News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
August 22, 2022
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Note: Scroll to bottom of press release to download photos.  
Brookfield, Ill. — Join Brookfield Zoo in celebrating and showing appreciation for firefighters, EMS workers, police officers, and other first responders on Sunday, August 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those entering the zoo’s south gate will pass under an American flag displayed between ladder trucks from Brookfield and Riverside’s fire departments.

At the zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain guests can meet with representatives from approximately 30 agencies from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, who will be on hand to showcase the vehicles and equipment they use to keep their communities safe. Participating towns include Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Countryside, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Hillside, Indian Head Park, LaGrange Park, McCook, North Riverside, Oak Park, Orland Park Hills, Riverside, Rolling Meadows, and Stickney. Also participating in the event are representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, Illinois State Police, and Secretary of State Police.

Zoo goers can take photos with first responders as well as meet K-9 and therapy dogs from Cook County and Brookfield Zoo’s own K9 police dogs, Charlie and Kirby. Youngsters will receive special giveaways (while supplies last) to remember their day.

After visiting with the first responders, guests can spend the day walking around the zoo to see their favorite animals, including Banana, a 3-year-old Pygmy hippo; Brutus and Titus, African lion brothers, the giraffe herd, and the bottlenose dolphins.

Admission to Brookfield Zoo is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children 3-11, and $19.95 for seniors over 65. Park is $15. Brookfield Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
   
Photo Captions--credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo
2211: Guests can meet Sergeant Tom Noga and Brookfield Zoo's K-9s during First Responders Day on August 28.

6530 and 6599: Youngsters can meet first responders from the Chicagoland area and receive special giveaways during Brookfield Zoo's First Responders Day.

6619: Representatives from approximately 30 agencies around the Chicagoland area will be at Brookfield Zoo's First Responders Day to showcase the vehicles and equipment they use to keep their communities safe.

6631: Youngsters and first responders pose for a photo during Brookfield Zoo's First Responders Day. This year's event will be held on August 28.

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.