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| January 24, 2009
Media Contact: Sondra Katzen Brookfield Zoo 708/688-8351 Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org |
Note: Images for any of the events listed are available by calling the Chicago Zoological Society’s Public Relations Department at (708) 688-8351 or emailing sondra.katzen@czs.org. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration January 19 (Monday) The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is inviting the public to join in a celebration in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 19, in the zoo’s Discovery Center from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lewis Diuguid, vice president for community resources at the Kansas City Star and certified diversity facilitator, will give an engaging presentation during the event. Diuguid has been a journalist for 30 years and has been involved in the newspaper’s diversity initiative since 1993. His column focuses on diversity and other community issues. His most recent book, Discovering the Real America: Toward a More Perfect Union, offers solutions to discovering the richness in America through the diversity of its people in spite of the obstacles of privilege, racism, and discrimination. In honor of this special day, admission to Brookfield Zoo is FREE on January 19. Parking is $8. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Dog Sledding Demonstrations January 25 (Sunday) Bundle up the family and head to Brookfield Zoo to see the Green Valley Dog Drivers as the organization’s members and four-legged friends demonstrate dog sledding. Two teams of four to six canines each will put on demonstrations every half hour on the zoo’s West Mall between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There also will be a dog training demonstration with a zookeeper and one of the zoo’s trusty companions in front of Hamill Family Play Zoo at 1:00 p.m. and a special Zoo Chat about Mexican gray wolves at Regenstein Wolf Woods beginning at 2:00 p.m. In addition, Play Partners will have a variety of winter-themed activities for youngsters at the Play Zoo. Plus, Woof-Field Gifts will be open so you can stock up on items for your dog and other pets. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Groundhog Day February 2 (Monday) Find out if spring will arrive early or if there will be six more weeks of wintry weather during the annual Groundhog Day celebration at Brookfield Zoo beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Children’s Zoo. Cloudy and Tumbleweed, two of the zoo’s resident furry meteorologists, will be the center of attention as they are coaxed out of their winter digs with a nutritious sweet potato cake made especially for them. And just in case the two forecasters do not feel like poking their heads out of their cozy quarters, guests can view Stormy, Children’s Zoo’s third resident groundhog, in the Big Barn. Afterwards, zoogoers can join in a Groundhog Day parade and participate in groundhog-themed craft activities at Hamill Family Play Zoo. Groundhog Day activities are free with regular zoo admission. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Valentine’s Day Dinner at Brookfield Zoo February 14 (Saturday) This Valentine’s Day treat your sweetie to a special dinner with all the trimmings at Brookfield Zoo. The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Seven Seas underwater gallery, where couples can enjoy a spectacular view of the zoo’s bottlenose dolphins. Afterwards, guests can board a cozy, heated bus for a ride to Bocaditos restaurant, where the zoo’s executive chef will have prepared a lovely, candlelit dinner of lobster and filet mignon with accompaniments and a delicious dessert. Couples can enjoy the remainder of the evening with dancing until midnight. The price is $225 per couple, including tax and gratuity. For reservations and more information on this unforgettable evening event, visit www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355. National Pig Day March 1 (Sunday) Hoof it over to Brookfield Zoo and join in the annual celebration for one of the most intelligent farmyard animals—the pig. In Children’s Zoo, guests can enjoy great pork-formances by resident porcines Harley and Penelope as they demonstrate some of their trained behaviors in their outdoor yards at 1:00 p.m. Afterwards, join in the National Pig Day parade, led by the zoo’s very own pig costumed character. The parade begins outside Children’s Zoo and concludes at Hamill Family Play Zoo, where guests of all ages can participate in pig-themed crafts and activities, including mud play, making pig puppets they can take home, playing a scent game while learning about pigs, and listening to pig-related stories. National Pig Day activities are free with regular zoo admission. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Spring Lecture Series: Children in Nature “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder” March 18 (Wednesday) Richard Louv, a journalist who turned into an international advocate for getting children back in touch with nature, will present an enlightening talk based on his most recent book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Louv, the Chicago Zoological Society’s 2009 Conservation Medal recipient, uses his articles, books, and speeches to inspire a rapidly growing, national movement of parents, schools, caregivers, and communities to provide opportunities for children to play outdoors, where their natural curiosity fosters learning and appreciation of nature. His research shows that nature deficit can be tied to disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention-deficit disorders, and depression. