Nature Boardwalk with skyline view of Chicago skyscrapers

Keep Your Zoo Free

Join & Give Infographic that says: "1 person can make a difference for the zoo's animals, worldwide conservation efforts, and state-of-the-art learning programs. Your gift supports: food for every zoo animal, including 2,000+ pounds of hay, fish, romaine lettuce, insects, and peanut butter; 250 species studied in the wild, from Chicago to the Republic of Congo; 170+ animal species and 330 plant species in the zoo's care; 492,000 guests attending chats and other facilitated learning programs.

85% of the zoo’s operating costs are supported by zoo members, donors, and visitors.

Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open to the public 365 days a year, and your support makes it all possible. Together, we can inspire communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world.

DONATE NOW

Help keep the zoo free!

Support our first-ever Giving Day on September 26

Lincoln Park Zoo is the only privately managed, admission-free zoo in the United States, which means we rely on contributions from donors like you to remain open to all, 365 days a year! On the zoo’s inaugural Giving Day, we invite you to be part of our effort to secure donations from 365 donors in one day.

Donate today and your gift will support:

  • The care and welfare of 650+ individual animals
  • Conservation work in 30 countries on six continents
  • Learning programs impacting more than 350,000 people
  • The thoughtful horticultural care of the zoo, which is recognized as an accredited botanic garden and arboretum

If you make your gift by September 26, new and increased gifts will be matched up to $75,000 thanks to the generosity of challenge donors Elizabeth Price, Paige Olson and Garrett Smith, and Linda Swanson. Donors giving $100 or more will receive an exclusive Lincoln Park Zoo tote bag (while supplies last).

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Ways to Give

Become a Member

As a member, you’ll receive free or reduced parking rates, invitations to exclusive events, zoo-wide discounts, and more!

Adopt an Animal

When you Adopt an Animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.

Join a Donor Club

Donor Club members generously support the zoo with annual gifts of $365 or more. This special group is first in line for insider information and VIP experiences.

Support the Wish List

The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for zoo animals—including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.

Foundations and Grants

Through a grant, you can help fund a zoo project or program of your choice—from saving endangered species in Africa to connecting with communities in Chicago.

Chicago’s Free Zoo

When you donate to Lincoln Park Zoo, you inspire wonder and awe, nurture a love of animals, and keep the zoo free and open every day of the year.
LEARN ABOUT THE ZOO

Child watching African penguin in exhibit

Explore Dedication & Tribute Opportunities

Tribute gifts offer a unique way to celebrate a loved one, a special occasion, or your own love for the zoo. Choose from a variety of dedication opportunities or make a donation in honor of friends and family.

Make a Planned Gift

Make a lasting impact on our animal care, conservation, and learning programs by including a gift for the zoo in your will, trust, or IRA. Heritage Society members also receive unique benefits, including invitations to special events.

Explore Corporate Partnership

Our corporate partners help fund the zoo and connect more people with wildlife through program and event sponsorships, philanthropic grants, and corporate memberships. They also receive employee benefits, like free parking and volunteer opportunities.

Donate a Vehicle

Do you have a car, truck, boat, or other vehicle you no longer need? Consider donating it! Avoid the cost and hassle of repairing or selling a vehicle you no longer want while supporting Lincoln Park Zoo. Vehicle donations may qualify for a tax deduction.


More Information

For information on donating stock, scheduling monthly giving, or making your dollar go further with a matching gift, explore more ways to give.

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