My Kind of Zoo
Regenstein African Journey
On Memorial Day 2003, Lincoln Park Zoo unveiled one of the most
extensive and dramatic projects it has ever undertaken. This project
transformed the Regenstein Large Mammal Habitat into Regenstein
African Journey, an unparalleled immersion experience that allows
visitors to feel as if they, too, are part of the remarkable world
of African animals and ecosystems.
Regenstein African Journey has been made possible by an extraordinary
gift from the Regenstein Foundation. The late Joseph Regenstein
Jr. will be long remembered for his attentive and generous philanthropy
to many Chicago institutions. Additional major gifts from Jonathan
Kovler and the Kovler Family Foundation, LaSalle Bank and a host
of others have helped bring Regenstein African Journey to life.
Behind the New Exhibit
The African journey begins in a ranger station. From there, visitors
traverse a rich and varied landscape, exploring the riverbanks
of the African rain forest, climbing to the top of the tree line
for an eye-to-eye view of the giraffes in the African savanna,
then following a dry thorn forest path before finally dipping back
down to visit the lakeshore of one of Africa’s Great Rift
Valley lakes.
Giraffes, ostriches, pygmy hippos and African wild dogs are just
a few of the species that are at home in Regenstein African Journey.
This is a journey not to be missed!
Meet the Animals
African Wild Dogs at Regenstein African Journey
Five sisters form Lincoln Park Zoo’s new pack of African wild dogs, one
of several remarkable species to inhabit Regenstein African Journey.
Zoo guests are sure to be captivated by the dogs’ social
interactions. Each afternoon, African wild dogs perform an elaborate
greeting—yelping, trotting excitedly around each other, nuzzling,
and playing. This midday ritual is just one display of the close
bond that exists within the pack.
Known by many different names, including painted dogs and Cape
hunting dogs, the species is one of the most endangered carnivores
in Africa. Threatened by multiple stresses—loss of habitat
and available prey, hunting by ranchers and farmers, disease—it’s
estimated that no more than 5,500 African wild dogs roam free.
Less than 50 years ago, the dogs could be found in 39 different
countries across the continent. Today, viable populations exist
in just seven. In many countries, African wild dogs survive only
in national parks and other protected areas.
The naturalistic exhibits of Regenstein African Journey provide
a wonderful opportunity to study African wild dogs at a critical
time in the species’ history. The information gathered by
Lincoln Park Zoo may prove helpful as we work to protect this species
in the wild. |
