Faced with budget constraints in 2011 Chicago Zoological Society takes proactive
 action to keep zoo experience affordable and accessible  
 
Brookfield, IL — The Chicago Zoological Society announced today a series of budget adjustments and reductions at Brookfield Zoo to help ensure the institution’s continued financial stability in 2011.
 
The adjustments include the elimination of 11 staff positions. Employees who support animal welfare and public safety are not affected, and the reductions bring the Society’s workforce to a 15-year low.
 
Other cost-saving measures that will help close a $1.3 million budget shortfall include wage freezes for non-union staff; elimination of paid internships; reductions in seasonal labor, operating expenses, and salary levels for the Society’s leadership; and the closing of two animal exhibit yards. The animals will be sent to other institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
 
Stuart D. Strahl, President and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, said the necessity to reduce staff positions is “a tremendously difficult decision but necessary so Brookfield Zoo can remain an affordable and accessible educational and cultural destination for our guests and fulfill our leadership role in wildlife conservation.”
 
He noted the impact of the reductions was significantly minimized by prudent planning and fiscal management and through additional cost savings and revenue-generating ideas submitted by staff. 
 
Despite record attendance in 2010—fueled by the opening of the Society’s largest exhibit in history, Great Bear Wilderness—paid attendance at the zoo declined this year. In addition, the zoo must make $60 million in critical infrastructure repairs over the next four years while facing a $500,000 annual loss through a tax that Village of Brookfield officials are attempting to impose on the zoo.
 
This is the second time in two years that Chicago Zoological Society officials have implemented a reduction-in-force and related budgetary adjustments to deal with the negative impact of the economy.  
 
Despite these economic challenges, the Society’s overall financial health has improved greatly over the last seven years through prudent management, including a significant reduction in the Society’s accumulated operating deficit.
 
“We have an excellent team of professionals who, despite these challenges, are working hard to provide our guests with the best services and educational experiences and to provide the highest quality of care for our animals,” said Strahl, adding that the zoo plays a significant role as an economic engine in the region’s economy. In 2010, Brookfield Zoo contributed $150 million into the Illinois economy while supporting 2,000 jobs.  
 
“Brookfield Zoo is proud to be one of Chicagoland’s most affordable destinations, an award-winning educational organization and the most visited cultural institution in Illinois,’’ he said. “We are committed to our mission to inspire conservation leadership by focusing on our highest priorities—animal care, education, outreach to local communities, conservation of endangered species and the environment, and a high-quality guest experience.”
 
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.

Brookfield Zoo Website

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