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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Conservation, Learning
April 16, 2026
8 Things You Didn’t Know About Lincoln Park Zoo—Sustainability Edition
Lincoln Park Zoo celebrates Earth Week next week! Here are some of the things we try to do to make the world a more sustainable place.
nature boardwalk 2024
Zoo News, Learning
April 2, 2026
The Four Seasons at Nature Boardwalk: What Do City Animals Do in the Spring?
Spring has sprung! Here’s what’s happening at Nature Boardwalk and in Chicago during this blossoming time of year.
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.
ZIP teens showing artifacts to zoo guests
Zoo News, Learning
February 5, 2026
8 Ways Teens Can Turn Passion Into Purpose at Lincoln Park Zoo
Applications are now open for the zoo’s summer programs for teens! Learn how programs like the Malott Family Zoo Intern Program and Nature Buds can help create the next generation of conservation leadership.
Zoo News, Learning
January 29, 2026
The Four Seasons at Nature Boardwalk: What Do Animals Do in the Winter?
If you’ve ever wondered what urban animals do over the winter when they are out of sight, here’s everything you need to know!
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.
beaver camera trap
Zoo News, Learning
November 6, 2025
The Four Seasons at Nature Boardwalk: What Do City Animals Do in the Fall?
Have you ever wondered what the animals in your neighborhood do in the fall? In this blog, you can find out how insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals spend these cooler months.
flying bat
Learning, Zoo News
October 30, 2025
The Bats of Chicago
Eight species of bats, including big brown bats, eastern red bats, and hoary bats, can be found in the Chicago area. Find out about these Illinois-dwelling species and the zoo’s Bat Tracker program.
Partners in Fieldwork participant showing poster
Zoo News, Learning
September 4, 2025
Partners in Fieldwork: Connecting With Nature in the Classroom—and Beyond
Partners in Fieldwork. a free program for high school science classes, is ramping up in schools across the city. Learn how PIF teaches students about hands-on research and the scientific process.
Zoo News, Learning
August 7, 2025
For the Birds: Fostering Avian Wellbeing
The welfare of all animals is a paramount consideration at Lincoln Park Zoo. Here is how Bird department staff are working to improve wellbeing for feathered zoo residents every day of the year.
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!
training the seals
Zoo News, Learning
June 19, 2025
The Truth About Training: Promoting Wellbeing Through Behavior
Animals are trained at Lincoln Park Zoo for a myriad of reasons. Positive reinforcement sessions promote animal welfare and improve the health of individuals. Learn why we do it, how it’s done, and how you can experience it yourself the next time you come to the zoo!
lions pilipili's birthday
Learning
March 20, 2025
Elevating Enrichment: It Takes A Village
Enrichment at Lincoln Park Zoo is part of the basic care every animal receives. It takes multiple departments and some help from the Volunteer Enrichment Group to ensure animals can practice and learn species-specific behaviors.
people looking at signs
Zoo News, Learning
January 2, 2025
Answering Your Most Frequently Asked Zoo Questions
We get lots of questions about the zoo! Here are a few of the most common, all in one place, to enhance your visit. When is the zoo open? The zoo is open 365 days a year. While hours change…
30th holiday tree
Learning, Zoo News
December 10, 2024
7 Things to Do When It’s Freezing Cold at ZooLights
Don’t let cold weather deter you from enjoying Chicago’s 30-year tradition, ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ! Here are some ways to stay warm while you’re here.
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