News Release

June 25, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Sondra Katzen

Public Relations

708.688.8351

sondra.katzen@czs.org


Note: Historical images may be downloaded at https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/pgpages/pagegen.77.aspx 

Brookfield Zoo Celebrates 75th Year by Featuring New History Book
and Inviting Public to Contribute Zoo Photos to On-line Scrapbook


Brookfield, Ill. – A pictorial book, featuring the 75-year history of Brookfield Zoo, will debut at the zoo with a book signing by the local authors on Wednesday, July 1. “Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Zoological Society,” a newly published paperback book is co-authored by Douglas Deuchler of Oak Park and Carla Owens of Chicago. The book will be available for purchase and signing by the authors between 10 a.m. and noon on the zoo’s East Mall during its 75th anniversary celebration. The book sells for $21.99 and is available at the zoo gift shops along with limited-edition “75th Celebration” t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, ornaments, and more. In addition, the history book is available at local book stores and on www.czs.org/giftshop and www.amazon.com.

From its origins as a gift from Chicago socialite Edith Rockefeller McCormick in the 1920s, Brookfield Zoo has evolved into an internationally celebrated center for conservation, animal care and environmental education. Authors Deuchler, journalist and historian, and Owens, archivist and manager of library services for the Chicago Zoological Society, have chronicled this evolution in captivating prose accompanied by 230 black-and-white historic images of the zoo from its opening day on July 1, 1934, through the present day.

In addition, those interested in learning more about Brookfield Zoo’s history can register to attend one of three narrated history tram tours led by Deuchler and Owens, who will also have books available for purchase. The tours include a light continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in Bocaditos restaurant, followed by an hour-long narrated tram ride around the zoo’s grounds. Tours will be offered on Saturdays, August 22, September 19, and October 3. The cost, which includes admission and parking to the zoo, is $20 for adults, $17.50 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older, and $10 for Brookfield Zoo members. For further information and to make a reservation, call (708) 688-8583.

Zoo fans can also be a part of history by contributing their own photographs of past zoo visits to an on-line scrapbook. Contributors to the scrapbook will be entered in a drawing for the chance to win a Wild Encounters package (must be 12 years or older), a one-year family membership, or one of 10 copies of “Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Zoological Society.” The deadline for submitting images is Sunday, August 2. Winners will be selected during a drawing on Aug. 3. To learn more, get official rules, and to submit your photographs visit www.czs.org/scrapbook. Select images will be published on the zoo’s Web site.

Celebrating its 75th year, Brookfield Zoo is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and managed by the Chicago Zoological Society. Its mission is to inspire 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. For further information, visit www.CZS.org.

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