Since the 1980s, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been at the forefront of animal nutrition, helping to pioneer one of the first zoo-based nutrition programs in the country. What started as a small team dedicated to feeding animals has grown into a world-class nutrition program that sets the standard for animal health.
From the tiniest frog to the tallest giraffes, every animal at Brookfield Zoo Chicago has a customized diet designed for optimal health. By studying both zoo and wild populations, our team ensures diets are balanced with the 64 essential nutrients animals need. This science-driven approach supports longevity, vitality, and overall well-being.
As we discover what works best for each animal, Brookfield Zoo Chicago shares our findings worldwide, helping other institutions improve diets and support species preservation.
At the heart of our program is a highly trained nutritionist and a team of nutrition specialists bringing deep expertise into every aspect of animal feeding. The team carefully designs diets for over 350 species, conducting rigorous testing, including USDA inspections, to ensure every meal is safe, nutrition, and tailored to each animal's needs.
But feeding animals isn’t just about meeting basic requirements. Brookfield Zoo Chicago experts consider physiology, social behavior, and even taste preferences, crafting diets that help animals thrive. Many feeding practices are also designed to provide enrichment, encouraging natural foraging behaviors, stimulating problem-solving, and supporting both physical and mental activity.
As one of fewer than 10% of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos with a graduate-level trained nutritionist, the Zoo continues to lead in both animal care and conservation.
Among the groundbreaking initiatives led by the Zoo’s nutrition team is the Modern Pangolin Diet, developed by Dr. Jennifer Watts, Director of Nutrition at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This diet is now used as a model in accredited zoos and plays a critical role in the conservation of pangolins, one of the most trafficked and critically endangered mammals due to overhunting, trafficking, and habitat loss. The Zoo works with global partners to help save these species from extinction.
Another significant initiative is the Browse Program, which Dr. Watts launched as one of the first of its kind in U.S. zoos. The program sources local leaves, twigs, and branches to meet the dietary and behavioral needs of animals. This sustainable initiative not only supports the health of the animals but also promotes local conservation and reduces waste.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s nutrition team plays a key leadership role in the broader zoo community. The nutrition team serves as leaders in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Nutrition Scientific Advisory Group, bringing cutting-edge research and innovations to other institutions. They also collaborate with the Comparative Nutritionist Society (CNS), an organization comprising experts from universities, government agencies, and industries, working together to improve animal nutrition practices worldwide.
Through these efforts, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s nutrition team remains dedicated to advancing animal care, ensuring that all the animals in their care receive the best possible diets for long-term health and well-being.
