News Release

July 26, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

Note: Images of animals at Brookfield Zoo may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/pressroom.

Free Kids’ Days at Brookfield Zoo
Meijer Sponsors Free Days on August 8, 9, and 10

      Brookfield, IL—Summer is not over yet, so head to Brookfield Zoo before school starts and get FREE admission for children ages 11 and under on August 8, 9, and 10. Free Kids’ Days, presented by Meijer, gives families an opportunity to enjoy one last staycation before the hustle and bustle of another school year begins. (Admission for adults and parking fees still apply.)

“With families taking vacations closer to home during these economically troubled times, we are thrilled to be able to partner with Meijer and offer free admission for children,” said Dr. Stuart Strahl, CEO and president of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo.

The adventures at the zoo are abundant and feature both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including Great Bear Wilderness, where guests can watch the antics of polar and grizzly bears swimming underwater. Other animals in the National Park-like experience include bison, bald eagles, and Mexican gray wolves.

Families can learn more about the animals at Brookfield Zoo by attending any of the dozens of Zoo Chats that are offered daily. These free informal talks feature everything from gorillas and penguins to giraffes and hopping kangaroos. For a Zoo Chat schedule, go to www.CZS.org/ZooChats.

Attending one of the Dolphin Shows is an adventure in itself. The Caribbean-themed Dolphinarium is home to bottlenose dolphins Tapeko, Chinook, Spree, Noelani, Tatem, Allison, and Nea, who range in age from 3 to 29 years old. Those who want a true saltwater experience (and want to cool off) should be sure to sit in the “splash zone.” Or get a totally different perspective and watch a presentation from the underwater viewing gallery. Guests can also cool off under one of the many decorative misters that are located throughout the park, and children can have fun in the water splash pad.

With the end of the summer approaching, the zoo’s Butterflies! exhibit will be closing for the season soon. Before these winged wonders flutter away, guests can enjoy seeing hundreds of them in a beautifully landscaped setting, as well as discover ways they can create their own butterfly garden at home. Additionally, the more than 50 cownose rays that can be seen in a 16,000-gallon pool at Stingray Bay will soon be heading south for the winter. Before they swim away, guests of all ages are invited to experience these amazing creatures up close.

On Free Kids’ Days, Brookfield Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission for adults is $13.50 and parking is $9.00. For further information, visit www.CZS.org. In addition to the free days presented by Meijer, the Chicago Zoological Society offers more than 55 free days to guests of all ages from October through February.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

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