News Release

Contact: Kelsey Ryan, Public Relations, 708.688.8453, kelsey.ryan@brookfieldzoo.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2024

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Honors Inspiring Recipients
at Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner

Brookfield, Ill. – Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Board of Trustees and Women’s Board hosted its annual Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner on Monday, October 7, 2024. During the evening, recipients were honored for their collective impact and commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The fundraiser, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, raised nearly $337,550 to help fuel the Zoo’s conservation, education and animal programs.

The annual dinner honors individuals who embody Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to connect, care, and conserve. This year’s awardees are dedicated to protecting wildlife globally, fostering community engagement with nature, and supporting the Zoo, local Forest Preserves, and vital research that benefits animals and their ecosystems.

Award categories and honorees included:

The Corwith Hamill Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award is awarded to an individual or family with a strong commitment to local, national, and international conservation efforts. It honors the legacy of Corwith Hamill, who served on the zoo’s board for 60 years. This year’s recipients were Ann and John Grube, who have a long history with Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Ann Grube was a founding member of the Zoo’s Women’s Board and helped to create several fundraising events that are crucial to supporting Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission. John Grube has served on the Chicago Zoological Society Board since 1988. In his six-year term as chair, John focused on enhancing Zoo exhibits and making Brookfield Zoo Chicago accessible to anyone wanting to learn more about the natural world.

The Edith Rockefeller McCormick Partnership Award celebrates the vital role that partners play in advancing the Zoo's mission. It honors Edith Rockefeller McCormick's pioneering spirit and philanthropy that laid the foundation for what is Brookfield Zoo Chicago today. The award was presented to the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Known for its philanthropic work in various sectors, the foundation has provided grants to support Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running dolphin conservation research program. Thanks to the foundation’s contributions, Brookfield Zoo Chicago can engage and educate the public while also contributing to the preservation of endangered species and natural habitats both locally and globally.

The Rising Conservation Leader Award honors individuals under 40 who have shown exceptional talent and dedication in the conservation field or have made significant contributions to Brookfield Zoo Chicago early in their careers. The award was presented to Dr. Laura Adamovicz, wildlife veterinarian and co-director of the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, as well as Senior Research Scientist in the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Adamovicz collaborates closely with Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s veterinary team on crucial wildlife conservation projects, particularly focusing on turtle conservation within the Forest Preserves.

The George B. Rabb Conservation Medal celebrates an individual who has made significant contributions to protecting the environment and supporting conservation and animal welfare around the globe. It honors Dr. George Rabb, the Zoo’s Director from 1976 to 2004 and president emeritus, who was a champion for scientific research, naturalistic environments for animals at the zoo, animal nutrition, and species conservation. The medal was awarded to Arnold Randall, who was previously General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Focusing on conservation and restoration, he expanded active restoration efforts from 1,500 acres to 15,000 acres, with a goal of reaching 30,000 acres. He is also Executive Director of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, continuing to strengthen partnership with Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Through his leadership, Randall established a lasting culture of efficiency, transparency and accountability within the Forest Preserves.

PHOTOS:
High-res photos from the evening are available for download:
https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/rmU851cIEu
(Credit: Brookfield Zoo Chicago)

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About Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Celebrating 90 years as a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, Brookfield Zoo Chicago inspires conservation leadership by igniting emotional connections for people with wildlife and nature, locally and globally. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species, including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org.

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago Honors Inspiring Recipients
at Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago Honors Inspiring Recipients at Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Honors Inspiring Recipients
at Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner