You may have seen that the 250- to 300-year old bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) on Lincoln Park Zoo’s South Lawn is at the natural end of its life—the news has been featured in local news outlets, such as WTTW. As the articles about it point out, the tree predates not only the founding of Chicago,…
The great care provided to the western lowland gorillas at Lincoln Park Zoo represents just a small amount of the innovative work our Animal Care staff, scientists, Veterinary staff and others do for this charismatic primate species. Now, in recognition of World Gorilla Day on September 24, we invite you to enjoy some videos about…
Boasting bright colors, dazzling names, and glorious trumpet shapes, the hibiscus at the zoo are a fan favorite, always charming visitors this time of year. And it’s no wonder—these remarkable flowers are currently in bloom, with peak bloom arriving in August through early September. Lincoln Park Zoo’s herbaceous perennial hibiscus collection is nationally accredited…
Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is an urban oasis teeming with life. This serene, prairie-style wetland surrounded by a meandering boardwalk and native plants and trees is the perfect place for Chicagoans to connect with nature in the heart of the city. Four Midwest native species of milkweed are present around the boardwalk, allowing…
Summer in Chicago brings blooming flowers and sunny days, along with a spike in temperatures. What goes into caring for species at the zoo during the warmest months of the year? Every day of the year, Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes choice and control when it comes to animal welfare and high-quality care. Animals at the…
Spring is well on its way to turning into a fun, active, sensational Chicago summer. At Lincoln Park Zoo, that means blooms are flourishing everywhere—thousands of different plants, mixed together to create a riot of color that beautifies the grounds in striking ways. The Horticulture staff is responsible for this glorious transformation—and if you visit,…
As the summer sun sets, the tall savanna-like grasses at Pepper Family Wildlife Center rustle in the wind. Jabari lounges on Pride Rock, enjoying the cool air rushing through the overhead vent. He peers out into the distance, looking upon his “kingdom.” Pepper Family Wildlife Center, the 18,300-square-foot lion habitat that opened this past fall,…
The African lion pride at Pepper Family Wildlife Center has grown by one! Lincoln Park Zoo is roaring with excitement to share the arrival of a healthy cub. On March 15, 3-year-old African lion Zari gave birth to a cub as part of the African Lion Species Survival Plan®. The cub has yet to be…
You know the greeting card with a grinning chimpanzee wearing a party hat wishing you a happy birthday? I’m sure you can picture that card, but I definitely won’t show it to you. I can’t show you the picture because previous research from Lincoln Park Zoo has revealed that when people see that image, and…
Winter in Chicago offers fresh snowfall, chilly temperatures, and plenty of seasonal joy, as well as a unique perspective on how species at the zoo handle the coldest months of the year. For some animals with natural adaptations to cold climates, such as polar bears, Japanese macaques, and takins, acclimating during the winter is easy.…
