Chicago Zoological Society

Care and Well-Being
When the Chicago Zoological Society opened Brookfield Zoo in 1934, care of the animals was paramount. Exhibits were designed and built to offer unique and special opportunities for people to observe the magnificent animals and also for keepers to be able to provide the best possible care for all of the creatures in their new homes. During the 72 years since that time, innovations in animal care and exhibitry have changed the daily operations at Brookfield Zoo and other zoos worldwide.

Today, the Chicago Zoological Society is creating a groundbreaking Center for the Science of Animal Well-Being—a first for zoos in North America. The Center will be dedicated to providing the best possible comprehensive care for every animal, every day at Brookfield Zoo—and at zoos and aquariums around the world.

The fundamental elements of the Center will include:

A Team Approach—CZS will engage in significant collaboration among the scientists and husbandry management staff at Brookfield Zoo, as well as with scientists at other zoos, aquariums, museums, and universities to promote sound research for the benefit of species and the care of individual animals.

Modern Systems—CZS will integrate internal systems, by both electronic databases and logs and the addition of a data manager to facilitate the flow of data across systems. An industry-leading group of scientists also will work in collaboration with colleagues throughout the world-wide zoo community to develop collective databases that promote information sharing on individual animals and species.

Respect and Compassion—CZS will ensure that every aspect of Brookfield Zoo’s operations respects, protects, and promotes the well-being of all of the animals in our care.

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