Science & Nature
Brookfield Zoo Unveils ‘Next Century Plan’ and It Looks Wild
A rendering of the planned Gateway to Africa South African Forests habitat at Brookfield Zoo, part of the institution’s Next Century Plan. (Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, and Booth Hansen)
As habitat shrinks for animals around the globe, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is planning an expansion that, over the next 15 years, will see traditional exhibit spaces transformed into multi-species “eco-regions” designed to mimic natural environments.
The changes are outlined in a newly released $500 million Next Century Plan, which the zoo created in anticipation of its 100th anniversary in 2034.
Under the plan, more than 100 acres of the zoo’s 235-acre grounds (part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County) will undergo some form of renovation or new development, while at the same time, historic structures like the zoo’s hand-carved carousel and majestic Theodore Roosevelt memorial fountain will be preserved.
A highlight of the plan is the proposed 35-acre Gateway to Africa, where elephants will have 12.5 acres to roam, and rhinos, lions, giraffes and other species will be able to move between habitats via a half-mile-long corridor dubbed the Savannah Passage.
The plan is rolling out in four phases, according to the zoo, with work on the first phase already underway. Some projects in this phase, such as renovation of the zoo’s dolphin habitat, have been completed, and the final element in Phase One — the $66 million Tropical Forests habitat, designed to emulate the natural homes of gorillas, orangutans and monkeys — is set to open in 2025.
Gateway to Africa will lead Phase Two projects, zoo officials said.
A rendering of a planned amphitheater at Brookfield Zoo, part of the institution’s Next Century Plan. (Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, and Booth Hansen)
While much of the plan focuses on enhancing the well-being of animals in the zoo’s care, it’s also designed to make an impact outside Brookfield’s gates.
To that end, the Next Century Plan incorporates the creation of a seven-acre Conservation Campus. This area will be a hub for scientists, educators and conservationists, and will give their work greater public visibility via an indoor viewing gallery.
“Accredited zoos have evolved from menageries for human recreation to powerful contributors in the global effort to conserve wildlife and nature,” said Michael Adkesson, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s president and CEO.
Next Century Plan Highlights:
The Zoo will be organized into four key zones:
— The Historical Core (13.57 acres), encompassing the north and south gates, carousel and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Fountain.
— Immersive Ecoregions (85.15 acres), representing 14 global areas. Gateway to Africa will be joined by Southwest Australia Provinces, home to Brookfield’s new koalas, and Himalayan and Central Asian Steppe, on the western edge of the zoo’s grounds, where the existing forest will be incorporated into the habitat for big cats.
— Wildlife Discovery (24.13 acres), a family-friendly area, with new amenities to include an amphitheater, plus a permanent butterfly house.
— Conservation Campus (7.15 acres).
The $500 million investment in the Next Century Plan includes $400 million for capital improvements and $100 for maintenance and to strengthen the zoo’s endowment. Nearly half of the $400 million capital goal has been raised through public and private funding, according to the zoo.
“Key zones” encompassed by Brookfield Zoo’s Next Century Plan. (Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago)
A map of the proposed expansion of Brookfield Zoo as part of its Next Century Plan. (Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago)
A map of Brookfield Zoo’s current grounds. (Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago)
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
