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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vulture chick after hatch
New Arrivals, Zoo News, Animals & Gardens
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.
Zoo News, Conservation
May 5, 2026
25 Accomplishments of the AZA Population Management Center at Lincoln Park Zoo
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Population Management Center at Lincoln Park Zoo has done a lot to support species conservation in the last quarter-century. Here are some of its important milestones.
Zoo News, Advocacy
April 24, 2026
Why Lincoln Park Zoo Supports the Illinois Traveling Animal Act
The Illinois Senate must vote on this bill by May 8. It prevents bears, primates, and most non-domestic cats from being transported across the state for performances. Act now!
sichuan takin
New Arrivals, Zoo News
April 8, 2026
New Arrivals: Porter and Taiyang, Sichuan Takins
The newest residents in the zoo’s South Loop area, near the alpacas and Grevy’s zebras, are Sichuan takin brothers.
Zoo News
April 7, 2026
Nature Boardwalk Undergoes Prescribed Burn
Nature Boardwalk is undergoing a prescribed burn, part of Lincoln Park Zoo’s strategic management of the praire ecosystem, on Tuesday, April 7.
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.
New Arrivals, Zoo News
March 20, 2026
New Arrival: Eastern Black Rhinoceros Calf
We have big news! A rhino calf was born at Lincoln Park Zoo yesterday to Kapuki and Utenzi. They’ll be behind the scenes for a while as the calf meets developmental milestones.
Zoo News
February 27, 2026
12 Fun Ways to Connect With Nature at the Zoo This Spring
Spring is a great time to visit the zoo! Flowers are coming up, new arrivals are on the horizon, and animals that enjoy warmer weather are starting to choose to be outside more.
Zoo News
February 19, 2026
Behind the Design: Creating the Run for the Zoo Logo
This year’s Run for the Zoo logo was created by graphic designer Shane Tolentino. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look on how it was made!
ZIP teens showing artifacts to zoo guests
Learning, Zoo News
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.
Learning, Zoo News
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!
eastern massasauga rattlesnake and young
New Arrivals, Zoo News
January 29, 2026
New Arrivals: Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes
Nine eastern massasauga rattlesnakes were born at the zoo on January 12—a win for conservation of the species, as these snakes are endangered.
Zoo News
December 18, 2025
Top 10 Lincoln Park Zoo Happenings in 2025
What a year! Here are some of the exciting things that happened at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2025.
marlie black howler monkey
New Arrivals, Zoo News, Animals & Gardens
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!
virginia cinereous vulture
Zoo News
December 4, 2025
Rethinking Care for Animals With Disabilities
The zoo’s Animal Welfare Science Program is studying the prevalence of animals with disabilities in accredited zoos—and how they are being accommodated.
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