Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois

The Brookfield Zoo was opened July 1st, 1934, and features more than 450 species of animals. Edith Rockefeller McCormick donated 83 acres to be used for the development of a modern zoo and with an additional gift of land from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County; the zoo soon encompassed more than 200 acres in total. Located in Brookfield, Illinois the site was formerly known as the Chicago Zoological Park, and gained international recognition for its imaginative use of moats and ditches, in lieu of cages, to showcase animals.

Through the years, the zoo continued to be a leader in innovation and built the nation's first inland dolphinarium and Tropic World, a large indoor rainforest exhibit complete with waterfalls and simulated thunderstorms. The Brookfield Zoo was also first zoo in America to exhibit giant pandas, one of which was taxidermied and then put on display at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. Today, the zoo continues to embrace four cornerstones; conservation, education, recreation and scientific study.

Among the first animals at the zoo, was Nancy an Asian elephant. Nancy spent years enthralling the public with her stunts and comical escapades. In August 1940, some 40,000 visitors showed up for a baby shower for Nancy's unborn calf, the event included a huge bed jacket, enormous birthday cake and a 400 lb. nursing bottle. Later, it was discovered that Nancy was in fact not pregnant, just putting on massive amounts of weight. Today, the zoo showcases a large herd of Asian and African elephants for visitors to enjoy.

The Brookfield Zoo also has numerous other interesting and informative displays, such as the Butterfly Exhibit, Bear Grotto, The Swamp, the Seven Seas Exhibit, Perching Bird House, the Living Coast, Australian House and the Hamill Family Play Zoo and many others. The exhibits found at Brookfield Zoo are inviting, interactive and informational.

The Zoo is home to a wide array of animals, some of which are on the verge of extinction. Visitors are treated to lush landscaping, convenient guest services, a gift shop, restaurant, picnic areas, tram rides and all areas are fully handicapped accessible. The facility is opened every day and the hours vary according to seasons, so checking in advance is recommended. Special rates are offered for youngsters and seniors and a group, parking is also available for a nominal fee.

Other exhibits are offered throughout the year and feature separate fees aside from the normal admission fees. Exhibits featured through the year are the Butterflies, Dinosaurs Alive, Dolphin Presentations and Motor Safari. Visitors will never run out of things to do and see at the Brookfield Zoo and may pick up an informative guide at Guest Services, which will help in maximizing the experience for everyone.