Global Conservation Collaborations

At Brookfield Zoo Chicago, conservation is a collaborative effort. By working with trusted conservation partners around the world, we strengthen conservation efforts, expand scientific research, and reach more people. These partnerships support solutions that benefit animals and ecosystems alike, protecting wildlife for future generations.

Through shared knowledge, field research, and hands-on training, our partnerships help ensure a healthier future for wildlife — both in human care and in the wild.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Based in Kenya, this 90,000-acre nature conservancy is home to some of the world’s most endangered species, including the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Brookfield Zoo Chicago partners with Ol Pejeta Conservancy to advance wildlife health and disease prevention.

Recent collaboration included a Wildlife Pathology Workshop with experts from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, University of Nairobi, Kenya Wildlife Service, Wildlife Research and Training Institute, and the Kenya Veterinary Association – Wildlife Branch. Together, these efforts help address emerging wildlife diseases and strengthen long-term conservation strategies.

Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group

For the past several years, our veterinary team has led trainings and workshops as part of the Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG), alongside partners from across Southeast Asia. As part of OVAG’s commitment to veterinary training and capacity building in the region, recent workshops have focused on respiratory diseases in orangutans. Our collaborations reflect Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s growing role in advancing global veterinary collaboration and wildlife health, particularly for species facing unique veterinary challenges and greater threats in the wild.

Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation

The pangolin is the world’s most-trafficked mammal, and the Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation works to conserve this species through active field research and study, and championing for change through advocacy and community awareness programs. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a long-standing supporter of this organization and partners in field research projects to further the species’ survival.  

Polar Bear Population Alliance

Brookfield Zoo Chicago holds a leadership role in the Polar Bear Population Alliance (PBPA), a collaborative initiative launched in 2025 to address the urgent challenges facing managed polar bear populations, including aging demographics and low reproductive rates.

By uniting Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos, the PBPA aims to preserve polar bear populations and bolster scientific understanding that strengthens both animal well-being and conservation impact.

Association of Zoos & Aquariums

As a Zoo fully accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), Brookfield Zoo Chicago meets the highest standards of animal care. Not only that, we are proud to partner in AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction program, sustaining populations of imperiled species in the Zoo’s care, contributing to research and conservation initiatives that support wild populations, and educating the public about ways they can help save animals from extinction.

No single organization can protect wildlife alone. Conservation partnerships allow scientists, veterinarians, educators, and communities to share expertise, respond to emerging threats, and create lasting solutions that benefit animals and people.

Together, we amplify impact — and help safeguard biodiversity for future generations.