150th Anniversary Edition - A MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO
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SUMMER 2018 150th Anniversary Edition A MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO
PERSPECT IV E
Soaring to New Heights
150
I’ve been surrounded by great zoo people all my life. My father was an ornithologist.
We lived at the Bronx Zoo, where I grew up with keepers and animals. In 1976 I joined
Lincoln Park Zoo as curator of birds (pictured, left) under the supervision of Dr. Lester
Fisher, one of the best zoo people I have ever known. Now, as Lincoln Park Zoo cele-
brates our 150th anniversary, I am proud and grateful to be part of a great zoo commu-
nity. Our staff, volunteers, members, partners, and supporters keep this institution free
and open 365 days a year so locals and global visitors alike can connect to nature in the
heart of Chicago.
Planning our anniversary has brought back many fond memories; it has also encour-
aged us to reflect on our evolution and future. We’ve come a long way. Our zoo began in
1868, when commissioners of New York’s Central Park gave Lincoln Park a gift of two
pairs of swans. As was the culture of the time, we spent our early years as a menagerie
showcasing a multitude of exotic species. Around 1950, we began to shift from focusing
on quantity of animals to quality of life. Dr. Fisher built new facilities that reflected the
animals’ natural habitats. He instituted regular preventive veterinary medicine. He set
a foundation for the zoo to grow as a place that serves animals as well as people, and
strives to conserve species in the wild.
Today, we are rooted in science. We are a leader in animal care, conservation, com-
munity partnership, and education, but we still have much to do. We will continue to
improve animal habitats and the on-grounds experience with The Pride of Chicago
capital campaign. Outside the zoo, we work with colleagues in Puerto Rico to support
critically endangered Puerto Rican parrots, whose habitat was affected by Hurricane
Maria. We will continue to expand the Urban Wildlife Information Network. In
November, we will host the 2nd International Wildlife Reintroduction Conference,
which will bring together experts to discuss the best ways to restore wildlife to their
native habitats. Here in Chicago, we will continue our work with partners in communi-
ties across the city to co-create nature experiences in their own backyards.
Years of Chicago’s Free Zoo I hope you’ll join our anniversary celebration by exploring our exhibition, From
Swans to Science: 150 Years of Lincoln Park Zoo, in the coming months. As always, thank
you for your ongoing support. Here’s to another 150 years. •
KEVIN J. BELL
PRESIDENT AND CEO
2 | L IN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 3
WIL DF IL E: N EWS OF T HE ZOO
150th Anniversary Edition
BY EMILY ALTIMARI
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
SUMMER 2018 DEPARTMENTS
MAGAZINE
Happy Birthday to Zoo!
VO LUME 17, N UM B E R 2 •
FO R ME MB E R S O F LI NCOLN PARK ZOO Perspective / 3 It started with swans in 1868—a gift from New York’s Central
CONTRIBUTING Park to Lincoln Park’s Board of Commissioners. The striking
Wild File / 5
EXECUTIVE STAFF white birds were a sensation in Chicago and Lincoln Park Zoo
FEATURES Take Action With Us / 7 came to be the forever-free urban oasis it is today. While you
PRESIDENT AND CEO
can still see swans (though a different species than the found-
150 Years of Chicago’s Free Zoo Family Album / 18 Kevin J. Bell
ing waterfowl) at Hope B. McCormick Swan Pond, the science
Zoo / 2 Green Scene / 21 EXECUTIVE VICE behind their care has changed. Over the course of 150 years,
In honor of Lincoln Park Zoo’s 150th PRESIDENT science has shaped the zoo’s animal care strategy, conservation
Field Note / 22
anniversary in 2018, we’ve wrapped Megan Ross, Ph.D. efforts, and community presence.
this issue in a detachable, fold-out In celebration of the zoo’s sesquicentennial anniversary and
VICE PRESIDENT OF
timeline that chronicles the zoo’s Cover: The zoo’s original sea lion pool, built in 1879 the science that steers everything we do, we’re sharing stories
MARKETING AND
proud history. and shown here in a photo taken around 1900, from the past and looking toward the future with a free, fami-
COMMUNICATIONS
attracted visitors whose modes of fashion and ly-friendly summer exhibition: From Swans to Science: 150 Years
Beth Krauss
transportation were a bit different than those of of Lincoln Park Zoo, now through September 3.
