Chicago Zoological Society to Show King's Iconic "I Have a Dream" Speech- Free Admission on 1/21

News Release January 7, 2013

Contact: Sondra Katzen                                    Public Relations                                    708.688.8351                                    sondra.katzen@czs.org

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago Zoological Society to Show King’s Iconic “I Have a Dream” Speech

Free Admission to Brookfield Zoo on January 21—Martin Luther King Jr. Day

            Brookfield, Ill.—Join Chicago Zoological Society staff in celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 21. In honor of the day, zoo admission will be free (a parking fee will still apply).

            At noon, guests are welcome to stop by the zoo’s Discovery Center for the viewing of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered on August 28, 1963. On that historic day, Dr. King, one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement, shared his dream with a large crowd in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

After viewing the speech, zoogoers are invited to reflect on and share their dreams by creating a Tibetan prayer flag, which is traditionally used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom.

This event is hosted by staff members of the Society’s Arcoiris group, whose mission is to achieve organizational excellence through diversity.

            For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

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.

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Thanksgiving Day Feast Planned for Animals at Brookfield Zoo

News Release November 12, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sondra Katzen                      Public Relations                      708.688.8351                        sondra.katzen@czs.org

Note: Images of the Thanksgiving Day Feast for the Animals may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/PressRoom.

Thanksgiving Day Feast Planned for Animals at Brookfield Zoo

            Brookfield, Ill.—Before families sit down for their Thanksgiving meals on Thursday, November 22, they are invited to visit Brookfield Zoo’s Children’s Zoo and help keepers satisfy the appetites of some animals, including cows, reindeer, goats, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, a miniature horse, a miniature donkey, and llamas.

            The noon banquet features nutritious and delicious items such as hog chow, grapes, alfalfa, timothy hay, apples, carrots, sweet corn, lettuce, oranges, bananas, and duck chow. Those interested in assisting the keepers feed the animals should meet by the windmill in Children’s Zoo.

Afterwards, guests can watch as keepers feed some of the not-so-tame animals like the hawks, raven, bald eagle, owls, and raccoons.
Children’s Zoo is free through December 31, 2012. Free general zoo admission is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including Thanksgiving Day, through the end of February. Beginning in January and through the end of February, admission is also free on Sundays and Saturdays. On other days, admission to Brookfield Zoo is $15 for adults and $10.50 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and over. Children 2 and under are free. Car parking is $10.

The Chicago Zoological Society’s mission is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world for its innovative, naturalistic, multispecies exhibits and for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation.

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Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night- 9 haunted evenings in October

Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night Promises Thrills and Chills On Nine Haunted Evenings

Brookfield, Ill — Weekends throughout the Halloween season will be full of fun and frights during Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night. Guests of all ages who are not too afraid of things that go bump in the night can enjoy nine haunted evenings on Fridays through Sundays, October 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The bravest souls can take their chances on The Trail of Terror, a PG-13 experience that features “scientists” at GeneLab who are scrambling to decimate the scourge of mutated bugs that have taken over the city, creating a “superbug” that will eat and destroy the invading new species. But now that the mutant bugs are gone, the superbugs are still hungry…and those who dare should beware!

Anyone looking for more spooky times can board The Haunted Tram for a ghastly journey through Zombieville. Trying to escape hungry zombies that seem to appear at every turn, the ride will be one not soon enough forgotten.

For families with younger children, Creatures of the Night will also feature not-so-scary activities. On the zoo’s West Mall, in a messy menagerie, the Pumpkin Executioner will be smashing pumpkins every half hour. Additionally, ghosts and goblins of all ages can try to find their way through the 7,000-square-foot Crazed Maize. In The Pavilions, the zoo will also be rocking all evening long with the Monster Mash Dance Party, led by a DJ who will be playing a variety of Halloween-themed music. Kids can carve their own pumpkins to take home.

As an extra surprise, the animatronic creatures from Xtreme BUGS, the hit exhibit that invaded the zoo this summer, will be sticking around for a creepy-crawly Halloween encore. The exhibit of epic proportions, presented by Dominick’s, feature more than 20 oversize animatronic insects, including a spooky giant Madagascar hissing cockroach. Additionally, there are more than 100 larger-than-life stationary insects, including spiders hunting, ants feasting upon a scorpion, and cicadas hatching. Visitors can see the bugs in an eerie new light during Creatures of the Night.

Additionally, zoogoers can encounter some more familiar creatures of the night in The Swamp and Australia House, from toothy crocodiles and slithering snakes to Rodrigues fruit bats—who boast a 3-foot wingspan. (Indoor animal buildings close at 10:00 p.m.) At Hamill Family Play Zoo, kids can participate in a variety of Halloween-themed crafts and activities. During Creatures of the Night, several of the zoo’s restaurants and gift shops will also be open.

