Fluttering butterflies, big cats, graceful giraffes, primates, and bears were among nearly 400 photos submitted in the Chicago Zoological Society’s 2008 Photo Contest. A panel of professional photographers had the tough assignment of selecting a grand prize winner, as well as first-, second-, and third-place winners in the adult and child categories. A reception for the winning photographers was held at Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center lobby in October. The winning photos will be on display at the Discovery Center through November 18, 2008.

The grand prize winner was a photo of Nadaya, one of Brookfield Zoo’s western lowland gorillas, taken by Mark Bates of New Lenox. He received round-trip airline vouchers for two by American Airlines. The Photo Contest was sponsored by American Airlines, Fisher-Price®, Holiday Camera, and Canon. Photos were matted courtesy of House of Color in Countryside.


Grand Prize Winner
Mark Bates
New Lenox, IL
  Children's Category
 Adult Category
 
1st Place
Chelsea Doyle
Brookfield, IL
  
1st Place
Carrie Ranta
Merrillville, IN

  2nd Place
Dominic Williams
Schaumburg, IL

  
2nd Place
Fran Pones
LaGrange Park, IL
 
3rd Place
Tom Ridge
Geneva, IL
  
3rd Place
Tom Morris
Bartlett, IL
 
Honorable Mention
Kalie Mae Seatter
Skokie, IL
 
Honorable Mention
Lauren Myers
Cary, IL