On July 1, 1934, thousands of eager visitors streamed through the South Gate arches for the opening of the new Brookfield Zoo. Fast forward to July 1, 2009, and the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo kicks off a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary, culminating with the grand-opening of Great Bear Wilderness in spring 2010. In honor of the millions upon millions of guests that have supported Brookfield Zoo throughout the years, we're also offering free zoo admission for children ages 11 and under on June 29th, 30th, as well as July 1st.
History Tram Tours: Learn more about Brookfield Zoo's history and register to attend one of the narrated history tram tours led by history book authors, Doug Deuchler and zoo librarian and archivist Carla Owens. The tours include a light continental breakfast and book signing at 9:00 a.m. in Bocaditos restaurant, followed by an hour-long narrated tram ride around the zoo's grounds. The tours, which meet at Bocaditos restaurant, will be offered on September 19, and October 3. The cost is $20 for adults, $17.50 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older, and $10 for Brookfield Zoo members. Please register online. If unable to register online, call (708) 688-8361.
Rep. Lipinski Commemoration: Rep. Daniel W. Lipinski, representing the Third District of Illiinois, recently commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Brookfield Zoo with remarks submitted into the Congressional Record last week.
Online Scrapbook: Do you have stacks of old Brookfield Zoo photos hiding in a box? Zoo fans can also be a part of history by contributing their own photographs of past zoo visits to an online history scrapbook. Contributors to the online history scrapbook will be entered in a drawing for the chance to win prizes, including a Wild Encounters package (must be 12 years or older), a one-year family membership, or a copy of “Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Zoological Society.” Winners will be selected during a special drawing on Aug. 3. You can submit your photographs to scrapbook@czs.org. Go to www.czs.org/scrapbook to learn more and for official rules.
History Book: Bring home an autographed piece of Brookfield Zoo history through a recently published paperback book (by zoo staffers Doug Deuchler and Carla Owens) that includes images of the zoo from the day it first opened through the present day. You can purchase the book through the zoo's gift shops and from amazon.com.