Brookfield Zoo: "barless" habitats brings animals up close
Celebrating its 75th year, Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo has become one of the finest zoos in the country, bringing animals from around the globe together in 200 amazing acres of habitat.
Located west of downtown Chicago in Brookfield, the zoo houses an incredible array of both exotic and endangered animals. Heralded as one of the first “barless” zoos, Brookfield uses moats and other natural barriers as opposed to cages. It was the first zoo in the country to house giant pandas, had the nation’s first inland dolphinarium, and is the home of "Tropic World", a massive indoor rain forest, the first of its kind in the world.
Inside Tropic World, visitors can explore South American jungle creatures like spider monkeys, Asian gibbons and orangutans along with a variety of exotic plants.
In "Habitat Africa", zoo patrons can explore the quiet forest where small antelope, crocodiles, chameleons and okapis (relatives of the giraffe) reside. Outside, forest buffalo and red river hogs graze in the sunlight.
In the zoo's swamp, a variety of snakes; spiders; snapping turtles; otters and birds live amongst misty cypress trees.
"The Living Coast" exhibits fish and sharks that swim through underwater walkways, while a Humboldt penguin colony calls "Rocky Shores" its home.
If the kids aren’t already blown away by all of the exotic animals, the children’s zoo might be just the spot for them. A petting zoo and red farm barn, as well as hand-on exhibits and educational shows are sure to please the tikes.
Self-guided tours; motor safaris; picture-taking; dining and shopping all enhance the zoo experience. There are even fun and educational events for the whole family offered throughout the year.
While a city zoo is definitely nothing new, Chicago's Brookfield is by far one of the best. With its large-scale indoor and outdoor habitats, patrons can get up close with the animals and feel like they have traveled the world in just a day. For animal fans of all ages, it's a magical way to spend the day.
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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