News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Chicago Zoological Society, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
               Johnny Ford, Shedd Aquarium, 312.692.2743, jford@sheddaquarium.org
           
March 3, 2023
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 NOTE: Scroll to end of press release to download photos.

 
Brookfield Zoo and Shedd Aquarium Nominated in
USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards

Voting Ends March 6
 

Brookfield, Ill. — Two of Chicago’s well-known cultural institutions—Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo—have been nominated for Best Aquarium and Best Zoo, respectively, in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, and they would love your vote!

A panel of experts and an editorial team selected the 20 nominees in each category and the public is able to vote for their favorites. However, time is running out. Voting, which began in early February, concludes on Monday, March 6, at 11:59 a.m. EST. To cast your vote, go to. 10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo/brookfield-zoo-brookfield-illinois/ and 10best.com/awards/travel/best-aquarium-2023/shedd-aquarium-chicago-illinois/.

Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo, which together attract nearly 4 million guests annually, are known for their conservation efforts both locally and around the globe, education programming, and diverse collection of animals, while also providing fun and engaging experiences for their guests year-round.

Shedd Aquarium, which opened in 1930, houses more than 32,000 creatures representing 1,500 species of fish and mammals. Through its popular exhibits, including Abbott Oceanarium, Wild Reef, At Home on the Great Lakes, Caribbean Reef, and Polar Play Zone, the Aquarium provides unforgettable encounters while fulfilling its mission of sparking compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic animal world.

Opened in 1934, Brookfield Zoo has a mission of inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. With more than 2,400 mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians, representing some 500 species, guests of all ages can discover and learn about these amazing creatures while strengthening their connection to nature.

 
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Photos (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
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About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to 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 also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association. Brookfield 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.
 
About Shedd Aquarium
The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago sparks compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. Home to 32,000 aquatic animals representing 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the globe, Shedd is a recognized leader in animal care, conservation education and research. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the organization is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Park District. sheddaquarium.org  
 
 

 
 
 
 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sondra Katzen
Director of Public Relations
Office: 708-688-8351
Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
E-mail: Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org

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