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in Riverside-Brookfield High School, which is adjacent to Brookfield Zoo’s south gate entrance. The cost is $16 ($13 for zoo members). For more information or to make reservations, go to www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8297. Dinosaurs Alive!—Temporary Exhibit April-October 2009 Step back in time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth 65 to 200 million years ago at Brookfield Zoo’s exciting new temporary multisensory exhibit—Dinosaurs Alive!—featuring 18 animatronic dinosaurs. The largest of these pre-historic creatures measuring nearly 30 feet high and 60 feet long is the Ruyang Yellow River dinosaur and replicates the world’s largest species that was discovered in China in 2007. It will be prominently showcased at the perimeter of the zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain for all guests to view. Sixteen of the life-sized dinosaurs will be in a “Mesozoic” forest setting (separate admission applies). Guests will be able to get up close-up views with dinos ranging from 10-foot-tall “babies” to 30-foot-long carnivores. The lifelike dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Pteranodon, are fleshy to the touch and have sound and up to eight different sinuous movements. Guests will be able to manipulate four of the dinosaurs on the pathway from remote control consoles. Along the winding trail will be interpretive signs and zoo educators to enhance the story of these prehistoric wonders. The exhibit also will feature two dig sites, one a replica site located at the exhibit. The other will be located on the zoo’s East Mall and will be interactive, allowing “junior paleontologists” to unearth replica artifacts. Also on the mall, guests can remember their visit to Dinosaurs Alive! and have their photo taken with a Protoceratops in front of a desert scene backdrop. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Ape Awareness Month April 2009 The Chicago Zoological Society is highlighting some of Brookfield Zoo’s special creatures—orangutans, western lowland gorillas, and white-cheeked gibbons—during Ape Awareness Month. While in the zoo’s Tropic World exhibit, guests can learn some interesting facts about the primates during special Zoo Chats. In addition, volunteers will engage zoogoers in a variety of ape-themed activities along the exhibit’s walkways. For further details and dates of events, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Breakfast with the Bunny April 4 and 11 (Saturdays) and April 5 (Sunday) Hop over to Brookfield Zoo and enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet at Breakfast with the Bunny. Seatings are offered at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Held in the zoo’s Discovery Center, the breakfast will feature a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny costumed characters, as well as some furry critters from Children’s Zoo. The cost, which includes admission to the zoo, is $36 for adults and $24.50 for children 3-11 ($26 and $18.50 for zoo members). Children 2 and under eat for free. Seating is limited, so visit www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355 to make reservations or for further information. Easter Brunch April 12 (Sunday) An egg-stravagant all-you-can-eat buffet awaits guests at the Easter Brunch at Brookfield Zoo. Families can enjoy a relaxing meal in the zoo’s Discovery Center and then take a leisurely stroll through the park to see their favorite animals. Seatings are offered at 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. During the event, there will be opportunities for photos with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny costumed characters and a chance to meet some furry critters from Children’s Zoo. The cost is $47 for adults and $33 for children 3-11 (zoo members pay $37 and $27). Children 2 and under eat for free. Seating is limited, so visit www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355 to make reservations or for further information. Spring Lecture Series: Children in Nature “Ecological Identity in Childhood” April 14 (Tuesday) Our relationship with the natural world begins in childhood and plays a key role in shaping our identity. Dr. Ruth Wilson, who has been involved in young children’s environmental education for more than 20 years and has authored several books on the subject, including Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments, will present an inspiring talk. During her presentation, she will share approaches for how adults can support children in developing a healthy relationship with the natural world. The lecture, held in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center, will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. The cost is $16 ($13 for zoo members). For more information or to make reservations, go to www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8297. Nights in the Wild Dinners at Brookfield Zoo April 17, June 19, August 21, and October 16 (Fridays) Experience a unique dinner on the wild side at one of the Nights in the Wild dinners at Brookfield Zoo. The dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in one of the zoo’s exhibits, where guests can view a variety of animals and learn some interesting facts from a zookeeper. Afterwards, diners will be taken to either Bocaditos restaurant or The Pavilions, the zoo’s outdoor venue, for a themed all-you-can-eat buffet prepared by the zoo’s executive chef. For reservations and more information, including prices, visit www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355. The Whirl—“Diamonds of the Wild” April 25 (Saturday) Support the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, at its annual fund-raising gala. The black-tie event will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Seven Seas, followed by dinner and dancing in the main dinner tent on the zoo’s East Mall. Proceeds from the 28th annual Whirl will benefit the care of the animals at Brookfield Zoo, as well as the Society’s education and conservation programs. Tickets are $600 per person. For further information, contact (312) 553-2000. Party for the Planet and Kite Festival May 3 (Sunday) The Chicago Zoological Society’s mission is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature, and what better way to do this than at Brookfield Zoo’s Earth Day extravaganza sponsored in part by Fisher-Price! The event will have everyone thinking “green” with Earth-themed activities, including music, games, crafts for kids, and other entertainment throughout the day. In addition, this year's Party for the Planet celebration will include a Kite Festival, featuring professional fliers who will be flying their kites on the zoo's East Mall. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Mother’s Day Brunch May 10 (Sunday) This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a special outing to Brookfield Zoo. Start the day with a delectable all-you-can-eat buffet prepared by the zoo’s executive chef. Seatings are offered at 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Then enjoy the park while strolling along the walkways and through the exhibit buildings to see her favorite animals. The cost, which includes admission to the zoo, is $47 for adults and $33 for children 3-11 (zoo members pay $37 and $27). Children 2 and under eat for free. Seating is limited, so visit www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355 to make reservations or for further information. Spring Lecture Series: Children in Nature “Naturalizing Childhood through Design: Engaging Children with Nature in Everyday Life” May 20 (Wednesday) Dr. Robin Moore, renowned landscape designer and design researcher, and Dr. Nilda Cosco, educational psychologist, are the leading experts in integrating environmental design and child development. As cofounders of the Natural Learning Initiative at North Carolina State University, they have collaborated with educators, designers, play leaders, community planners, and politicians to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experiences of all children. During a joint presentation, Moore and Cosco will discuss design strategies for creating nature play spaces in parks, neighborhoods, playgrounds, childcare centers, and schoolyards. This informative talk will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center. The cost, which includes a wine and cheese reception, is $16 ($13 for zoo members). For more information or to make reservations, go to www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8297. Zoo Tunes Sundays in June, July, and August (exact dates TBA) This summer, grab your lawn chair and head to Brookfield Zoo for some live entertainment on the zoo’s East Mall. Zoo Tunes, presented by Bank of America, will feature a lineup of musical performances for guests of all ages. For exact dates and scheduled bands, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Father’s Day Barbecue June 21 (Sunday) Make Dad’s special day a memorable one at Brookfield Zoo. Enjoy a relaxing all-you-can-eat barbecue held at noon in The Pavilions, followed by a walk through the beautifully landscaped zoo grounds. The cost is $47 for adults and $33 for children 3-11 ($37 and $27 for zoo members). Children 2 and under eat for free. Seating is limited, so visit www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355 to make reservations or for further information. Brookfield Zoo’s 75h Anniversary July (events TBA) Fiesta para Todos September 19-20 (Saturday-Sunday) Bring la familia to Brookfield Zoo and join in a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The “party for all,” which is sponsored in part by Fisher-Price, features the unique cultures, arts, and animals of South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Activities include special animal Zoo Chats, traditional folkloric dance, music, food, and more. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Boo! at the Zoo October 17-18 and 24-25 (Saturdays-Sundays) Not-too-scary fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration. From professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, special animal Zoo Chats, scarecrow making and other craft activities to a costume parade, costume showcase, and haunted hayrides, there is something for everyone. Spook-tacular activities begin at 11:00 a.m. each day. