That Tracks, A Lincoln Park Zoo Podcast

How does poop tell a welfare story? What is a great ape blood bank? Why does the zoo study cities? Tune in and find out!

Episode 7: The Science of Animal Happiness

How do you know if an animal you see at the zoo is thriving? Welfare scientist Jason explains.

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Episode 6: Wildlife Also Call Cities Home

Why does understanding urban wildlife matter? Ecologist Seth explains.

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Episode 5: Horticulture is an Art and Science

How does the zoo care for thousands of plant species? Horticulturist Katrina explains.

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Episode 4: Animal Care is Built on Trust

What is it like being a zookeeper? Keepers Cruz and Brittany explain.

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Episode 3: Veterinary Care is Complex

How does one care for hundreds of animals representing dozens of species? Lincoln Park Zoo’s lead veterinarian, Dr. Kathryn, explains.

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Episode 2: Conservation is About People

Bali mynas as canaries in the coal mine? Conservationist Sunny Nelson explains.

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Episode 1: Food Supports Animal Happiness

How do you feed 700+ animals? Nutritionist Siga Lapinskas explains.

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Animals & Gardens
July 9, 2026
The Hibiscus Charm
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…
vulture chick after hatch
Animals & Gardens, New Arrivals, Zoo News
May 8, 2026
Vulture Chick Hatches at Lincoln Park Zoo
A cinereous vulture chick, the first for Leon and Virginia, hatched this week at the zoo and is being hand-reared behind the scenes.
Animals & Gardens, Learning
March 18, 2026
Spotlight on: Eastern Black Rhinoceros
As zoo staff readies for the new arrival of a rhino calf, here’s some information about eastern black rhinos and the adults here at the zoo.
qi red panda
New Arrivals, Animals & Gardens
February 17, 2026
New Arrival: Qi, Red Panda
Just in time for Chinese New Year, Qi the red panda has taken up residence at Pepper Family Wildlife Center! He is being paired with 8-year-old Nisha.
Animals & Gardens, Learning
December 31, 2025
Spotlight on: Black Tree Monitor
Black tree monitors are large lizards from Indonesia—and Lincoln Park Zoo is home to 11 of them! Learn more about this fascinating species and how keepers care for them here.
marlie black howler monkey
Animals & Gardens, Zoo News, New Arrivals
December 8, 2025
New Arrival: Marlie, Southern Black Howler Monkey
Marlie, a southern black howler monkey, has joined Otra at Helen Brach Primate House. Help us welcome him to Chicago!
Lexi and Ash, brown bears
Animals & Gardens, Zoo News, New Arrivals
October 27, 2025
New Arrivals: Lexi and Ash, Brown Bears
Lincoln Park Zoo is excited to welcome two brown bears—the first to reside at Lincoln Park Zoo since 1979!
Animals & Gardens, Zoo News
October 16, 2025
Where Are the Animals? A Guide to Maximizing Your Zoo Visit
Animals have choice and control over their environments at Lincoln Park Zoo, so they can decide to go indoors and out of sight at any time. Here are some ways to strategize so that you can make the most of your visit anyway!
eastern black rhinoceros walking
Animals & Gardens, Zoo News
September 22, 2025
Eastern Black Rhino Kapuki Is Expecting!
Lincoln Park Zoo has big news! Eastern black rhino Kapuki is pregnant and her calf is due in the spring.
domestic goats touching heads
New Arrivals, Animals & Gardens, Zoo News
August 21, 2025
New Arrivals: Domestic Goats
Meet the new kids on the block, two domestic goat brothers named Parker and Lincoln.
hibiscuses at the zoo
Animals & Gardens, Zoo News
July 17, 2025
Phenology and Flowers: Researching the Growing Cycles of Plants
An project studying the growing cycles of plants has been going on at Lincoln Park Zoo for five years—and is poised to expand for the next five.
Animals & Gardens, Learning
July 3, 2025
9 Myths About Snakes
With Zoo Ball: The Serpentine Soiree coming up, we’re sweet on snakes! Find out more about these misunderstood animals and why we should try to keep them around!
bur oak sapling
Animals & Gardens, Zoo News, New Arrivals
April 17, 2025
New Arrival: The Bur Oak Is Back—Sort Of! A Sapling Is Planted
The storied bur oak on the South Lawn came down two years ago—but now, a new sapling has been planted that’s a genetic clone.
snowy pawprint
Animals & Gardens
February 25, 2025
Can You Guess Which Zoo Animals Made These Snowy Prints?
Do you know your animal footprints? Try this winter-friendly game and test your knowledge.
pygmy hippo lying down
Animals & Gardens
February 6, 2025
Spotlight on: Pygmy Hippo
Pygmy hippos are popular on social media these days! Here is information about this secretive species and the individuals that live at Lincoln Park Zoo.
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