Creepy Sights and Dino Frights Await Guests at Brookfield Zoo’s DinoNites
New Nighttime Event Features Dinosaurs Alive!, Tram of Terror, Cornstalk Maze,
and More!
Brookfield, Ill.—Have you ever wondered what the dinosaurs do at Brookfield Zoo when the gates close at night? Find out this Halloween season during DinoNites, which will take place from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. from Fridays to Sundays, October 16-18 and 23-25, and Friday and Saturday, October 30-31. Guests can see the dinosaurs in a whole new light, and lots of other activities will have ghosts and goblins of all ages screaming for more!
Throughout the evening, guests can stroll the wooded winding trail of Dinosaurs Alive!, presented by Dominick’s, and see the popular life-size prehistoric creatures before they really go extinct on October 31. Eerie lighting cast on the dinosaurs will create a frightfully fun atmosphere.
On the East Mall, try to escape from the 7,000-square-foot corn maze...if you dare. The giant maze, professionally installed by Corn Mazes America, LLC, will be created from approximately 5,500 cornstalks that are 6 to 8 feet tall and will have zoogoers guessing which way to turn next.
Take a ride on the Tram of Terror, but beware of creatures lurking in the night. The approximately 20-minute adventure will take riders along the shadowy walkways of the zoo’s grounds. (Caution: not recommended for young children or the faint of heart.)
For families with younger children, Hamill Family Play Zoo will have Halloween-themed craft activities and not-too-scary games. Kids can create paper bats and decorate trick-or-treat bags to use on Halloween (while supplies last). In the Play Zoo’s backyard area, staff members will lead a nightly scavenger hunt. And at The Pavilions, where there will be tasty seasonal food available for purchase, youngsters can decorate their own Halloween cookies and carve a pumpkin to take home. Just south of The Carousel, which also will be open for DinoNites, kids can jump to their hearts’ content in an inflatable bouncy Ghost Ship Galleon.
Also joining in the festivities will be a juggler, as well as a magician who will captivate zoo guests with his mystifying moves. Be sure to stop by the Swan Pavilion and join in the Monster Mash Dance Party, where a DJ will be spinning Halloween tunes throughout the night.
Guests can encounter creatures of the night at The Swamp, where slithering snakes, toothy alligators, and other critters loom. At Australia House, they can hang out with the Rodrigues fruit bats that have an impressive 3-foot wingspan. For something tamer, children can get up close and touch some of the domestic animals in the Play Zoo. (Indoor animal buildings close at 9:30 p.m.)
During DinoNites, Safari Grill, Nyani Restaurant, Wildlife Trading Post, and Zoofari Gifts will be open to accommodate guests.
Zoogoers should park in Brookfield Zoo’s main parking lot (First Avenue and 31st Street). Activities are free (with the exception of cookie decorating, pumpkin carving, and The Carousel), with paid admission of $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-11 and seniors
65 and older. (Brookfield Zoo members pay half price.) Children 2 and under are free. Parking is free after 6:00 p.m. Those wishing to enjoy the whole park before the evening Halloween event may purchase tickets that include general admission to the zoo plus DinoNites. The cost for a combo ticket is $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. (The combo ticket does not include parking, which is $8.)
DinoNites is sponsored by American Airlines. For further information about DinoNites, visit www.CZS.org/DinoNites or call (708) 688-8000.
Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
Chicago Zoological Society Recognized for Significant Achievement in Education
Silver Spring, Maryland–-The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced at its annual conference held at Oregon Zoo that the Chicago Zoological Society has received its 2009 Education Award for its Levels of Engagement program.
“The Chicago Zoological Society is taking the lead in science education,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The AZA Education award provides well-deserved national recognition for this important endeavor.”
With its annual Education Award, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognizes outstanding achievement in educational program design, judging programs on their ability to promote conservation knowledge, attitudes and behavior, show innovation, and measure success.
The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), which manages Brookfield Zoo, is partnering with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system in an effort to help educators improve confidence and competence in science teaching through its innovative Levels of Engagement program. This multiyear project addresses self-identified needs of CPS educators by providing professional development experiences at a variety of levels. Professional development opportunities model student-centered, participatory, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based pedagogy.
Levels of Engagement is the driving force in the institutional implementation of CZS’s Learning Strategy, a learner-centered educational framework for achieving conservation outcomes and developing conservation leaders. The program targets CPS Pre K-12 educators from all schools within the district to improve teachers’ competency and confidence in teaching science. The strategy is based on three measureable domains: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. The overarching goal of the program is to enhance how CPS educators teach science.
