Lincoln Park Zoo

Held on Endangered Species Day, Zoo-ologie, hosted by the zoo's Auxiliary Board, raised $133,000 to help keep your zoo free and open 365 days a year! Thank you to the Zoo-ologie Host Committee Sponsors, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Nicholas Luther & Family, for making this year's event a success!

Today marked a huge step toward making the Illinois Traveling Animal Act expansion a law. The Illinois Senate approved the expansion during a vote this morning, and it now heads to the Governor for final passage. Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort and helped us to the finish line. We’ll be ready to celebrate once the pen hits the paper!

Whether you’re joining us in person for Endangered Species Day or celebrating from home, you can still be part of Zoo-ologie! Enter the raffle for a chance to win one of five incredible packages—or go all in and try for them all. Every ticket supports Lincoln Park Zoo, helping keep the zoo free and open 365 days a year. https://bit.ly/49wRX7p.

Welcome to the world, little one! 💚 May 7, a cinereous vulture hatched here at Lincoln Park Zoo for the first time since 2013. They are the offspring of Leon and Virginia were incubated and hatched behind-the-scenes. Since the vulture pair are inexperienced parents, the chick will soon transfer to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo for fostering. Check out the link in our bio to learn more about this threatened species and the incredible hatch process.

Following the release of the Michael Jackson biopic and its depiction of his pet chimpanzee Bubbles, it feels as important as ever to remind people that primates are not pets. Lincoln Park Zoo cares for a chimpanzee troop behind the scenes at the Regenstein Center for African Apes with a similar past to Bubbles. Eli and Susie were both trained performers, appearing in music videos, advertisements, and movies. Like many chimpanzees used in entertainment, they were deemed unsuitable after just a few short years, despite living for decades. It's a reminder that primates have complex needs that can’t be met in homes or entertainment. We’re grateful for our longstanding partner Center for Great Apes for caring for the real-life Bubbles and allowing him to live his golden years with dignity and respect, and most importantly, as a regular chimpanzee. An estimated 15,000 primates are living in the U.S. as pets, with no federal law protecting these animals. That’s why we support the Captive Primate Safety Act, which would prohibit the primate pet trade. Learn more and take action at lpzoo.org/takeaction

In an #EarthDay interview with ABC 7 Chicago, Biota Awardee Liza Lehrer of Lincoln Park Zoo's Urban Wildlife Institute was highlighted, providing education about the positive impacts bats have on the agricultural industry and sharing some concerns about how Chicago's built environment can harm bats. 🦇 Bats play a vital role in our city — controlling insects, supporting ecosystems, and quietly working behind the scenes to keep our urban environment healthy. Lehrer's research focuses on understanding how we can create cities as places where wildlife, including bats, can thrive. 🤩 Learn more about her efforts and the efforts of fellow Biota Award recipients that are working toward enhancing biodiversity and conservation efforts in Chicago and beyond at biotaawards.org. Interview: https://lnkd.in/euPqAXuW

Thank you to everyone who continues to support stronger protections for wildlife. An expansion of the Illinois Traveling Animal Act has passed the House, helping extend protections to primates, big cats, and bears in traveling acts. Next stop: the Senate. Visit the link below to get learn how to get involved.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, and we’re honoring this legacy with an unforgettable Zoo Ball! Join us July 17 for their signature fundraiser, a night that helps keep the zoo free and open to all while supporting animal care, global conservation, and community programs. Secure your spot now for Zoo Ball: Andean Nights on our website. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gZkT3rzH

April 3 is Dr. Jane Goodall’s birthday. Today, we celebrate her curiosity, advocacy, and impact, as well as the groundbreaking chimpanzee research she began more than 65 years ago and continues today through the Jane Goodall Institute. At Lincoln Park Zoo, that shared vision has guided our work for more than 40 years as we've focused on better understanding and protecting chimpanzees both here and in the wild. Last year, we were honored to welcome Dr. Goodall to Chicago and the zoo for an inspiring visit. Thank you, Jane, for the remarkable gift of deepening our understanding of wildlife and your legacy of care and inspiration. #JaneGoodallDay #JaneGoodall #ThankYouJane 📷: Kyle F.

‼️Next stop: Illinois House and Senate‼️ Last week, the Illinois Traveling Animal Act amendment passed in committee, taking an important step toward becoming law and increasing protections for primates, big cats like lions and tigers, and bears. This would outlaw using these species in performances like the Banana Derby where capuchin monkeys are strapped to the backs of racing dogs. Next, the Illinois House and Senate will vote and we need you! Contact your legislators and voice your support using the sample script at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gWPxDS6R