Whirl gala twirls into its 45th year with more than $2 million raised for Brookfield Zoo Chicago

More than 550 philanthropists and civic leaders gathered in downtown Chicago to raise critical funds for the Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts

Brookfield, IL—Brookfield Zoo Chicago marked a milestone 45th year of its signature Whirl gala by raising more than $2 million, continuing the event’s growing impact. Hosted by the Board of Trustees and Women’s Board, the annual celebration brought together more than 550 corporate, civic and philanthropic leaders in downtown Chicago in support of the Zoo’s mission.

This year’s “Twirl Around the Whirl” theme drew inspiration from the elegance of classic dance—reimagined through the rhythms of the natural world. From the coordinated movement of a wolf pack to the glide of bottlenose dolphins and the unmistakable waddle of penguins, wildlife is constantly in motion. The evening invited guests to reflect on this dance of nature and the role we all play in listening to and protecting it—bringing the Zoo’s mission to inspire conservation by connecting people to wildlife and nature to life in a dynamic new way.

“For nearly a century, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been part of the civic fabric of this city—an institution that generations of Chicagoans have trusted, learned from and made memories with,” said Brookfield Zoo Chicago President and CEO Dr. Mike Adkesson. “Supporting the Zoo is not only an investment in conservation and education; it is an investment in Chicago itself, and in the enduring institutions that shape its character and legacy.”

Co-chaired by Board of Trustee and Women’s Board member Sasha Gerritson and Women’s Board member Roxann Giovannini, the evening delighted guests with unexpected wildlife encounters woven throughout the program. Guests came face-to-face with Animal Ambassadors like a leopard tortoise, porcupette (or baby porcupine), baby goat and more.

The gala also offered an exclusive update on the Zoo’s future with a first look at updated renderings for Gateway to Africa. This signature habitat builds on the debut of the James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests and launches the next phase of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Next Century Plan.

In addition to Zoo leadership like Adkesson, Board of Trustees Chair Cherryl Thomas and Women’s Board President Melissa Canning, long-standing supporters and community leaders in attendance included: Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, Forest Preserves of Cook County General Superintendent Adam Bianchi, James and Elizabeth Bramsen, Ardmore Roderick CEO Rashod Johnson, Eli’s Cheesecake Company Co-Owner Maureen Schulman and President Marc Shulman, Helen V. Brach Foundation President Matthew Simon, Leadership Greater Chicago CEO Myetie Hamilton, Raw Thrills President Eugene Jarvis and more.

Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails and cuisine from the Hilton Chicago, along with free play on a Super Bikes arcade game, live music from Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra and dance performances by C5—creating an atmosphere that carried the evening’s theme of movement and connection. Additional event support included volunteers from the Zoo’s Young Professionals Council and vendors like Yanni Designs (décor), Encore (event and AV design) and David Goodman from Auction Results (auctioneer).

As the Zoo continues to expand its leadership in animal care and conservation, the gala remains a vital force in advancing its mission. More information about how to support Brookfield Zoo Chicago is available at brookfieldzoo.org/donate.

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Media Note: Photos and interviews available upon request.

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.