News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
August 4, 2021
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 NOTE: Download photos and event logos at end of press release.

 
Brookfield Zoo's Calendar of Events
August-December 2021
 

Dinos Everywhere!
Now through September 6, 2021
The zoo’s popular Dinos Everywhere!, sponsored by Meijer, returns for a limited time through September 6, 2021. A few surprises will be featured on some of the 40 animatronic dinosaurs to make them even more lifelike. Located throughout the 216-acre park, zoogoers will be able to see their favorite dinosaurs, including the Argentinosaurus that measures 110 feet in length and stands three-stories tall on the zoo’s West Mall. Additionally, search for replica artifacts in the dino dig boxes and go on a Dino Hunt to find all 12 miniature brachiosaurus named Benita along the dinosaur trail, both sponsored by JULIE, Inc. Guests can download the zoo’s map at CZS.org/ZooMap to see where all the animatronic dinos are located. The exhibit was created by Don Lessum, advisor to the movie “Jurassic Park” and is on loan from Dino Don, Inc. and The Wildlife Conservation Society. Dinos Everywhere! is free with zoo admission.
 
First Responders Day
August 15 (Sunday)
Show your appreciation for local, county, and state law enforcement personnel during a meet and greet at Brookfield Zoo. From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., representatives from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs along with their K9 officers will be stationed around Roosevelt Fountain and the plaza south of The Carousel to interact with guests.
 
ZooBrew
August 28 (Saturday)
ZooBrew, sponsored by Hop Valley, is on tap at Brookfield Zoo for guests 21 and over. Enjoy samplings from a selection of over 80 beers, lagers, and ales at the 10th annual beer-tasting event. Beer enthusiasts can choose from three tasting options—half session ($40) from noon to 2 p.m., full session ($60) from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., or a VIP session ($95) from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Designated driver tickets, featuring unlimited soft drinks, are also available for each session. All tickets include commemorative swag and admission to the zoo, allowing plenty of time to see your favorite animals. VIP attendees also receive exclusive samplings of select specialty brews, food, and visits with animal ambassadors. Children are not allowed in the event area. Photo ID is required upon entry. For additional information and to make reservations, visit CZS.org/ZooBrew2021.

Brookfield Zoo Run
September 12 (Sunday)
Whether you’re fast like a cheetah or prefer a more leisurely stroll like a tortoise, Brookfield Zoo Run fits all paces. The fun-filled event, presented by Aquafina and Gatorade and sponsored by DuPage Medical Group, features a chip-timed 5k race and a chip-timed 1-mile race for kids ages 4-13. The 5k, which begins at 8:30 a.m., costs $35-$45 depending on registration date. The 1-mile race for youngsters follows at 9:30 a.m. and costs $25. Each runner will receive a sling backpack, bib containing timing chip, and snacks and beverages. Make it a full day at the zoo—bring family and friends in for free to cheer you on and visit the animals after the races! Proceeds from the event will go towards the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund. To register and for further information, go to CZS.org/ZooRun2021.
 
Howl: Helping Our WildLife
September 18 (Saturday)
Join young professionals for an evening at Brookfield Zoo’s Habitat Africa! The Savannah and Great Bear Wilderness to learn how to get involved with the Chicago Zoological Society’s (CZS) Associates. These dedicated volunteers share an interest in animals and conservation. As Society ambassadors, they support CZS through fundraising events, conservation education, and advocating public awareness for the animals at Brookfield Zoo, as well as its research, fieldwork, and education programs. Associates provide an essential role in assisting CZS and its future. Tickets to the inaugural event, which includes hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, are $100 for general admission and $150 for VIP admission. Proceeds from this fun and informative evening will benefit the Society’s animal care and welfare initiatives as well as its conservation and education programs. To register, go to CZS.org/HOWL2021.

Oktoberfest at Brookfield Zoo
September 25-26 (Saturday-Sunday)
Zoogoers can toss on their lederhosen and enjoy live polka music at the Beer Garden from 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. on Brookfield Zoo’s East Mall, and celebrate Oktoberfest presented by Leinenkugel. The event is free with general admission. Available for purchase will be Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest beer and a seasonal menu with bratwurst, sausages, pretzels with beer cheese, and more. Spot the Leinie’s mobile pedi-cab, and if you're over 21, you may just get your hands on some complimentary memorabilia.

