Party Animals! Brookfield Zoo Carries on With St. Patrick’s Day Tradition

Lucy (left) and Charger, two California sea lions, received shamrock-shaped treats on St. Patrick’s Day at Brookfield Zoo. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)Lucy (left) and Charger, two California sea lions, received shamrock-shaped treats on St. Patrick’s Day at Brookfield Zoo. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)

At least one St. Patrick’s Day tradition is alive and well in these topsy-turvy times. The animals at Brookfield Zoo received their annual shamrock-shaped treats from keepers on Tuesday.

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Check out photos of sea lions knocking back (non-alcoholic) jello shots and Quilbert, our porcupine crush, munching on gelatin biscuits. Who’s the party animal now?

  • Quilbert, the prehensile-tailed porcupine. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)

    Quilbert, the prehensile-tailed porcupine. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)

  • Picasso, dwarf Nigerian goat. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)

    Picasso, dwarf Nigerian goat. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)

  • Lily, a grey seal. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)

    Lily, a grey seal. (Jim Schulz / Chicago Zoological Society)

While staff at the zoo are committed to keeping things as normal as possible for the animals in their care, visitor policies have changed in light of the coronavirus.

All indoor animal habitats are closed to guests, along with the zoo’s restaurants, gift shops and Discovery Center. Outdoor areas at Brookfield Zoo, including more than 200 acres of paths, remain open, as well as outdoor animal exhibits.

Given that patrons have limited access, the zoo is waiving its normal entrance fee, though visitors will still need to pay for parking.  

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]


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