Guests should park in Brookfield Zoo’s main parking lot (First Avenue and 31st Street). Parking is free after 6:00 p.m. Activities are free (with the exception of the pumpkin carving activity 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.

For further information about Creatures of the Night activities, visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Open every day of the year, the 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.
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Brookfield Zoo's Boo at the Zoo- October 20-21 and 27-28

Boys and Ghouls of All Ages Are Invited to Brookfield Zoo’s Annual Boo! at the Zoo

Howlin’ Good Times Await on October 20-21 and 27-28


Brookfield, Ill. — This Halloween season, the annual Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo offers a chance for guests of all ages to enjoy tricks and treats. The holiday celebration on Saturdays and Sundays, October 20-21 and 27-28, will be a haunting hoot for the entire family. The more-fun-than-scary event has something for everyone from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

The spooky fun features a Costume Parade, which begins at 1:00 p.m. each day at the zoo’s North Gate and makes its way around Roosevelt Fountain before concluding at the East Mall. Afterwards, guests can show off their costumes in the Costume Showcase. Judges will choose first- and second-place winners in four categories: scariest, best animal theme, most original, and best group theme. Prizes will be awarded, courtesy of Fisher-Price®. Each weekend during Boo! at the Zoo, the popular toy company will have its Fisher-Price Power Wheels® driving track and play space for youngsters.

Guests can learn some expert pumpkin-carving tips from professional carver Steve Dahlke, who will use a variety of tools to create masterpieces out of 1,000-pound pumpkins. During his demonstrations, guests will be able to ask questions and pick up carving tips they can try at home.

Ghosts and goblins alike can try to find their way through the 7,000-square-foot Crazed Maize, located on the West Mall; take a spin on the haunted Carousel; or hop on a hayride through the zoo that is sure to provide a hauntingly good time.

Of course, the Halloween celebration would not be complete without some creepy critters. Families can discover interesting facts about some of the zoo’s animals during special Zoo Chats. At 11:30 a.m. in Australia House, guests can hang around for a chat about Rodrigues fruit bats. Those who venture into The Swamp at 12:30 p.m. can get up close and personal with a black widow spider. Give a hoot for Tex, a great horned owl, at a 1:00 p.m. chat in Children’s Zoo. Then, at 2:00 p.m., head over to

Feathers and Scales and learn some interesting facts about scorpions. At 2:30 p.m. in The Fragile Rain Forest, guests can learn about one of the zoo’s longest residents: Gunga Din, a nearly 10-foot-long Burmese python. At 3:00 p.m., run with the pack to the Great Bear Wilderness exhibit to hear all about Mexican gray wolves.

Some of the zoo’s animals are also joining in the Halloween celebration. At 11:00 a.m. each day, guests can watch pumpkins being given to animals: rhinos on October 20, gorillas on October 21, sloth bears on October 27, and African lions on October 28.

In Children’s Zoo, which will be free during Boo! at the Zoo, youngsters can participate in Halloween-themed activities, including “pin the nose on the cat” and “pin the eye on the owl,” and make scarecrows until 3:00 p.m.

As a special treat, Xtreme BUGS, the hit exhibit that invaded the zoo this summer, will be sticking around for a creepy-crawly Halloween encore. The exhibit of epic proportions, presented by Dominick’s, features more than 20 oversize animatronic bugs, including a spooky giant Madagascar hissing cockroach. Additionally, there are more than 100 larger-than-life stationary insects, including spiders hunting, ants feasting upon a scorpion, and cicadas hatching.

Admission to Brookfield Zoo is $15 for adults and $10.50 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Boo! at the Zoo activities are free, with the exception of admission to Xtreme Bugs, The Carousel, and the hayride. Parking is $10. For further information about Boo! at the Zoo activities, visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000. Boo! at the Zoo is presented by Fisher-Price, Bright Start College Savings Program, and American Airlines.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Open every day of the year, the 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.
Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter and check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night

Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night Promises Thrills and Chills On Nine Haunted Evenings

Brookfield, Ill — Weekends throughout the Halloween season will be full of fun and frights during Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night. Guests of all ages who are not too afraid of things that go bump in the night can enjoy nine haunted evenings on Fridays through Sundays, October 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The bravest souls can take their chances on The Trail of Terror, a PG-13 experience that features “scientists” at GeneLab who are scrambling to decimate the scourge of mutated bugs that have taken over the city, creating a “superbug” that will eat and destroy the invading new species. But now that the mutant bugs are gone, the superbugs are still hungry…and those who dare should beware!

Anyone looking for more spooky times can board The Haunted Tram for a ghastly journey through Zombieville. Trying to escape hungry zombies that seem to appear at every turn, the ride will be one not soon enough forgotten.

