Chicago is home to two large zoos: The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and the Brookfield Zoo, in the nearby suburb of Brookfield. These two zoos are on our home turf, and although many of you have probably traveled to these zoos, we present you with our opinions on who wins in a zoo-off in our Chicago Zoo Comparison.
Size: The Lincoln Park Zoo is in the city, so they’re working with a smaller amount of space. However, I would say that they use their space very well. On the contrary, Brookfield Zoo is a larger zoo in regards to surface area. However, one of the main issues we have with Brookfield is all the open, wasted space throughout the zoo. So this one is a tough call. In the end, I need to favor the zoo with more area because of the opportunity to continue to build on and expand the zoo. Advantage: Brookfield Zoo
Shows: Lincoln Park Zoo really doesn’t have any shows. They do offer some training exhibitions, specifically their seal training, as well as other animal feedings. Brookfield’s main animal show is the Dolphin show, which does cost extra but is very fun to watch. These are offered multiple times per day. Brookfield also offers “Summer Nights”, which is an evening concert that happens on select Fridays and Saturdays during the summer. Advantage: Brookfield Zoo
Indoor Exhibits: Our first visit as a family to Lincoln Park Zoo was in the rain, so we have good perspective here. This zoo does have a good share of houses, including the African house, the bird house, a reptile house, a primate house, and an ape house. Brookfield also has many houses, including the swamp, the parakeet house, the primate house, the dolphin area, the Australia house, the reptile house, the bird building, the penguin exhibit, the children’s zoo, the Rainforest, and the Dessert Building. The swamp and the dolphin area are the ones I would characterize as must-see exhibits. Advantage: Brookfield Zoo
Animal Interactions: The Lincoln Park Zoo doesn’t have that many interactions available, outside of their family farm. Brookfield, on the other hand, has multiple opportunities. The Hamill Family Encounters area includes parakeet building where you can feed them, the wallaby area you can walk through, and the goat yard. In the summer, enjoy the Butterfly house, and occasionally giraffe feeding opportunities. Advantage: Brookfield Zoo
Habitats: Both of these zoos need to update some of their exhibits, as they are on the outdated side. Lincoln Park Zoo has some exhibits that play to the strengths of the animal, like the big cat exhibits with climbing opportunities, or the painted dog exhibit with forest like surroundings. The Brookfield Zoo’s newer exhibits play to these strengths as well, including the bear exhibit, but most, like the primate house, are outdated and need remodeling. Advantage: Lincoln Park Zoo
Wow Factor: The Lincoln Park Zoo’s wow factor previously was the iconic lion exhibit. Here they could be found perched on their rock with ivy in the background – very majestic. However, this house is being renovated, and currently there are no big cats in that area. Upon entrance, your eyes are now drawn over toward the sea lion pool in the distance, or perhaps the snow monkey exhibit. For Brookfield, there’s no opening attraction upon entering the zoo. Coming from the North Gate, you see the carousel straight ahead, with the camels and zebras to your right. From the South Gate you have the iconic lion statue, with some indoor exhibits to the left and right. The wow factor can be found perhaps in the dolphin show, but Brookfield’s strength is the volume of animals and size of the zoo. Advantage: Brookfield Zoo
Kids Play area: The Lincoln Park Zoo doesn’t really have much of a play area for kids. Brookfield, however, has several kid areas, including two separate outdoor play areas, as well as an indoor children’s wing with many play and learn opportunities. To read a full article on Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo, click here. Advantage: Brookfield Zoo
Price: The Lincoln Park Zoo is is free to the public. Brookfield Zoo is $21.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids. Advantage: Lincoln Park Zoo
Overall: Over the past 12 months, this gone from a 4-4 tie, to a 6-2 victory for Brookfield. Some renovations at Brookfield combined with a slow, drawn-out renovation of Lincoln Park’s big cat house with nothing currently replacing it gives Brookfield the edge. Brookfield comes in at 16th on our rankings, with Lincoln Park not far behind at 21st. They’re both worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Thank you for reading our Chicago Zoo Comparison! Want another opinion? Check out this recommendation from the Quirky Travel Guy.
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