From September 6-8, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is hosting a birthday celebration for a 50-year-old dolphin named Lucky, one of the oldest bottlenose dolphins at any facility accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks! The celebration will honor Lucky’s tenacity as a rescue animal and cancer survivor, and illuminate the ways in which YOU can help protect animals like Lucky from pollution in the wild.

To celebrate Lucky’s birthday, from September 6-8 guests can:  

• • Color dolphin flukes (a dolphin tail) at Hamill Family Play Zoo to bring home or wear. Guests visiting Sept. 1-5 can help create decorations, too, by coloring dolphin cut-outs at the Play Zoo that will be hung in Seven Seas’ underwater viewing area as birthday decorations. (Note: coloring activities will be subject to staffing availability.)

• • See Lucky in the spotlight during select Dolphins in Action presentations at Seven Seas and sing him Happy Birthday during the 11:30 a.m. presentations.   

• • Sign a birthday card and watch a new video about Lucky’s story in Seven Seas’ underwater viewing area.  

• • Symbolically adopt Lucky on-site during his birthday celebration through the Animal Adoption program – a limited-time opportunity for guests.  

• • Purchase a special Lucky plush toy in the Zoo’s stores and online.

• • Have a chance to win a special visit with the residents of the Seven Seas dolphinarium by donating $10 or more to the Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Annual Fund (Must be 18 years old to enter; additional details and official rules below. Must be at least 8 years old to participate in visit with dolphins.)
  
  In 1977, Lucky was rescued off the coast of Galveston, Texas, after being found entangled in a beach seine net, which was used for trout and shrimp fishing along the shoreline. Lucky was given his name because his rescuers felt he was lucky to be alive. He was taken to a zoological institution for medical attention and to recover from his injuries. However, due to his injuries and his young age, he was deemed non-releasable back to the wild.
  
  Lucky arrived at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 1990, where he continued to inspire the Zoo’s guests to better protect bottlenose dolphins in the wild. He also temporarily joined other accredited facilities over the years. In 2021, Lucky was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma – a common type of skin and oral cancer. Under the expertise of the Zoo’s animal care specialists and veterinary team, Lucky began treatment for his cancer and continues to receive top-notch veterinary care today. A sign of his tenacity, Lucky has maintained his playful and active nature throughout his rescue, rehabilitation, cancer treatments, and aging.
  
  Help us celebrate Lucky dolphin’s 50th birthday with a gift of $10 or more and have a chance to win a special visit with the residents of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Seven Seas dolphinarium! This prize includes a 60-minute guided golf cart tour of the Zoo, complimentary seats at an upcoming Dolphins in Action presentation, and an exclusive behind the scenes encounter at Seven Seas.

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Additional Details:
This prize accommodates a maximum of four (4) individuals. (Includes Zoo admission, entry to all paid attractions, and one (1) parking pass). This prize is available for redemption until 9/30/2025, after which it will no longer be valid. Value: $400.00
 
Official Rules:
Official Rules:
Only donations of $10 or more made on the www.BrookfieldZoo.org website from 12:01 a.m. (CST) on September 1 through 5:00 p.m. (CST) on September 8 are eligible for the drawing. Donors are welcome to give less than $10 but will not be included in drawings.

Tour details are subject to change. Zoo experience prizes do not include transportation to/from zoo or accommodations. Winners will be determined Monday, September 9, 2024 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Administrative Offices. Purchasers need not be present. All such purchasers not present will be notified by Facebook and/or mail/email and must respond within 14 days of receipt of notification. Noncompliance within this time period may result in disqualification, and the item will be re-drawn at random. Winners are required to hold the Zoo harmless from any injury arising from the use of items. Purchasers must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the U.S.A. and experience participants must be age 8 or older. Items are nontransferable, and any taxes and consumer-related charges are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. 
You should consult your personal tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of your purchase of any item. Fair market values of items may be obtained by calling (708) 688-8560. This is not a sweepstake.