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

Amur Leopard Cubs

The two Amur leopard cub sisters were born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago on July 14 to 6-year-old Mina and 5-year-old Sasha. They’ve recently begun to explore their outdoor habitat! The cubs are the first litter for the pair and a significant milestone in the Zoo's ongoing efforts to help save one of the world’s most endangered big cats from extinction. That’s because due to habitat loss and hunting, the global population of Amur leopards has dwindled down to less than 100 animals remaining in the wild. When you adopt through our Animal Adoption Program, you’re supporting their care here at the Zoo and Amur leopard conservation efforts worldwide!

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FEATURED CREATURES

Polar Bear Amelia Gray

Eight-year-old polar bear Amelia Gray arrived at Brookfield Zoo Chicago just this past August! Her name is a reminder of the role she plays as an ambassador for her wild counterparts, as Amelia means “defender.” Gray is a reference to one of her identifying features when young—a gray patch of fur along the left side of her neck. She can often be seen exploring her habitat, swimming, and enjoying treats. Polar bears face many threats in the wild due to habitat loss and climate change, but you can help make a difference in polar bear conservation when you adopt Amelia Gray through the Animal Adoption Program!

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FEATURED CREATURES

Western Lowland Gorilla Shango

Shango, 36, arrived at Brookfield Zoo Chicago from Zoo Miami in summer 2025 alongside his brother Barney, 31. Shango is known for his stoic expression and a distinctive hand gesture—he often appears to hold up his middle finger, the result of a past injury during play with Barney that left him unable to bend that finger. Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List). Habitat loss, poaching, and disease continue to pose major threats to wild populations. Shango and Barney’s move to Brookfield Zoo Chicago plays an important role in ongoing efforts to protect gorillas and educate the public about this species through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction Gorilla program.

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BIRDS

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MAMMALS

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AMUR LEOPARD MINA

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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

Plush Packages: These animals also have a PLUSH PACKAGE option:

Amur Leopard Cubs
Bottlenose Dolphins
Burmese Python Atticus
Gray Kangaroo Rooby and Troody
Grevy's Zebra Robin
Humboldt Penguin Empanada
Leopard Shark
Meerkats
Naked Mole Rats
Pangolins
Polar Bear Amelia Gray
Rodrigues Fruit Bat Nandor
Brown Bears Tim & Jess

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

Amur Leopard Cubs

Polar Bear Amelia Gray

Western Lowland Gorilla Shango

BIRDS

American White Pelicans

Andean Condor Maria

Bald Eagle - Zeus

Emu

Humboldt Penguin Divot

Humboldt Penguin Valentino

Parakeet

MORE BIRDS TO ADOPT

MAMMALS

AMUR LEOPARD MINA

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