For families with younger children, Creatures of the Night will also feature not-so-scary activities. On the zoo’s West Mall, in a messy menagerie, the Pumpkin Executioner will be smashing pumpkins every half hour. Additionally, ghosts and goblins of all ages can try to find their way through the 7,000-square-foot Crazed Maize. In The Pavilions, the zoo will also be rocking all evening long with the Monster Mash Dance Party, led by a DJ who will be playing a variety of Halloween-themed music. Kids can carve their own pumpkins to take home.

As an extra surprise, the animatronic creatures from Xtreme BUGS, the hit exhibit that invaded the zoo this summer, will be sticking around for a creepy-crawly Halloween encore. The exhibit of epic proportions, presented by Dominick’s, feature more than 20 oversize animatronic insects, including a spooky giant Madagascar hissing cockroach. Additionally, there are more than 100 larger-than-life stationary insects, including spiders hunting, ants feasting upon a scorpion, and cicadas hatching. Visitors can see the bugs in an eerie new light during Creatures of the Night.

Additionally, zoogoers can encounter some more familiar creatures of the night in The Swamp and Australia House, from toothy crocodiles and slithering snakes to Rodrigues fruit bats—who boast a 3-foot wingspan. (Indoor animal buildings close at 10:00 p.m.) At Hamill Family Play Zoo, kids can participate in a variety of Halloween-themed crafts and activities. During Creatures of the Night, several of the zoo’s restaurants and gift shops will also be open.

Guests should park in Brookfield Zoo’s main parking lot (First Avenue and 31st Street). Parking is free after 6:00 p.m. Activities are free (with the exception of the pumpkin carving activity 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.

For further information about Creatures of the Night activities, visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Open every day of the year, the 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.
Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter and check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

Brookfield Zoo - Little People LIVE Holiday Show 12/11 & 12/12

Come to Brookfield Zoo for a live musical show featuring the Little People costumed characters! Join in lots of singing, dancing, and special surprises as Little People friends discover the true meaning of holiday spirit. They will be there on December 11th and 12th and the show times are 10 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2 PM. The cost is $2 per person.

Check out the other family events on My Chicago Mommy!

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* HOT * Buyzooka Daily Deal - FREE Brookfield Zoo Tickets TODAY!

Get a FREE pair of weekend tickets to Brookfield Zoo on Buyzooka today only ($27 value)!  What a fun, affordable family outing!


INFORMATION:

Highlights:
-2 General Admission tickets
-View exceptional exhibits, including
Stingray Bay and the new Great Bear Wilderness
-Open every day of the year

Details:
-Tickets are valid until 12/31/10
-Only 500 pairs of tickets available
-Only 1 pair available per email address
-See the Rules that apply to all buys on Buyzooka


Brookfield Zoo:
Get one last splash of summer at Brookfield Zoo! Come watch Dolphins make waves in new shows and touch a Ray at Stingray Bay. Then go eye to eye with Polar Bears & Grizzlies as they dive and swim in Great Bear Wilderness, presented by Dominick's.

Explore the 216 acres where more than 400 species live and play in naturalistic habitats. View exceptional exhibits featuring well-known and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. You can holler with monkeys, howl with lions and tigers or sing with the birds at the various up-close habitats. Brookfield Zoo, managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, is open every day of the year.

Donate to Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Zoological Society
The global conservation efforts of the Chicago Zoological Society would not be possible without your support. Working together, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy wild things and wild places.

For more information about supporting the Chicago Zoological Society and Brookfield Zoo, click here.

Location: 8401 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513

Hours of Operation: Monday thru Sunday from 10:00am to 05:00pm

Be sure to act fast!  Quantities are limited - get your FREE tickets on Buyzooka before they run out!

Check out the other free and discounted family events and activities on My Chicago Mommy!

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* UPDATE * Giveaway #14 - Brookfield Zoo Tickets

Congratulations to the winner of the Brookfield Zoo Tickets Giveaway!
(selected randomly at www.random.org)

#5 - Tracy A.

* The winner will receive an e-mail from me. Thanks to all who entered! Be sure to enter the other giveaways for more chances to win! *

The fourteenth giveaway in the "31 Days of Giveaways" is courtesy of me, My Chicago Mommy.

I will be giving away two (2) general admission tickets to Brookfield Zoo to one (1) lucky reader.

Brookfield Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions in the Chicagoland area. They are open year-round and provide lots of fun and educational activities for children of all ages! I had the pleasure of visiting Brookfield Zoo with my family recently and my children really enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit. They made lifelike dinosaurs complete with motion and sounds. They have a lot of events going on right now, including "Dino-Nites" and "Boo at the Zoo".

Remember, they have free general admission on Tuesdays and Thursdays through December 31st.

* Don't forget to enter tomorrow's giveaway and to check back Wednesday to see if you are the winner of this giveaway! *


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