. Proceeds from Wines in the Wild support the education, conservation, and scholarship programming needs that are funded by the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society Tickets are $275 per person. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit czs.org/WinesintheWild2022-2.
 
Twilight Tunes at Brookfield Zoo
July 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30  (Fridays-Saturdays)
Enjoy fun and relaxing evenings while listening to great music from a variety of genres at Brookfield Zoo’s new concert series—Twilight Tunes. Each Friday and Saturday in July, the zoo’s East Mall will have guests of all ages on their feet dancing to the sounds of popular regional bands that include Hello Weekend (July 1), Trippin Billies (July 2), ARRA (July 8), Boy Band Review (July 9), Sixteen Candles (July 15), American English (July 16), 7^th heaven (July 22), Hillbilly Rockstarz (July 23), Southern Accents (July 29), and House Party (July 30). A wide selection of delicious food and beverage items, including at the Tacos Caja and The Coop food trucks and Outpost Grill, will be available for purchase each night. While taking in the sounds, zoogoers can also visit with animal ambassadors who will be making an appearance between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Limited capacity and reservations are required. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and over (zoo members pay $10 and $8) For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CZS.org/TwilightTunes.
 
ZooBrew
August 27 (Saturday)
Enjoy animals and ales at Brookfield Zoo’s annual ZooBrew. At the 21-and-over event, guests will have the opportunity to sample dozens of premium ales, lagers, stouts, porters, and seltzers while taking in wildlife and nature. Several tasting sessions and ticket options, including for designated drivers, are available. All tickets include free parking and admission to the zoo. For ticket pricing and further information as well as to make reservations, go to CZS.org/ZooBrew.
 
Brookfield Zoo Run
September 11 (Sunday)
Whether you run fast like a cheetah or prefer a slower pace like a tortoise, Brookfield Zoo Run, sponsored by Duly Health and Care, has a pace for everyone. The 5k chip-timed run, which is entirely inside the park, takes participants past many of the animals’ habitats, including bison, black rhinos, African lions, Bactrian camels, and giraffes. A 1-mile Kids’ Dash follows the 5k. Proceeds from the event benefit the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund that supports research and education efforts at the zoo and around the world. For more information, including pricing, and to make reservations, visit CZS.org/ZooRun.
 
Boo! at the Zoo
October 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23 (Saturdays-Sundays)
Gather your little ghosts and goblins and venture over to Brookfield Zoo for its annual Halloween celebration—Boo! at the Zoo. The family-fun event features fang-tastic memorable photo opportunities throughout the park, the “Craized Maize” Corn Maze, giant Halloween-themed inflatables, all surrounded by the beautiful yellow, red, and orange colors of autumn. Youngsters receive a sweet treat as they exit. For more information, visit CZS.org/booatthezoo.org.
 
Tree Trim
November 12-13 (Saturday-Sunday)
Community organizations and companies can help deck the malls at Brookfield Zoo in preparation for its 41^st annual festive Holiday Magic. The zoo supplies the trees, lights, and signage. Groups provide animal-safe ornaments and adorn the 6-foot trees on the zoo’s east, west, south, and north malls and 10-foot trees surrounding Roosevelt Fountain. The registration fee includes a limited number of admission and parking passes good on Tree Trim days. Proceeds from the event will contribute to the work of Brookfield Zoo’s conservation and education programs and care for the animals. To make a reservation and for additional information, including pricing and ornament guidelines, visit CZS.org/TreeTrim. 
 
Reindeer Run
November 19 (Saturday)
Grab your glow sticks, tie up your laces, and join in Brookfield Zoo’s nighttime Reindeer Run to be one of the first to see the zoo all lit up for the holidays. The family-friendly 2-mile fun run takes place inside the zoo. During the evening, participants, young and old, can enjoy a spin on the Carousel and meet a few of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. For further information and to make reservations, visit CZS.org/ReindeerRun.
 
