For Wildlife. For All.

For Wildlife. For All.

For Wildlife. For All.
For Wildlife. For All.

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd Through January 4

Chicago’s brightest holiday tradition is running now through January 4! ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd is back with 3+ million lights, a new light show, and more. Tickets start at $7.
Get Tickets

Top 10 Lincoln Park Zoo Happenings in 2025

What a year! Here are some of the exciting things that happened at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2025.
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Winter Fun for Ages 2–4

LEAP is the zoo’s program for children between the ages of 2–4, along with a caregiver, to engage in child-led nature play. Kids can explore nature while digging, creating, reading stories, and more. Sessions start January 7.
Learn More

virginia cinereous vulture

Rethinking Care for Animals With Disabilities

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Animal Welfare Science Program is studying the prevalence of animals with disabilities in accredited zoos—and how they are being accommodated. Hear more from animal welfare scientist Shannon O’Brien, Ph.D.
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Become a Member

Give back to Chicago’s zoo by becoming a member! Being a Lincoln Park Zoo member means getting a year of exclusive benefits, like parking discounts, program and event discounts, access to members-only events, and more!
Learn More

New Lincoln Park Zoo Web App

There’s a new way to navigate your visit! In our new web app, you can explore an interactive map, see what to do during your visit, learn about your favorite animals, and more—no download required.
Explore More

News

Learn about what’s happening at Lincoln Park Zoo, from new animal arrivals to progress on science projects and conservation initiatives.

Read the Blog

Creating a Place for Connection

In a city where skyscrapers are built every day, Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to being the place in Chicago for all things wildlife—where children learn to love animals, where adults rediscover what it’s like to wonder, and where nature isn’t just an escape, but the priority.

Work Grounded in Purpose

Animal Care staff working with a seal

Care

Animal care comes first. It’s why we prioritize individual well-being over everything. With the help of our scientific research team, staff and volunteers work to provide the best animal care and welfare outcomes for each animal.

Learn More About Care

Bali myna in exhibit

Conservation

The first step in protecting wildlife populations is learning how; the next step is doing something about it. With one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country, we fund, support, and lead research projects locally and globally.

Learn More about Conservation

A zoo educators talking to young guests

Community

We all share one global wildlife community. Through engagement and education, we connect people with nature across the greater Chicagoland area. Our commitment to community here contributes to defending wildlife everywhere.

Learn More about Community

Upcoming Events

 

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd

November 21-January 4

Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd twinkles with more than 3 million lights, hundreds of nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences that capture the magic of the season.

LEAP: Learn, Explore, and Play

Select days January–March

LEAP is the zoo’s program for children between the ages of 2–4, along with a caregiver, to engage in child-led nature play. Kids can explore nature while digging, creating, reading stories, and more. Sessions start January 7.

Run for the Zoo

Sunday, May 31

Run for the Zoo makes it easy (and fun!) for everyone—from toddlers to elite athletes— to help support their favorite species at Lincoln Park Zoo and in the wild.

Keep Your Zoo Free

80% of our operating costs are supported by zoo members, donors, and visitors. With your support, we’re proud to say that we’ve kept the zoo free and accessible to everyone for the past 150 years. Together, we can keep it that way.

EXPLORE WAYS TO SUPPORT

BECOME A MEMBER

African penguins in exhibit
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