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Saving Little Fire Faces

Darkness lies all around Lincoln Park Zoo keeper Bryan Summerford as he crouches in the fragmented forests of West Java, Indonesia, surprisingly nestled up next to coffee and other agriculture fields. Armed with a red flashlight, notebook, and camera, he waits. In a flash, the species he seeks darts across the bamboo thicke—as critically endangered slow lorises are anything but slow. The group of researchers he's with takes note of the tracking device around the loris’ neck, part of a concerted effort to monitor and conserve these bug-eyed beauties.

Surprising Science

Lincoln Park Zoo scientists labor year-round on research projects designed to help humans learn more about animals in many different contexts. This type of work allows the zoo to better care for the individuals that reside here. Visitors don't necessarily see all the effort that staff put into projects like these—but can often see the results. For the animals in our care, this translates into more dynamic living spaces, improved enrichment, and actions that make life better, safer, and more natural. For animals in the wild, this leads to improved understanding and better conservation strategies and outcomes.

From Zoo Teen to Team Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo’s teen programs allow students in Grades 8-12 to participate in conservation activities, learn about future careers, and gain experience in fields like education and research. Participating teens also become part of the zoo family, which gives them access to mentors, peers who share their interests, and a network to support them in the future. For example, alumni return to the zoo each year for a reunion. Alums also assist with recruitment and planning, are invited back as speakers, can opt-in to receive updates (including job postings and animal updates) from the zoo, and receive memberships. And, as evidenced by a couple of the teen alums profiled here, they may even someday become full-time zoo staff!

Green Scene

Higher Ground

Did you know that Lincoln Park Zoo has 18 green roofs, scattered across its grounds? They aren’t meant to beautify the grounds, as they’re in hard-to-reach behind-the-scenes spaces, but they provide valuable services for the zoo and the city of Chicago.

Wild File

Wild File Fall/Winter 2022

News Briefs from Lincoln Park Zoo

Spring/Summer 2022

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Advancing Welfare

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Accreditation: The Gold Standard

June 2, 2022

6/30/16 1:30:20 PM -- Lincoln Park Zoo Photography

© Todd Rosenberg Photography 2016

Picture Perfect: Setting Standards for Animal Imagery

May 19, 2022

Enterprises in Enrichment

Enrichment is a vital part of animal care and has been for decades. It’s a way of encouraging animals to use their senses and natural instincts so that they act in species-specific ways.

May 5, 2022

Green Scene

The World Beneath Your Feet

It’s the whole other world happening above your head and below your feet. Whether or not you’ve paid attention, the historic trees across zoo grounds are an integral part of what makes this park an oasis in the middle of the city.

April 19, 2022

A Global Expansion

The world’s largest urban wildlife monitoring alliance, known as the Urban Wildlife Information Network, has now expanded to 42 cities across three continents—working to help people and wildlife coexist in urban areas.

April 7, 2022

Fall/Winter 2021

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The Pride of Chicago

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A Hole New World

January 20, 2022

Green Scene

Step Inside the Savanna

Thanks to the zoo’s Horticulture team, zoogoers can immerse themselves in a savanna-like atmosphere at Pepper Family Wildlife Center. Landscape design of the habitat was specially crafted to mimic an African lion’s native range.

January 6, 2022

Leaving a Legacy

We give a sincere thank you to Kevin Bell for serving as Lincoln Park Zoo’s President and CEO for the last 26 years.

December 16, 2021

The Pride of Chicago

On an unusually warm evening for a Chicago fall, the clouds filled the sky, a sign of the rain to come. As the sun set, amber and coral cumulus mountains formed in the distance, casting a golden hour glow on the cityscape. It would seem like just another night in Chicago if it weren’t for…

December 2, 2021

Winter Wonders at the Zoo

November 18, 2021

Spring/Summer 2021

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Looking Forward

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Fall/Winter 2020

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Stronger Together

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Spring/Summer 2020

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It Takes a Village

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Fall/Winter 2019

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New Year, New Life

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Spring/Summer 2019

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Animal Welfare: A Holistic Approach

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Winter 2018

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Wintry Wonders

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Summer 2018

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150th Anniversary Edition

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Spring 2018

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Partnering for Primates

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Winter 2017

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Holiday Fun at the Zoo

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Summer 2017

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Polar bear matchmaking

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Spring 2017

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Sharing the Earth

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Winter 2016

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Dive In!

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Summer 2016

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Close Up on Care

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Spring 2016

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Around the World

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Winter 2015

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Growing Up

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Summer 2015

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Annual Report Issue

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Spring 2015

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One Cool Culture

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