ADOPT AN ANIMAL

When you choose to adopt an animal at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, you'll be sharing the care. In addition to contributing to their daily care, you are also helping research and conservation efforts within the Zoo and around the world.

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FEATURED CREATURES

Robin Grevy's Zebra

This July, a spindly-legged Grevy’s zebra calf was born at the Zoo to mother Nyota and father Diesel. Within the first hour of their lives, zebra calves can stand, walk, and run up to 40 miles per hour, so the new calf got plenty of exercise in the Hoofed Animals exhibit. His healthy birth marks a success for the endangered species and the Grevy’s Zebra Species Survival Plan (SSP).

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FEATURED CREATURES

Empanada Humboldt Penguin

Empanada Humboldt Penguin likes to be front and center, with a love for Penguin Encounters and a propensity to stand on the animal care specialists’ boots to ensure she is first during feedings. In the wild, the vulnerable Humboldt penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile. Brookfield Zoo Chicago studies how we can preserve the species of big personalities (like Empanada’s) and their marine-coastal ecosystem through the Punta San Juan Program.

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FEATURED CREATURES

White-Bellied Pangolin

The most obvious characteristic of pangolins is that they are covered with scales made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human fingernails and rhino horns. Demand for these scales and bushmeat poaching has led to pangolins being the most trafficked mammal in the world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago, along with several other institutions, has formed the North American Pangolin Consortium to use research to build understanding and awareness to aid in the world conservation of pangolin. Because of these programs, most of our pangolins live in off exhibit habitats and cannot be seen by zoo guests. You can help pangolins at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and around the world by adopting the pangolin today.

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BIRDS

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MORE BIRDS TO ADOPT

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MAMMALS

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Addax

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African Lion Brutus

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African Lion Titus

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African Painted Dogs

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American Bison Lucy

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Amur Leopard Sasha

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Amur Tiger Whirl

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MORE MAMMALS TO ADOPT

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REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS & OTHER

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Egyptian Tortoise

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Emperor Newt

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Gaboon Viper

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Galapagos Tortoise

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Green Tree Python

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Jamaican Iguana

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Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle - Pistachio

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MORE TO ADOPT

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ANIMAL ADOPTION info

Caring for animals and their habitats is central to Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission. A trained and dedicated staff provides the best care possible through a commitment to the health and well-being of the animals. And, adopting an animal means that you are directly contributing to their welfare. Thank you!

CHOOSE YOUR ANIMAL

Interested in adopting? Click a button above to learn more about each animal! You can also review the list of all of the available animals.

CHOOSE ADOPTION LEVEL

On each animal's page, select an option from the Adoption Care Level menu. You'll then see what special benefits are included for each level!

FINALIZE YOUR PACKAGE

Complete the order form on the selected animal's page (don't forget to indicate if it's a Gift Adoption Package!), click Add to Cart & check out.

mORE TO KNOW ABOUT animal adoption

Adoption Packages: At the FRIEND giving level ($35), you receive:
5”x 7” color photograph of selected animal in display frame
Personalized certificate of adoption
Species fact sheet
Animal Adoption program decal
Invitation to our Zoo After Dark: Animal Adoption Adventure event (ticket purchase required)

Plush Packages: These animals also have a PLUSH PACKAGE option:
American Flamingo
Bottlenose Dolphins
Gray Kangaroo Rooby and Troody
Grevy's Zebra Robin
Humboldt Penguin Empanada
Koalas Brumby and Willum
Leopard Shark
Meerkats
Pangolins
Polar Bear Hope
Brown Bears Tim & Jess

Zoo After Dark: Animal Adoption Adventure: This year, the event will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The event is a special night when the Zoo is open extended hours and Animal Adoption program participants get a special discount which is sent via email a month before the event.

For 2024 purchases: In accordance with IRS guidelines, we must disclose an estimate of goods or services received in exchange for contributions exceeding $75. The estimated fair market value of the goods and services provided with each package is as follows: $9 for the Caregiver package, $19 for the Plush Package, $13 for the Partner package, and $18 for the Advocate, Guardian, and Champion packages.

For 2025 purchases: In accordance with IRS guidelines, we must disclose an estimate of goods or services received in exchange for contributions exceeding $75. The estimated fair market value of the goods and services provided with each package is as follows: $13 for the Caregiver package, $23 for the Plush package, $20 for the Partner package, and $26 for the Advocate, Guardian, and Champion packages.

If your adopted animal is transferred to another zoo, your donation is automatically transferred to the next available animal within the species. A letter is sent to notify you of this transfer. However, you are welcome to contact the Animal Adoption program and arrange to transfer to a different animal of your choice.

A $3 convenience fee applies to Brookfield Zoo Chicago Animal Adoption online purchases.

Any questions?
Call us at (708) 688-8341 or e-mail your question to info@brookfieldzoo.org.

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

Robin Grevy's Zebra

Empanada Humboldt Penguin

White-Bellied Pangolin

BIRDS

American White Pelicans

Andean Condor Maria

Bald Eagle - Zeus

Emu

Humboldt Penguin Divot

Humboldt Penguin Valentino

Parakeet

MORE BIRDS TO ADOPT

MAMMALS

Addax

African Lion Brutus

African Lion Titus

African Painted Dogs

American Bison Lucy

Amur Leopard Sasha

Amur Tiger Whirl

MORE MAMMALS TO ADOPT

REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS & OTHER

Egyptian Tortoise

Emperor Newt

Gaboon Viper

Galapagos Tortoise

Green Tree Python

Jamaican Iguana

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle - Pistachio

MORE TO ADOPT

ANIMAL ADOPTION info

CHOOSE YOUR ANIMAL

CHOOSE ADOPTION LEVEL

FINALIZE YOUR PACKAGE

mORE TO KNOW ABOUT animal adoption

Directions

Main Entrance

South Gate Entrance