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A Zoo for all
Access & Inclusion at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

INCLUSION IS IN OUR NATURE
At Brookfield Zoo Chicago , we believe in building an inclusive conservation movement and cultivating holistic approaches to our programming. Through our Zoo for All initiative, we strive to provide opportunities that bring meaningful experiences to all guests. We recognize that up to 20% of our guests have some level of disability and we are committed to providing innovative engagement opportunities for everyone.

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LIFE & WORK SKILLS

Brookfield Zoo Chicago provides programs that train individuals with disabilities for employment and volunteer opportunities. Some of these programs include:

Good Works
In partnership with the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE) and Riverside-Brookfield High School, the Good Works program helps currently enrolled high school students with disabilities develop job skills for the future by placing them in internship positions at Hamill Family Play Zoo where they are trained to help with a variety of different tasks including greeting guests, prep work, refreshing play settings, and organizing donated recyclables.

inclusion in programming

With the guidance of on-staff inclusion specialists, we continually work to create inclusive opportunities within our current programs whenever possible. We continue to assess and revise our zoo programs and exhibits to better serve guests with disabilities.

Zoo Camp
At Zoo Camp, we remove barriers so all children can participate, regardless of ability. This means that children with and without disabilities and special needs are participating together in camp activities. Zoo Camp provides reasonable accommodations so activities can be adapted to individual needs and abilities. We are pleased to have a dedicated inclusion specialist on staff who trains and supports our camp counselor staff in providing inclusive experiences and making sure the zoo is for all campers.

GUEST EXPERIENCES

SENSORY FRIENDLY FAMILY ROOM
Located in Hamill Family Play Zoo, this quiet space provides a low-sensory environment and a calming atmosphere. It includes a variety of fidgets, sensory-support materials, comfortable seating, and dimmable lights.

RESOURCE CENTER
Also located in Hamill Family Play Zoo, this resource center provides guests with resources, items, and materials that help enhance their experience here at the zoo. Resources include visual schedules, social stories, noise-reducing headphones, magazines, articles, and more.

GUEST EXPERIENCES

ZOO ACCESSIBILITY
Brookfield Zoo Chicago makes a concerted effort to make its grounds, pathways, buildings, exhibits, and programs accessible to all visitors. The information contain in our Accessibility Guide will be helpful in answering your questions. The staff and volunteers of Brookfield Zoo Chicago welcome everyone and are happy to answer your questions during your visit.

BZC CARE KITS
These complimentary kits are available at the North and South Guest Relations booths and are designed for guests with sensory disabilities and include visual schedule books, noise-reducing headphones, name tags, "if lost" ID bracelets, and stickers. Large-print maps with access information are also available to give you special instructions before entering the park. To learn more about our accessible amenities, visit our Accessibility page.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EVENTS

Our animal ambassadors and program staff provide community-based opportunities for people with disabilities to interact with animals. We also provide complimentary Brookfield Zoo Chicago visits and events for schools and organizations serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Visit our Events page to find out more information about these opportunities.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago also provides a limited amount of complimentary admission tickets to non-profit 501c3 community groups, organizations, and partners. If your non-profit organization would like to make a request for tickets, please visit our Ticket Request page for more details.

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Access and Inclusion at the Hamill Family Play Zoo was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant # MA-10-16-0053-16.

Our Partners in Zoo for All:
We are grateful to all of our community partners who contribute their time, resources, and expertise to help us grow and enhance our Zoo for All initiative.

A Zoo for all
Access & Inclusion at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

LIFE & WORK SKILLS

inclusion in programming

GUEST EXPERIENCES

GUEST EXPERIENCES

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EVENTS

CURRENT BZC MAP

WALKING MAP

QUIET SPACE LOCATION MAP

LARGE PRINT/SERVICE ANIMAL MAP

Directions

North Gate Main Entrance

South Gate Entrance

A Zoo for all Access & Inclusion at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

LIFE & WORK SKILLS

inclusion in programming

GUEST EXPERIENCES

GUEST EXPERIENCES

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EVENTS

CURRENT BZC MAP

WALKING MAP

QUIET SPACE LOCATION MAP

LARGE PRINT/SERVICE ANIMAL MAP

A Zoo for all
Access & Inclusion at Brookfield Zoo Chicago