“Levels of Engagement is an exciting, innovative program that inspires teachers and enhances their confidence and competence in teaching science. The Chicago Zoological Society is proud of its partnership with the Chicago Public School system to create a better educational model for students,” said Stuart Strahl, Ph.D., CEO and president of the Chicago Zoological Society.
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.
Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
Chicago Zoological Society Hosts Annual Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo
All Are Invited to Enjoy Frightfully Fun Festivities
Brookfield, IL— This Halloween season, head to the annual Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo for an array of spook-tacular activities for the whole family. Guests can look forward to a new 7,000-square-foot corn maze created from approximately 5,000 cornstalks, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, haunted hayrides, arts and crafts, Zoo Chats, and a costume parade and showcase. The festivities will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, October 17-18 and 24-25, beginning at 11:00 a.m. each day.
Nothing says Halloween like a grinning jack-o’-lantern. At Boo! at the Zoo, guests can get excellent tips on how to make ghoulish jack-o’-lanterns straight from the experts. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day of the festival, professional pumpkin carvers will create masterpieces out of gigantic pumpkins during fang-tastic demonstrations at the zoo’s Nature Stage, located just east of Pachyderm House.
Then, in the true spirit of Halloween, guests can get up close and personal with some fascinating and creepy creatures during special Zoo Chats. At 11:00 a.m., visitors can learn about the zoo’s python at The Fragile Kingdom. Afterwards, zoogoers can visit Australia House at 11:45 a.m. to discover some unusual qualities of bats and then head to The Swamp at 12:30 p.m. to be amazed by the zoo’s fluorescing scorpion. A visit to Children’s Zoo for a discussion about owls will definitely turn heads. A 3:00 p.m. spooky spider Zoo Chat will take place back at The Swamp. To complete the Halloween-themed Zoo Chat experience, guests can learn about wolves at Regenstein Wolf Woods beginning at 3:45 p.m.
Boo! at the Zoo would not be complete without its legendary Halloween costume parade and showcase, which is great fun for young and old alike. Kicking off at the North Gate by Discovery Center at 1:00 p.m., the parade will include several high school bands that will provide a scary soundtrack for the march. Bands will include the Lyons Township High School Color Guard and Drum Line and the Proviso East High School Marching Band (October 17), the Riverside-Brookfield High School Marching Band (October 18), the Hinsdale Central High School Marching Band (October 24), and the Palatine Area Community Marching Band (October 25).
Young wizards, superheroes, princesses, animals, and scary monsters are encouraged to join the parade and participate in the costume showcase afterwards on the East Mall, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Judges will choose first- and second-place winners in four categories: scariest, best animal theme, most original, and best group theme. Winners must be present and will receive wonderful prizes courtesy of Fisher-Price®.
In Children’s Zoo until 3:00 p.m., youngsters can participate in not-too-scary activities, including “pin the nose on the cat” and “pin the eye on the owl” as well as make scarecrows. In addition, the festivities will include appearances by Fisher-Price® Planet Heroes® and the Teddy Turkey costumed character from the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fisher-Price® will also have a super-sized play area filled with its coolest new toys—perfect for children 6 months to 6 years old. Plus, a Fisher-Price® Power Wheels® driving track featuring vehicles like the A.T. Rex™ will be ready for little cruisers to take for a whirl.
For further information about the Halloween celebration, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Boo! at the Zoo is sponsored in
part by Fisher-Price®, American Airlines, and Comcast.
Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
Wines in the Wild Fundraiser Being Held at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, Ill.—Sample wines from around the world while celebrating the 75th anniversary of Brookfield Zoo at the Wines in the Wild fundraiser on Saturday, October 24, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The 9th annual event, hosted by the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, is themed “Cheers to 75 Years” in recognition of the zoo’s special milestone and its magnificent animals that have inspired millions of visitors to develop an appreciation for the natural world. This year’s fundraiser is sponsored by A. Marek Fine Jewelry and American Airlines and is co-chaired by Sandy Becky of Wheaton and Jane Reynolds of Glenview.
During the event, guests can sample more than 80 tempting international and domestic wines provided by the evening’s purveyor, Prestige Countryside Liquors. A variety of delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared by the zoo’s executive chef will accompany the wines. All wines will also be available for purchase that evening with 10 percent of all purchases being donated back to the zoo.
