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 CREATURE

Nandor Rodrigues Fruit Bat

Nandor was born at San Diego Zoo Safari Park and came to Brookfield Zoo Chicago in September 2023. He descended from bats that lived at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in the 1980s and 1990s. Nandor is friendly with his animal care specialists, who describe him as a “ladies’ man” because three of our females like to hang around him.

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FEATURED CREATURE

Brumby Koala

Brumby, born at San Diego Zoo on August 22, 2022, sports a distinctive large pink spot on his nose. His name is Aboriginal, meaning ‘Wild Horse,’ inspired by his behavior of clinging to his mother’s back while she dashed around like a bucking bronco! Despite often being called bears, koalas have no relation to them. The misconception arose when
English-speaking settlers in Australia, observing koalas, mistook them for small bears. In reality, koalas are more closely related to other marsupials (pouched mammals) like wombats and kangaroos.

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FEATURED CREATURE

Willum Koala

Willum was born at San Diego Zoo on March 23, 2022. He is a little larger than Brumby, with a dark nose. His name is aboriginal, meaning “Hut.” Although many refer to koalas as bears, there is no relation. According to several sources, the misnomer occurred when English-speaking settlers observed koalas in Australia and thought the animal resembled a small bear. Koalas are more closely related to other marsupials (pouched mammals) like wombats and kangaroos.

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FEATURED CREATURE

American Flamingo

The Zoo recently welcomed four fluffy flamingos to the flock! Once fully grown at approximately 2 years old, flamingos are up to 5 feet tall, weigh between 4 and 8 pounds, and have a wingspan of about 5 feet. For now, guests can expect to see gray-feathered chicks as their pink plumage appears over time as the birds molt and mature. Consider supporting our American Flamingos through Animal Adoption at Brookfield Zoo Chicago!

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FEATURED CREATURE

Pangolins

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 the Animal Adoption summer event (ticket purchase required)

Plush Packages: These animals also have a PLUSH PACKAGE option:
American Flamingo
Bottlenose Dolphins
Gray Kangaroo Rooby and Troody
Koalas Brumby and Willum
Leopard Shark
Meerkats
Pangolins
River Otter (Charlotte)
Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth (Luigi)
Brown Bears Tim & Jess

Annual Summer Event: The annual Animal Adoption summer event is usually held on a weekend date in early August. Inviations are sent in the mail a month prior to the event. The summer event is a special night when the Zoo is open after regular hours, and a special event discount is exclusive for Animal Adoption program participants.

For 2023 purchases: Under IRS guidelines, we are required to disclose an estimate of goods or services received in return for contributions over $75. The estimated fair market value of goods and services received with the Caregiver package is $16, Partner package is $24, Advocate, Guardian, and Champion packages is $32.

The adoption packet will be mailed within two weeks of the purchase date. When quicker delivery is needed, purchase your package by phone at 708-688-8341 (be sure to request expedited processing).

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

Nandor Rodrigues Fruit Bat

Brumby Koala

Willum Koala

American Flamingo

Pangolins

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