Brookfield Zoo Chicago continues good faith bargaining following union strike authorization vote
Brookfield, IL – Brookfield Zoo Chicago remains fully prepared to continue normal operations and provide exceptional care for its animals following Tuesday evening’s vote by Teamsters Local 727 members to reject the Zoo’s last, best, final offer and authorize a strike if they decide to do so. While the Zoo is disappointed in that outcome, leadership emphasized that a strike is neither necessary nor inevitable and that negotiations will continue Friday morning, focused on reaching a fair and responsible agreement.
The Zoo remains open daily, and leadership is committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal wellness, guest experience, and employee support that define the institution as months-long contract negotiations and good faith bargaining continue. The current contract, which ended April 1, was extended for one month and will expire on May 1 at noon for employees in the Zoo’s building and grounds, custodial, animal care, and police departments.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s offer includes a competitive 14.5 percent wage increase over four years, six additional full-time positions, continued healthcare, enhanced professional development benefits, and new opportunities for bonus compensation tied to the Zoo’s annual performance. Zoo employees’ wages remain in the top 25 percent—or higher—among institutions across the nation accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), reflecting the organization’s continued investment in its people while balancing long-term financial responsibility and mission.
“We deeply value every member of our team and the important work they do each day to care for animals, serve guests, and support our mission,” said President and CEO Dr. Mike Adkesson. “We believe a strike is unnecessary and avoidable, and we remain committed to reaching a fair agreement that supports our employees while protecting the long-term strength and financial sustainability of the Zoo. Our highest priority is ensuring uninterrupted animal care at the exceptional standards our animals deserve and our community expects. Our responsibility is not only to today’s workforce, but to the future of this institution, ensuring we can continue advancing animal care, conservation, and education while keeping the Zoo accessible and affordable for the families and communities we serve.”
The Teamsters’ most recent proposal would require approximately $16 million in additional labor expenses over the life of the four-year contract. Without a realistic funding source to support costs at that level, the Zoo could be forced to consider significant increases to admission and membership pricing, along with difficult operational decisions that could impact conservation work, education programs, accessibility initiatives, and the long-term financial sustainability of the institution. Their proposal does not reflect the operational realities of a nonprofit cultural institution that relies on earned revenue, memberships, and philanthropy to fulfill its mission.
The Zoo has put forward a strong and competitive offer that includes meaningful wage increases, continued healthcare coverage, and long-term support for its employees. The union continues to bring forward economic demands that would create significant long-term financial strain, with no responsible way to absorb those costs without impacting our mission, guest access, conservation work, and the long-term stability of this institution.
At this time, Brookfield Zoo Chicago remains fully open and operating as normal. Comprehensive contingency plans are in place to ensure uninterrupted animal care, guest experience, and daily operations under any circumstance. In the event of a strike, while some animal encounters, presentations, or programs may be temporarily adjusted or postponed, animals will remain viewable in their habitats, and guest services staff will remain available throughout the 235-acre campus to support visitors and ensure an enjoyable visit.
Additional information and daily updates will be available on the Zoo’s website, brookfieldzoo.org.
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Contact: Kelsey Mauro, Associate Vice President of Communications, kelsey.mauro@brookfieldzoo.org
About Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Connect. Care. Conserve.
Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads.