Boo! at the Zoo
October 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24 (Saturdays-Sundays)
Families can have a howling good time at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration. Don your favorite costume and take memorable snapshots at the many Halloween-themed photo frames and vignettes, including the new Howl-O-Scene. Backdrops feature pumpkins, bales of hay, black cat cutouts, and more! Afterwards, find your way through the Craized Maize corn maze on the Zoo’s West Mall or take a spin on the Creepy Carousel. Youngsters will receive sweet treats courtesy of Ferrara Candy as they exit the park. For more information, visit CZS.org/Events.
 
Brookfield Zoo Skating Rink
Opens November 13
Lace up your skates and head to Brookfield Zoo this fall and winter season—the Zoo’s Skating Rink opens November 13. Located on the East Mall, the rink is made of a synthetic plastic known as Glice®. So even if the weather is unseasonably warm, there’s no need to worry about it melting. The 40-foot x 80-foot rink is open Saturdays and Sundays. It will also be open during the zoo’s Holiday Magic, from 3 to 9 p.m. The cost for unlimited time on the rink for all skaters is $7. A limited number of skates are available to rent for a $5 fee. Skaters are welcome to bring their own skates. For more information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.
 
Tree Trim
November 13-14 (Saturday-Sunday)
Help deck Brookfield Zoo’s malls and around its Roosevelt Fountain for the holiday season. Chicago area organizations, families, and corporations can sponsor a pre-lit tree and have fun decorating it with their handmade or purchased ornaments. The cost, which includes signage and a limited number of admission and parking passes for Tree Trim days, is $200 ($175 if purchased between September 1-30) for a community tree and $525 for a corporate tree. For more information and to register beginning September 1, visit CZS.org/TreeTrim.
 
Reindeer Run
November 20 (Saturday)
Get a sneak peek of Brookfield Zoo all lit up for the holidays while participating in the Reindeer Run, presented by ALDI and sponsored by Revolution Brewing. This fun-filled event features a 2-mile “fun run” or walking course adorned with more than one million LED lights. Participants can also enjoy a spin on The Carousel, and there will be a selection of food and beverages available for purchase. Registered participants, who are 21 or older, will receive a complimentary beer, courtesy of Revolution Brewing. Registration for Reindeer Run is $30 per person. The non-competitive run will kick-off at 7 p.m. in front of the Pavilions. Registrants should enter the zoo via the North Gate. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information and to register beginning September 13, visit www.CZS.org/ReindeerRun.
 
Holiday Magic
November 26-28 and December 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, and 26-31
Enjoy the festive season with family and friends at Brookfield Zoo’s 40th annual Holiday Magic, presented by ComEd and Meijer. Zoogoers can stroll along the walkways, lit with more than one million twinkling LED lights. Memorable photos are waiting to be taken inside the new illuminated gingerbread house or the ever-popular luminous 20-foot-tall orb. Guests can walk through the 600-foot-long Tunnel of Lights, or pose for a selfie next to the Santa Claus cutout. The Zoo’s West Mall will be aglow with the new “Sea of Lights,” featuring a colorful display created with lights measuring one mile long. Inside the North Gate, be dazzled by the 41-foot-tree as it “dances” to choreographed music. Guests can also view more than 600 decorated community and corporate trees along the malls and around Roosevelt Fountain. Several animal areas will be open, including dolphin presentations at 4 and 6 p.m. In addition, restaurants will be open as well as gift shops offering an array of unique items. Both guests and zoo members must secure admission and parking tickets in advance of arriving at the Zoo. Reservation times will be available in 20-minute increments. Reserve tickets at CZS.org/OnlineTicketing. For additional information, visit CZS.org/Events.
  
 
Admission to Brookfield Zoo is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for senior 65 and over. Parking is $15.
 
Brookfield Zoo’s hours are:

  • Now through September 6, the zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • September 7 to October 24, the zoo is open  weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Beginning October 25, the zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Holiday Magic dates, hours are from 3 to 9 p.m.

 

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Photos--credit CZS-Brookfield Zoo

2762: ZooBrew
3645: ZooBrew
3791: ZooBrew
ZooBrew logo


5501: Brookfield Zoo Run
Brookfield Zoo Run logo

HOWL logo

X5A5412: Boo! at the Zoo
5667: Boo! at the Zoo
8686: Boo! at the Zoo

8269: Skating Rink
8313: Skating Rink

6513: Tree Trim

0018: Reindeer Run
0203: Reindeer Run
0335: Reindeer Run

 

07: Holiday Magic
64: Holiday Magic
72: Holiday Magic
1267: Holiday Magic
6428: Holiday Magic
8764: Holiday Magic


About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities 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. The zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, and CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sondra Katzen
Media Relations Manager
Office: 708-688-8351
Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
E-mail: Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org

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