Spring Has Sprung

Spring has sprung at Lincoln Park Zoo! With warmer weather and sunny days making an appearance in the Windy City, it’s the perfect time to visit the zoo and connect with wildlife.

Be sure to make a reservation before journeying to the zoo. Reservations are released via Eventbrite at 4:30 p.m. every Sunday and Thursday for the following three to four days. Select buildings may be open during your visit.

Species of all sorts have been spotted enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Jersey, a grey seal, was caught in action sunbathing over at Kovler Seal Pool. You can spot Jersey and the three other resident seals, Storm, Slater, and Charles, on any given day.

Pictured above: Jersey. Photo courtesy of Jill Dignan.

Over in one of the outdoor habitats at Regenstein Center for African Apes, Djeke went along for a ride on his mom’s back. This growing gorilla turns two in June.

Pictured above: Djeke and Bana. Photo courtesy of Suzanne Rubey.

And, at Walter Family Arctic Tundra, Siku and Talini were spotted making quite the splash. Polar bears are strong swimmers and can travel beneath ice to sneak up on prey.

Pictured above: Siku and Talini. Photo courtesy of Jesse Leinwand.

Sunshine and warmer weather aren’t the only signs of spring at the zoo! Zoo grounds are beginning to flourish, with daffodils, scilla, and snow drops in bloom. The small but mighty Horticulture team has been hard at work cutting back perennial plants to allow for new growth for the upcoming season. And soon, tulips will brighten zoo grounds.

Photo courtesy of Kristen Ortiz-Jenkins.

There’s plenty to see on your next zoo adventure! Unable to make it to the zoo? Check out an upcoming virtual event, from Virtual Animal Experiences to Trash Cocktails for Conservation: Virtual Sustainable Mixology Class. And, be sure to tune into the zoo’s social channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for ‘aww-some’ animal and horticulture content.