News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
July 11, 2018
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Note: Images of snake species that can be seen at Brookfield Zoo may be downloaded below:
Ball-Python.jpg
Boa-Constrictor.jpg
Corn-Snake.jpg
Garter Snake.jpg
Jamaican-Boa.jpg
Reticulated-Python.jpg

Celebrate World Snake Day at Brookfield Zoo

     Brookfield, Ill. -Snake lovers can slither their way to Brookfield Zoo on Monday, July 16, to celebrate World Snake Day. Activities for the entire family will be taking place between 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Brookfield Zoo is home to more than 100 snakes ranging in size from a few inches to almost 16 feet in length. Animal care staff aims to shine a positive spotlight on snakes and educate zoogoers about their importance, especially to those who may not be fans of these reptiles or have ophidiophobia, which is the fear of snakes. “We should care about all of nature, not just the cute and cuddly. Snakes, many of which are endangered, provide essential rodent control throughout the world,” said Andy Snider, curator of herps and aquatics for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo.

This scale-filled day encourages guests to confront their fears and come face to face with many different species of snakes. During the event, there will be Zoo Chats, where guests can get up close to and even touch several snake species.  At 10:30 a.m., guests will have the opportunity to view the zoo’s largest snake resident—a reticulated python—being weighed and measured outside of Reptiles and Birds. From the largest to some of the smallest snakes at the zoo, guests can venture over to The Swamp at 11:30 a.m. to see and learn about recently hatched/born gray-banded kingsnake and Jamaican boa babies. Then, just outside the entrance to Hamill Family Play Zoo, guests can meet Atticus, a Burmese python, at noon.

To remember their zoo visit on World Snake Day, guests can have a photo taken with Millie, a costumed character massasauga rattlesnake. What better way to face one’s fear of snakes than be pictured with one! A snake parade will commence at 1:45 p.m. outside of Hamill Family Play Zoo. Afterwards, guests can help decorate pillowcases—the preferred mode used to transport the snakes.

Joining in the celebration will be the zoo’s volunteer educators, who will engage guests in a snake-themed craft activity and have a variety of biofacts on display, including shedded snake skins. They will also share the beneficial role snakes play in our lives.

World Snake Day activities are free with zoo admission—$21.95 for adults and $15.95 for children 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and over. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Parking is $14. Brookfield Zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield.
 

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About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people 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. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, 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 CZS.org.