Pepper Family Wildlife Center Now Open

October 14, 2021

Lincoln Park Zoo is roaring with excitement to announce that its new state-of-the-art habitat, Pepper Family Wildlife Center, is now open—welcoming lions and other carnivores back to Chicago! The $41 million renovation focuses on animal choices, from thermal comfort zones for cooling and heating to intricate rockwork and climbing trees for vertical complexity.

Christopher Bijalba / Lincoln Park Zoo

To celebrate the return of lions to Pepper Family Wildlife Center, various activities and animal programming will be offered throughout opening weekend, October 15-17. Zoogoers can watch the red pandas and Canada lynx receive special enrichment, chat with horticulturists about the savannah-inspired landscape, enjoy lion-themed face painting, and more.

“After years in the making and utilizing scientific data to transform the lion house into a state-of-the-art habitat focused on animal welfare and choice, we are so excited to welcome guests to Pepper Family Wildlife Center and celebrate this gift to Chicago,” says incoming President & CEO Megan Ross, Ph.D. “Visitors will be able to see this majestic species up close and learn more about Lincoln Park Zoo’s conservation efforts to protect African lions in their native range.”

Christopher Bijalba / Lincoln Park Zoo

Thanks to a $15 million gift from Roxelyn and the late Richard Pepper, the zoo broke ground on the renovation in December 2019. Pepper Family Wildlife Center is home to a pride of lions, including one male and three females, two red pandas, two Canada lynx, and two snow leopards.

Christopher Bijalba / Lincoln Park Zoo

 

Christopher Bijalba / Lincoln Park Zoo

“A journey through Pepper Family Wildlife Center reminds guests of the zoo’s extensive 153-year-old history, with its historic building elements—such as the building’s decorative lion mosaics and vaulted tile ceiling” says Maureen Leahy, vice president of animal care and horticulture. “This new habitat is a shining example of the zoo’s dedication to animal care and welfare, all while celebrating the rich history of the zoo.”

The savanna-style lion habitat spans the full northern side of the building and includes intricate rockwork to increase vertical complexity and environmental choices for the lions while providing embedded heating and cooling elements for a climate controlled habitat. Climbing tree structures and deadfall were made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified trees, and food zip lines, simulating prey, were installed for lion feeding and enrichment opportunities.

“With this renovation, the size of the lion habitat nearly doubled and provides the lions with so many choices! Thermal comfort zones, trees for climbing, elevated rocks to give the lions high vantage points, areas to seek privacy, shade, and shelter, and special enrichment features to encourage species-specific behaviors,” says Leahy. “For visitors, the expansive viewing windows provide new opportunities to see these cats up close from both inside and outside the building.”

Zoogoers will have immersive viewing opportunities from both inside and outside Pepper Family Wildlife Center. A unique indoor design element known as the Lion Loop, generously funded by the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, enables guests to view the exhibit from the center of the habitat. The new habitat also includes a demonstration training wall where guests can view the lions participating in their own healthcare.

We have a ‘feline’ you’ll want to explore Pepper Family Wildlife Center and welcome the newest residents to the zoo. See you there!

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