Help Us Save the Penguins

In Christmas at the Zoo, Alicia and Shane team up to give Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Humboldt penguins a brighter future. Off screen, the penguins' story is just as real, and they need your help.

Humboldt penguin populations are rapidly declining in South America, threatened by increasing El Niño events, avian influenza, environmental contamination, and changing fishing practices. Nearly a decade ago, there were thousands of penguins in Punta San Juan, Peru. As of spring 2026, there are less than 200.

That’s why Brookfield Zoo Chicago partners with the Punta San Juan Program to study threats to the species.

Each year, our wildlife veterinarians help conduct health assessments on penguins and other wildlife in Punta San Juan. This allows us to better understand what the vulnerable penguins are up against — and what they need to survive.

Help us continue our research!

By caring for Humboldt penguins at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, we can learn more about how to protect them in the wild.

Some of our penguin animal care specialists have even traveled to Punta San Juan — just like love interest Shane! In 2025, they helped supervise the harvest of seabird poop, or guano. Guano is a valuable natural resource and high-grade fertilizer, so its collection is regulated to prevent catastrophic habitat destruction and disruption to vulnerable wildlife like Humboldt penguins. Our team members worked alongside conservationists that made sure the harvest was safe and sustainable.

Coming this holiday season on November 10, 2026! Christmas at the Zoo can easily be streamed for free on any device via Tubi and will also be available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.