The Brookfield Zoo is looking ahead to its 2034 centennial, releasing renderings and details of its groundbreaking Next Century Plan. The sprawling development initiative will revitalize the beloved zoo with dozens of new habitats, exhibits, and attractions.
The zoo’s vision includes a 15-year plan comprising four initial phases and a broader set of developments set to take place over the next three decades, according to a statement from Brookfield Zoo. The plan will bring new interactive and immersive experiences to the zoo’s campus, while also prioritizing the preservation of its historical structures.
The zoo expects to obtain nearly $500 million in funding for the project, allowing the zoo to not only transform its facilities but also reinforce its capacity for wildlife conservation. Brookfield Zoo anticipates the plan to have a far-reaching positive impact on its surrounding communities and the greater Chicago area.
Rendering of the new Tropical Forests project - Photo via Brookfield Zoo site
The first phase of the project is reportedly already underway, which includes a $10 million renovation of the Zoo’s Seven Seas dolphin habitat, an overhaul of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Fountain, and new animal habitats within the Hamill Family Nature Plaza.
Phase 1 also includes completing the Tropical Forests project, a four-part collection of new habitats for the zoo’s gorillas, orangutans, and monkeys. Tropical Forests are set to open by 2025.
“Our Next Century Plan reflects our core commitment as a zoo to save species and ecosystems. We inspire conservation leadership. We touch lives. We save animals,” said Dr. Michael Adkesson, President and CEO.
“The plan boldly envisions the redevelopment and expansion of the Zoo’s physical campus to bolster our excellence in animal care and wellness, but our impact will also extend beyond our gates to reach local communities and global partners to provide a connection for people to develop empathy for wildlife and nature that drives positive action.”
Photo credit: Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects and Booth Hansen
Visit the Brookfield Zoo’s official site to learn more about the Next Century Plan and plan your next visit!
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