Brookfield Zoo Chicago

With the shift of seasons, our veterinary teams recently began conducting health assessments of local raptors, like hawks and owls, living in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Brookfield Zoo Chicago teams serve as veterinarians for wildlife beyond the Zoo’s gates, evaluating the health of local animals to inform wildlife conservation strategies. This critical work helps track the health of raptor species while residing in Cook County, often before they undergo migrations across the globe.

Join us in celebrating our fourth and final speaker for Native American Heritage Month: Jessus Karst! Jessus is a citizen of Métis Nation Saskatchewan and serves as the Biodiversity Policy Advisor for the Métis National Council, advocating for Métis representation in species and water issues. With 20 years of experience in biology and conservation, he has worked with non-profits and government agencies, studying various ecosystems and wildlife. Register for his virtual discussion on November 27 at 5 p.m. at https://bit.ly/3UDF6ZN

On Saturday, November 23, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is pleased to host a Native American Heritage Celebration to recognize our relationships, collaborations, and commitments with local Native American and Indigenous groups and individuals. Our partners attending the event will experience workshops, Zoo chats, and exploration of our natural areas. Then, from 3-5 p.m., all Zoo guests are welcome to join in the celebrations at Hamill Family Nature Plaza: 3 p.m. Inca Dance Performances by Center of Peruvian Arts: Danza de las Llamas (Indigena de Puno); Danza de la Anaconda (Indigena de la selva); Danza de las Aves/Huallatas (Indigena de Cuzco) 4 p.m. Public read-aloud of Land Acknowledgement Statement and related commitments alongside Midwest SOARRING leadership 4:15 p.m. Aztec Dance Performances by Huehuecoyotl

Our celebration of Native American Heritage Month continues with a discussion from one of our own Animal Care Specialists! Jessica Ponce currently works as a Seasonal Animal Care Specialist in Zoo Nutrition Services at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. She is a Tribal Advocate, as well as a Board Member and Legal and Cultural Affairs Asst. of the Midwest SOARRING (Save our Ancestors' Remains and Resources Indigenous Network Group) Foundation. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2022 with the highest distinction and specializes in the conservation of American Bison. Register for her virtual discussion on November 20 at 5 p.m. at https://bit.ly/4ftQcss

On November 11, Brookfield Zoo Chicago was honored to hold its annual Veterans Day Celebration at the Discovery Center, recognizing those who have proudly served our nation. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with animal ambassadors, delve into military memorabilia, and attend exclusive presentations by the Legacy Girls and Jesse White Tumblers. Thank you to our veterans, and to our many Zoo staff members who have served.

This week included the International Day of Zoo and Aquarium Educators, and we're highlighting our incredible education team! At the Zoo, in the field, throughout our public lands, and in our communities, our award-winning educators provide one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunities that connect guests, students of all ages, and communities with wildlife and nature. Thank you to our inspiring educators for your outstanding work!

Our second speaker for our Native American Heritage Month is Starlyn Miller, an enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Montana and a direct descendant of Menominee and Stockbridge Munsee Community. She is the Sr. Director of Native Lands Partnerships at The Wilderness Society, specializing in building partnerships focused on diplomacy and tribal consultation. In her role, she fosters collaborations and leads a team to develop policy priorities that protect cultural and sacred sites, promote co-management of public lands, and advocate for the interests and sovereignty of Native and Indigenous peoples. Register for her virtual discussion on November 13 at 5 p.m. at https://bit.ly/3O31yaM

Making the season merry and bright! This past weekend at Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Tree Trim event, COUNTRY Financial® hosted a toy drive in honor of Toys For Tots Chicagoland Motorcycle Parade. More than 300 new toys were generously donated! Thank you to COUNTRY Financial for sharing the spirit of the season.

After Boo! at the Zoo concluded for the year, we were able to donate extra candy from our candy sponsor Ferrara to several incredible community partners, helping bring the Halloween spirit to over 500 local youth at Trunk or Treat celebrations across Chicago! A huge thank you to the organizations that helped distribute candy and make these events possible: - Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council - CAPs 009th Police District - Love Teaching Youth Thanks to their efforts, children in the following neighborhoods were able to enjoy a fun, safe, and festive Halloween: - Hamline Branch - Davis Square Park - Cornell Square Park - Sherman Park - Horizon School and - American Legion McKinley Park We appreciate all of our partners who helped make the holiday sweeter for our neighbors! 🎃🍬

'Tis the season to light up the night! Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic has been nominated for USA Today's 10BEST Reader's Choice Awards! You can vote for us in the Best Zoo Lights category once per day until Monday, December 2 at 11 a.m. CST. Cast your vote today at https://bit.ly/3CbH9hp