Polar bear at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Open 365 days per year and always free to visitors, Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo has welcomed millions and millions of visitors since its opening in 1868. Situated just north of the city but still within view of all of Chicago's skyscrapers, this zoo is far from old-fashioned - despite its age - continually updating its facilities in the hopes of providing a top-notch wildlife adventure for locals and visitors alike.
The park is expansive yet welcoming, offering tree- and flower-lined walkways, wide paths, and attractive structures that combine original Georgian Revival architecture with more-recently-added contemporary buildings. Animal habitats closely resemble their native domiciles.
A large variety of animal species live at Lincoln Park Zoo including 80 species of mammals ranging from typical zoo animals like lions and tigers to much more exotic offerings, including a number of unique species from Africa and Asia. Children are especially charmed by the Small Mammal House, which features such animals as tiny wallabies from Australia and white-faced primates from the jungles of South America. The Regenstein Center for African Apes is a favorite with families and guests also enjoy watching the zoo's polar bears via a huge, underwater viewing area at the McCormick Bear Habitat.
More than 75 species of birds are on display at the McCormick Bird House, which is home to about 300 colorful winged creatures. This structure, built in 1904, includes traditional caged exhibits as well as a tropical free-flight area for many of the birds.
In addition to birds and mammals, the Lincoln Park Zoo displays approximately 70 species of reptiles, fish, and amphibians - about 2,300 animals in all. They make their homes in various parts of the zoo, including the flamingo habitat, penguin and seabird house, and the small reptile house.
The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo is a North American animal exhibit that allows children to feel "At Home in the Woods.'' This is not a petting zoo; however, the zoo does offer kids the opportunity to interact with animals at their Farm-in-the Zoo area. Sponsored by John Deere, families that visit this part of Lincoln Park Zoo can come face-to-face with cows, chickens, sheep, and goats, and even participate in milking or feeding.
Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo also boasts an impressive Conservation and Research Department, which employs zoologists and other scientists who conduct research to improve animal management and wildlife conservation both inside and outside the zoo.
The zoo sponsors a number of events for visitors of all ages including classes, lectures, and demonstrations. During the Christmas holiday season, attendance explodes as Lincoln Park Zoo presents its annual ZooLights, which bathes the entire zoo in twinkling white and colored lights. Various holiday events also accompany ZooLights, including visits with Santa, dinners, crafting, and train rides.