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Wines in the Wild October 24 (Saturday) Sample wines from around the world while supporting the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation and education programs. Hosted by the Society’s Women’s Board, the wine tasting event will be held in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. During the evening fund-raiser, a live and silent auction will also take place. The cost is $100 per person and includes zoo admission, parking, and a commemorative wine glass. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8670. Veterans Day November 11 (Wednesday) Join Chicago Zoological Society staff at Brookfield Zoo for a special recognition ceremony to honor those who have proudly served our nation. The event will feature the placing of a memorial wreath at the zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain, a chorus of the National Anthem, and a visit by the zoo’s bald eagle. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Community and Corporate Tree Trim November 21-22 (Saturday-Sunday) Get in the holiday spirit and have your community organization or corporation help deck the malls at Brookfield Zoo in preparation for its annual Holiday Magic festival. Groups decorate balsam fir trees with their homemade ornaments between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day. The zoo supplies the lights and signage on who decorated and who donated each tree. For further information, including pricing and ornament guidelines, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Breakfast with Santa December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 (Saturdays-Sundays) Bring the family to Brookfield Zoo for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet featuring a special visit from Santa Claus, who will listen to everyone’s wish list. Breakfast seatings are offered at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. and will be held in the zoo’s Discovery Center. The cost, which includes zoo admission, is $36 for adults and $24.50 for children 3-11 (zoo members pay $26 and $18.50). Children 2 and under eat for free. The breakfasts are sponsored in part by Fisher-Price. For reservations and more information, go to www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355. Holiday Brunch December 6, 13, and 20 (Sundays) Enjoy a relaxing holiday brunch at Brookfield Zoo. The delicious, all-you-can-eat buffet will feature carved meats, cooked-to-order omelets, assorted seafood, and bountiful sweets. Santa will make a special appearance, delighting youngsters and spreading holiday cheer. The cost for the brunch, which includes zoo admission, is $47 for adults and $33 for children 3-11 ($37 and $27 for zoo members). Children 2 and under eat for free. Seatings are offered at 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and are limited. For reservations and more information, go to www.CZS.org or call the Catered Events Department at (708) 688-8355. Holiday Magic December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 (Saturdays-Sundays), 26-31 (Saturday-Thursday) Gather family and friends and head to Brookfield Zoo for the 28th annual Holiday Magic. The festive event, which takes place from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., features nearly one million twinkling colored lights, a laser light show, singing to the animals, professional ice-carving demonstrations, the Elf Express mini train, celebrity storytellers, live musical and dance performances, magicians, visits with Santa Claus (through December 21) and costumed characters, and much more! Many exhibits will be open so that guests can view their favorite animals. Also, the zoo’s gift shops will be open for those who want to do holiday shopping. And, the restaurants will feature full menus and holiday treats. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Zoo Year’s Eve Celebration December 31 (Thursday) Zoogoers attending Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic can ring in 2010 at a special Zoo Year’s Eve celebration. The fun begins in the Holly Jolly Theater at 6:00 p.m. with festive music, games, and prizes. An early countdown for families will take place at 8:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. (Dates and times are subject to change without notice. All special events are sponsored by American Airlines.) Brookfield Zoo is open every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, zoo hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Indoor animal exhibits close a half hour before the zoo closes.) On Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the zoo is open until 7:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Admission to the zoo is free on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in January and February; and from October through December, admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tickets to Brookfield Zoo may be purchased online at www.CZS.org. From early spring through late fall, Brookfield Zoo also offers an All-in-One Ticket, which includes general admission, as well as discount admission to the zoo’s many attractions. Parking is $8 for cars and $10.75 for buses. (A Cook County parking tax is included.) The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located off First Avenue 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. |