From Amur tigers to polar bears and lizards to peacocks, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, received more than 200 entries for its 2012 Photo Contest. A panel of professional photographers judged the photos from which they selected a grand prize winner and first-, second-, and third-place winners in two categories—adult and children 11 and under. The winning photos are currently on display in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center lobby through the first of the year.

Dustin Frost of Downers Grove won the grand prize with his photo of an Amur leopard. He received an airline voucher for round-trip main cabin air transportation for two to any destination served directly by American Airlines or American Eagle within the Continental US48, courtesy of American Airlines.

Winners in the adult category are: Michael Kobe of Munster, IN, first place; Randolph Badiola of Schaumburg, second place; and Lyndsay Sandbothe of Homewood, third place. Frank Angileri of Downers Grove and Kathryn Larson of South Elgin each received an honorable mention.

Winners in the 11-and-under child category are: Connor Orr of Bolingbrook, first place; Chyanne Schwickerath of Neponset, second place; and Bodie Wheaton of La Grange, third place.

The Photo Contest was sponsored by American Airlines and Fisher-Price®. Photos were matted courtesy of House of Color in Countryside.


photo by Dustin Frost of Downers Grove--Grand Prize Winner


photo by Connor Orr of Bolingbrook--Child Category, First Place


photo by Chyanne Schwickerath of Neponset--Child Category, Second Place


photo by Bodie Wheaton of La Grange--Child Category, Third Place


photo by Michael Kobe of Munster, IN--Adult Category, First Place


photo by Randolph Badiola of Schaumburg--Adult Category, Second Place


photo by Lyndsay Sandbothe of Homewood--Adult Category, Third Place


photo by Frank Angileri of Downers Grove--Adult Category, Honorable Mention


photo by Kathryn Larson of South Elgin--Adult Category, Honorable Mention