Conservation Is Our Mission. Science Is Our Method.

Protecting Wildlife, Near and Far

With one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to using science to conserve wildlife and provide better care. Today, zoo scientists are studying how wildlife use cities, leading conservation research in the savannas and forests of Africa, monitoring behavior to improve the welfare of zoo animals, and much more.

Below, explore a section of our initiatives and projects past and present that have made an impact around the globe.

A graphic element depicting the physical locations of various science projects mentioned on this page.

Since 1989, Our Scientific Team Has:

Supported

500 +

zoo species with science-based management recommendations

Partnered with

100 +

universities, NGOs, government agencies, and zoos and aquariums around the world

Studied

250 +

wildlife species from Chicago to the Republic of Congo

Trained

450 +

undergraduate interns, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows

Published

275 +

scientific articles and book chapters

Areas of Focus

Explore Science Projects

Zoo scientist observing a swimming African penguin in exhibit

Enhancing Animal Welfare

Our scientists use a wide array of scientific tools to assess and measure animal welfare, integrating science with management to provide each individual with the opportunity to thrive.

Supporting Healthy Populations

We study how different demographic, genetic, and management strategies affect long-term population health and viability, and assist managers across the zoo community with applying those principles to manage populations.

Wild chimpanzee climbing through the trees

Conserving Threatened Wildlife

Our research helps inform better ways to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats.

Wild coyote standing beneath an electric tower

Helping People and Wildlife Coexist

We research techniques that support coexistence between humans and nature, from downtown Chicago to the savannas of Tanzania.

Science Centers

The worldwide reach of our Conservation & Science initiatives is reflected in the zoo’s broad array of research centers. By expanding our understanding of animals and the threats they face, zoo scientists are improving the lives of individual animals and preserving threatened species.

VIEW SCIENCE CENTERS