Holiday Magic
November 25-27 and 30 and December 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, and 26-31
Bright lights and magical nights await guests at Brookfield Zoo’s 41^st annual Holiday Magic from 3 to 9 p.m. each night. Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday event features more than two million LED colorful lights, a 41-foot-tall tree choreographed to seasonal tunes, photo opportunities in the ever-popular 20-foot-tall orb and 3D 16-foot-tall gingerbread house, a 600-foot-long “Tunnel of Lights,” and more. Many of the zoo’s animal buildings will be open as well restaurants and gift shops offering an array of unique items for those on your holiday shopping list. Advanced registration and tickets are required. To purchase tickets and make a reservation, visit CZS.org/HolidayMagic.
 

Admission to Brookfield Zoo is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for senior 65 and over. Parking is $15. All tickets are nonrefundable.
 
Brookfield Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended summer hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  
 Photos
21--Ice Age Giants: The South American macrauchenia (pronounced mac-rah-KEY-nee-uh), which was driven to extinction by migrating species from North America, is just one of the more than 30 animatronic recreations at Brookfield Zoo's Ice Age Giants. (credit Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

36--Ice Age Giants: The massive mastodon (pronounced MAS-tuh-dawn), which weighed up to 17,000 pounds, neared extinction about 10,000 years ago. At Brookfield Zoo's Ice Age Giants, guests can see an animatronic re-creation of it along with more than 30 other megafauna that once roamed North America and Eurasia. (credit Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

2: Lecture Series--Joseph Standing Bear, president of Midwest SOARRING will share conservation success stories during a Brookfield Zoo virtual lecture on April 21. (credit Lynn Anderson)

4759, 4853, 5049--Party for the Planet--Guests can drop off unwanted recyclable electronics as well as textiles and used books during Brookfield Zoo's recycling event on April 23. (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

2925--Lecture Series: Piping plovers will be featured during a Brookfield Zoo virtual lecture on May 4. (credit Tamima Itani)

Twilight Tunes--ARRA: Local classic rock tribute band ARRA will be playing at Brookfield Zoo's Twilight Tunes on July 8. (credit ARRA)

Twilight Tunes--Boy Band Review: Boy Band Review will be playing at Brookfield Zoo's Twilight Tunes on July 9. (credit Boy Band Review)

Twilight Tunes--Sixteen Candles: On July 15, Sixteen Candles brings 80's pop music to the stage at Brookfield Zoo's Twilight Tunes. (credit Sixteen Candles)

Twilight Tunes--American English: The popular Beatles tribute band, American English, will take the stage at Brookfield Zoo's Twilight Tunes on July 16. (credit American English)

Twilight Tunes--7th heaven: 7th heaven will entertain guests of all ages at Brookfield Zoo's Twilight Tunes on July 22. (credit 7th heaven)

Twilight Tunes--Hillbilly Rockstarz: Hillbilly Rockstarz combines pop, rock, and dance genres for a high-energy concert that will have guests dancing when the band takes the stage at Brookfield Zoo's Twilight Tunes on July 23. (credit Hillbilly Rockstarz)

Twilight Tunes--Southern Accents: The Tom Petty tribute band, Southern Accents, takes the stage at Brookfield Zoo's Twilight Tunes on July 29. (credit Southern Accents)

4324, 4637, and 6242: Guests 21 years and older will have the opportunity to sample a variety of premium ales, lagers, stouts, porters, and seltzers at Brookfield Zoo's ZooBrew on August 27. (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

41: Runners take off at Brookfield Zoo's annual Zoo Run. (credit Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

6771: Brookfield Zoo's 5k chip-timed Zoo Run is entirely inside the park and takes runners past several of the animals' habitats. (Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

2331: During Brookfield Zoo's Boo! at the Zoo, guests can watch several of the animals receiving Halloween treats--pumpkins. (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

2505 and 2531: Youngsters can pose for pictures at several Halloween-themed settings throughout the park during Brookfield Zoo's annual Boo! at the Zoo. (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

7828: Community organizations help decorate Brookfield Zoo's malls during the annual Tree Trim. (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

0128: Participants in Brookfield Zoo's Reindeer Run can be some of the first to see the zoo all lit up for the holidays. (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

33: More than two million LED lights illuminate Brookfield Zoo during its annual festive Holiday Magic. (credit Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)






About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. The zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, and CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.