In addition, there will be live and silent auctions. Attendees will be able to bid on a wide selection of items, including jewelry from A. Marek, an animal themed Judith Leiber purse, private dinners at the zoo, original artwork, international and domestic trips, and many exclusive zoo experiences.
The event will benefit the Chicago Zoological Society’s (CZS) conservation and education programs, which are special projects of the Women's Board as well as a four-year, renewable scholarship for students committed to environmental studies. CZS, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is a world leader in conservation biology research and field studies that enhance learning locally and internationally. Education programs at Brookfield Zoo serve hundreds of thousands of school children each year, reaching out into under-served communities to help people develop a sustainable relationship with nature with the hope of inspiring conservation leadership.
Ticket prices to Wines in the Wild start at $100 per person and includes the tasting, zoo admission, parking, and a commemorative wine glass. For reservations and further information, please visit www.czs.org/wines or contact the Development Department at (708) 688-8670.
Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information, visit www.CZS.org.
Deck the Malls for the Holidays at Brookfield Zoo’s Annual Tree Trim
Brookfield, IL— With the temperatures cooling off, it is not too early to begin thinking about the upcoming holiday season. Community organizations and corporations can get a jump start and get in the holiday spirit by joining in the Community Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo on November 21 and 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The decorated trees that line the malls and surround Roosevelt Fountain will create an enchanting atmosphere in the park for the zoo’s upcoming 28th annual Holiday Magic celebration. Proceeds from the popular event help support the care of the animals at the zoo, as well as the conservation and education programs of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo.
The Community Tree Trim package includes 20 complimentary general admission passes, five complimentary parking passes, a fully lit tree, a sign featuring the group’s name that is decorating and donating the tree, and the organization’s hometown. The cost is $125 when purchased with a credit card online or $135 when purchased by check. (After the reservation deadline of October 23, the cost increases to $150 for both online and check orders.) Additional admission passes may be purchased at a discounted rate of $6 each, and additional parking passes are $8.
Each organization should create enough ornaments to sufficiently decorate its tree—approximately 200 ornaments no smaller that 3 inches by 3 inches and no larger than 4 inches by 6 inches. It is recommended that they be painted, varnished, shellacked, or laminated (water-soluble glue is not recommended) to withstand the elements of winter. Also, keep in mind the health and safety of the animals when making ornaments. Use animal-safe items such as laminated paper, Styrofoam balls, clothespins, foil-wrapped objects, strung beads, fabric, soda cans, wood items, plastic containers (film or margarine), or Popsicle sticks. Do not use food items, sharp objects, glass, straws, or tinsel. Hang ornaments with string or yarn (no wire or pipe cleaners).
To commemorate this festive occasion, groups can purchase special Tree Trim patches, which are also an ideal award for Scout troop members. The 3-inch by 3.5-inch patches cost $4 each and can be shipped in advance of the event (additional shipping charges apply). They can also be picked up on Tree Trim days at the Wildlife Trading Post gift shop, located at the zoo’s South Gate entrance.
Corporations can also gather their employees for a family-friendly outing to Brookfield Zoo for the Tree Trim event while supporting the animals at Brookfield Zoo and in the wild. By sponsoring a corporate tree during Holiday Magic, company employees can share the joys of the holiday season together while advertising in a unique way to the nearly 100,000 guests that attend Holiday Magic, as well as daytime zoogoers.
The corporate Tree Trim package, which costs $500, includes 30 complimentary general admission passes, 10 complimentary parking passes, a fully lit tree, and a sign including the company name and logo. Additional admission passes may be purchased in advance at a discounted price of $6 each and parking passes for $8.
Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a community or corporate tree, to purchase extra tickets for Tree Trim day or commemorative patches, and for additional ornament guidelines and suggestions, visit the zoo’s Web site at www.CZS.org/TreeTrim.
For additional information or questions, email Tree.Trim@CZS.org or
call (708) 688-8607.
The hundreds of community and corporate trees that illuminate Brookfield Zoo’s walkways create a truly winter wonderland during Holiday Magic, which takes place on December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, and 26-31 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. In addition, the festive event will feature the Wild Lights Spectacular, ice-carving demonstrations, a model train display, live musical performances, magicians, and celebrity storytellers. Guests can also ride a miniature train, The Carousel, and the Jingle Bell Tram (for additional fees). In addition, Santa will be available to hear children’s wish lists (through December 20), and many exhibits will be open for viewing of favorite animals. Finally, the zoo’s restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones.
Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.