Despite the fact that Chicago is well-known for many things, including its high-rise buildings and top-notch museums, tourists should not skip the Lincoln Park Zoo. This 35-acre zoo, which is centered in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of the city and has been a cherished fixture of the Chicago community for more than 150 years, is home to more than 200 species of animals from all over the world.
History
One of the nation’s oldest zoos, the Lincoln Park Zoo was established in 1868. The zoo quickly increased in size after opening with only a single pair of swans, adding bears, wolves, and monkeys along the way. The zoo has undergone numerous upgrades and additions over the years to better the living conditions for the animals and the enjoyment of visitors.
Exhibits
The Lincoln Park Zoo’s dedication to providing the animals with naturalistic habitats that resemble their natural environments is one of the things that sets it apart from other zoos. A variety of animals can be seen by visitors in environments that mirror their natural habitats. Among the most well-liked exhibits are:
1. Regenstein African Journey: Visitors can travel through a variety of African habitats, including a rainforest, a savanna, and a desert, in this exhibit that includes animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, and zebras.
2. McCormick Bird House: This exhibit is home to numerous bird species from all over the world, such as brightly colored parrots and toucans as well as more unusual species like the shoebill stork.
3. Kovler Sea Lion Pool: Guests can observe the sea lions living in the zoo as they swim, play, and enjoy the sun. Visitors can watch the sea lions swim beneath the surface in the pool’s underwater viewing areas.
4. Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo: This exhibit offers a variety of animals that kids can get up close and personal with, including goats, cows, and pigs. It was created with younger visitors in mind. Children can also interact with some of the animals at a petting zoo.
5. Walter Family Arctic Tundra: Polar bears, arctic foxes, and snowy owls can be found in this exhibit, which simulates the arid conditions of the Arctic.
Events and Activities
The Lincoln Park Zoo offers a range of events and activities all year long in addition to its animal exhibits. The annual ZooLights festival, which takes place from late November to early January and includes millions of twinkling lights, holiday-themed activities, and seasonal treats, is one of the most well-liked. Other activities include outdoor fitness classes, summer concerts, and wine tastings.
The Lincoln Park Zoo offers a number of behind-the-scenes opportunities for those who want to get even closer to the animals. Visitors can register for a penguin encounter to get up close and personal with the zoo’s resident penguins or a giraffe feeding experience to get up close and personal with a zoo giraffe and learn more about these gentle giants.
Conservation Efforts
The Lincoln Park Zoo actively participates in conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats, so it serves as more than just a place for visitors to see and learn about animals. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, of which the zoo is a member, establishes norms for member organizations’ care of animals and conservation initiatives. The Lincoln Park Zoo is also involved in a number of research projects, such as investigations into the nutrition, genetics, and animal behavior.
The zoo also runs a number of conservation programs to safeguard endangered species. The zoo’s Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, for instance, focuses on preserving apes while the Urban Wildlife Institute studies and conserves urban wildlife populations.
In general, anyone interested in learning more about wildlife and animal lovers should visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. One of the best zoos in the nation, it is known for its dedication to conservation and animal welfare as well as its impressive collection of animals and exhibits. A visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo is definitely worthwhile, regardless of whether you live in Chicago or are just visiting the city.
