Brookfield Zoo launches $500 million transformation
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New Gateway to Africa. Photo: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo.
Brookfield Zoo is undergoing an estimated $500 million transformation to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2034.
Why it matters: The zoo's Next Century Plan will revamp more than half of the zoo's 200-acre footprint in the southwest suburb, with a special focus on conservation in response to the threat that climate change poses to biodiversity.
Driving the news: Brookfield Zoo this week announced a four-phase, 15-year project, which has already begun, including the first-phase renovation of the dolphin habitat and work on the Tropical Forests, which includes a new gorilla conservation center.
By the numbers: A spokesperson for Brookfield Zoo tells Axios the $500 million will be funded through private and public dollars.
- The spokesperson says $200 million has already been raised from a combination of state dollars and the property tax increase passed in 2022's Cook County Forest Preserves referendum.
What's next: Phase 2 renovations will include 14 immersive environments meant to represent southwest Australia, the coasts of South America, the Himalayas and the Central Asian Steppe.
- Animals in the Australian zone include emus, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats and koalas.
- A sea lion cove will include interactive storytelling to explain how climate change is making Humboldt penguins endangered.
- The habitats will feature spacious, mixed-species groupings and flexibility — meaning some species could have access to different habitats, a zoo spokesperson tells Axios.
Phases 3 and 4 will focus on education and conservation, with a new bear habitat, an amphitheater for education and music performances, and facilities for scientists.
What they're saying: "Global wildlife populations have plummeted, natural habitats have shrunk, and our oceans face unrelenting pressure, fueled by climate change and biodiversity loss," Brookfield Zoo president Michael Adkesson said in a statement.
- "Accredited zoos have evolved from menageries for human recreation to powerful contributors in the global effort to conserve wildlife and nature. Our new framework ensures that our growth is deeply rooted in sustainability and global conservation efforts."
Between the lines: Zoos are trying to raise public awareness about their conservation efforts.
Yes, but: Some animal welfare organizations argue that not all zoos focus on preserving endangered species, and animals bred in captive environments wouldn't necessarily be ideally situated to survive in the wild, Vox reported.
What we're watching: Phase 1, which includes renovating the Tropical Forests exhibit, is expected to be completed next year.
- The zoo plans to start phases 3 and 4 in 2034.
- A spokesperson says the renovations could cause some disruptions, so visitors should check the website before they go.