Brookfield Zoo Chicago says farewell to koalas, welcomes new wildlife experiences this fall
Fall into fun with a new Moon Jelly Encounter and spooky Walking Tour this October; Guests invited to join the Zoo in bidding farewell to koalas this October
Brookfield, IL—Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers guests more opportunities than ever to connect with wildlife and nature with an assortment of new experiences this fall, building on its exciting fall and winter event schedule. Guests will soon discover ancient animals, bid farewell to some furry favorites and explore the Zoo in spooky new ways with a new Walking Tour. Whether visiting for a day of family fun or catching up with a favorite animal, the Zoo is filled with adventures that connect guests to wildlife and nature.
“Brookfield Zoo Chicago is always evolving to bring guests closer to the wonders of wildlife,” said Andrea Rodgers, senior vice president of guest experience & operations. “From meeting ancient moon jellies face-to-face to exploring our historic grounds through a new spooky Walking Tour, this fall is filled with unique ways to connect with nature, discover new stories and create lasting memories.”
NEW! Wild Connections: Moon Jelly Encounter
Guests are invited to step into the Zoo’s Sea Jelly Lab to observe moon jellies up close, feed them and touch this ancient animal that has drifted through our oceans for more than 500 million years. They’ll also learn about the biology and life cycle of moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) plus the important role they play in ocean ecosystems. This new experience is one of eight Wild Connections, offering behind-the-scenes experiences to discover fascinating details. Registration opens Sept. 2. Tickets and more information are available at brookfieldzoo.org/moonjellyencounter.
Hooroo to Koalas, Hello to Tamanduas!
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is bidding hooroo, or goodbye, to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) Brumby and Willum. Don’t miss your last chance to see these two male marsupials before they leave by the end of October. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is one of only a few accredited zoos where the public can see and experience this unique, sleepy species. The koalas greeted nearly one million guests since their arrival in the Hamill Family Play Zoo in a habitat made possible by the Zoo’s partners at JULIE Call Before You Dig.
Beginning in November, familiar faces will greet guests entering the Play Zoo when tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla), or lesser anteater, make their return to the kid-friendly space. These mammals are known for their front claws and prehensile tail that help them climb and explore trees, where they often nest in hollow tree trunks. The tamanduas participate in the Zoo’s Animal Ambassador program, offering guests opportunities to learn about these solitary animals up close.
NEW! Halloween-Inspired Walking Tour
Just in time for spooky season, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is launching a new Walking Tour this October. The guided tour will uncover eerie tales, explore mysterious creatures at the Zoo and more while taking guests through the Zoo’s southwest corridor, which includes some of the oldest buildings on Zoo grounds. Tickets and more information about this paid experience will be available at brookfieldzoo.org/walkingtours.
More information about the Zoo, its many attractions and latest updates to plan a visit are available at brookfieldzoo.org/visit.
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Media Note: B-roll and photos are available for download here, with credit to “© Brookfield Zoo Chicago” for media use only. Journalists interested in capturing content and interviews should contact Zoo PR Director Julianne Olivo in advance at julianne.olivo@brookfieldzoo.org or 708-688-8351.
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 and Threads.
