Summer at Brookfield Zoo Kicks Off with Restrictions Lifted
Online reservations no longer required; Dinos Everywhere!, the carousel, new food offerings,
and indoor animal exhibits and outdoor attractions available for zoogoers this summer
After zoos, museums, aquariums and other cultural institutions were shuttered due to Covid-19, the world is beginning to safely reopen. In accordance with the newly announced state Phase 5 guidelines, Brookfield Zoo is now able to operate at full capacity, and guests can attend the Zoo without prior online reservations.
Zoogoers can expect to see the animals they loved pre-pandemic plus so much more! Dino’s Everywhere!, which runs through September 6, 2021, features over 40 animatronic dinosaurs that are BIGGER and BADDER than ever before, some now mimicking the earth shakers’ real-life bodily functions.
In addition to Dinos Everywhere!, guests can see many of the animals in their outdoor habitats, including Brutus and Titus, 5-year-old African lions who arrived last year; giraffes; Grevy’s zebras; grey seals; Mexican wolves; polar bears; Amur tiger; bison; pygmy hippopotamus; camels; kangaroos; brown bears; Amur and snow leopards; and many more.
The Zoo’s famous hand-carved carousel (one of the nation’s largest) has resumed operating. Additionally, restaurants are open throughout the Zoo’s 216-acre park, including two food trucks—Taco Caja and The COOP—that will debut mid- to late-July on the East Mall. Old favorites, such as BZ Red Hots, are offering new, handmade menu items as well as refreshed décor. At Café del Sol, hungry guests can utilize mobile ordering options that allow you to order ahead, skip the line, and pick up and go. Coming soon is Bean Sprouts, a family café stand featuring kid-height counter service with ImaginibblesTM organic and seasonal snacks and meals just right for young animal lovers.
The North Gate Shop and South Gate’s Wildlife Trading Post are welcoming shoppers indoors again, with a larger selection of environmentally friendly apparel and more. These innovative dining and shopping opportunities are brought to the Zoo by its partner, SSA Group, which in 2020 began revitalizing the culinary and retail services at Brookfield Zoo.
The reopening also kicks off a summer of beloved animal experiences, like giraffe feedings, Penguin Encounters (to begin in July with required reservations) and Hamill Family Wild Encounters, where visitors can witness three wallaby joeys hopping around outside of their moms’ pouches. Guests can also see African spurred and Iguana Cove Tortoises (formerly Galapagos Tortoises) in their outdoor habitat on the north side of Pachyderm House, and take in views of the Zoo’s flock of white pelicans, which has doubled in size with the addition of five new birds on the Formal Pool.
Exciting experiences of all kinds await at Brookfield Zoo this summer. Current protocols include all guests over the age of 2 to continue wearing face coverings while indoors or unable to practice social distancing. Please note, Hamill Family Play Zoo will remain closed at this time. Before arriving at the Zoo, guests are encouraged to visit CZS.org/KnowBeforeYouGo to review guidelines and expectations.