A History of Helping Apes / 8
today’s guests. What hasn't changed? Lincoln Park CREATIVE DIRECTOR Guided by an interactive Exhibition Pass Presented by
At Regenstein Center for African
Zoo is still free and open to all every day of the year. Lena McDonagh Wendella Tours and Cruises, history buffs and animal lovers will
Apes, animal care is informed by a
enjoy 10 image- and fact-filled stops throughout the zoo that
pioneering past and research that DIRECTOR OF
trace its commitment to community, care, and conservation over
gives gorillas and chimpanzees a PUBLIC RELATIONS
150 years. Enter code words to form a message in the Exhibition
voice through science. Jillian Braun
Pass as you make the circuit, and you can enter a drawing to win
monthly prizes, including ADOPT packages and special boat
MAGAZINE STAFF
Look for this icon to find great tours and cruises from Wendella!
Transforming the Zoo / 14
gifts from Lincoln Park Zoo. EDITOR You can also sidle up to a piece of zoo history
Dr. Lester Fisher and Kevin Bell,
Craig Keller during daily noon “Meet an Artifact” chats at
whose past and present leadership
Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House
at Lincoln Park Zoo spans decades, ART DIRECTOR Members save on
throughout summer. On July 17 and August
share how the zoo has evolved and Joann Dzon Twilight Safari.
21, join ticketed, 150th anniversary-themed
what it means to them. Sign up at lpzoo.
CONTRIBUTORS Twilight Safaris led by zoo history experts
org/calendar.
Emily Altimari after hours!
I Spy, Zoo Spy / 16 Chris Bijalba
The zoo’s history is written on the Beth Botts
walls—literally! Explore the zoo in a Jillian Braun
whole new way by using these clues Michelle Falco
to find some hidden (and not-so- Julia Fuller Produc
stcard
t: 4x6 Po xxxxxx
xx -00-00
er: Xxxx Date: 00 Version: 1 Front
hidden) features of the zoo, with Hyson Gibbon Custom
Job#: 00
46
-X X0 0
Option:
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Code:
designs dating back to as early as Kelly McGrath Ar tist:
XX XX X
Item#:
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1904. Allison Price Send family and friends some
Mollie Rotmensch Product: 4x6 Postcard zoo history! Eight reproductions
Kate Silver
Customer: Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Job#: 00-XX00 Date: 00-00-00 of vintage postcards depict past
Version: 1
Code: 46
Artist: XXXXX
Option: A
animal residents and beloved zoo
landmarks during earlier eras.
Photo by Ryan Duelfer
Item#: 0000000 Front
tcard Logo
Product: 4x6 Pos niversa
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Customer: Xxx Date: 00-00-00
Available at
April 2018
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Artist: XXX XX Front Wild Things
Item#: 000000
0
x109mm
bleed)
gift shop at the
zoo or online at
5mm (152
148x10
Our Impact Depends on You Go Online for More
lpzoo.org/shop.
Visit lpzoo.org/magazine for Celebrate the zoo’s 150th anniversary with these and other
Who funds Lincoln Park Zoo? You do! Zoo members, donors and visitors Page
1 of
2
$.50 each.
special web-only features— y var y.
commemorative keepsakes, from a laptop pack to a wine
help cover around 80% of our annual operating costs to keep this including photos, video and sition, siz
e and pro
duct color ma
tumbler to a plush swan!
color, po ICS
150th Anniversary Logo
imprint GRAPH
*Actual T PHOTO
non-profit, privately managed institution open and free every day and
©IMPAC April 2018
blog posts—inspired by the USA
support its mission of wildlife conservation, animal care and learning.
in the
stories in this issue. Printed
Available at Wild Things gift shop at the zoo or online at
ary Logo
Support the zoo at lpzoo.org/donate. 150th Annivers
April 2018
148x105mm (152x109mm bleed)
lpzoo.org/shop.
4 | LIN COL N PA RK ZOO 148x105mm (152x10
9mm bleed)
*Actual imprint color, position, size and product color may vary.
Page 1 of 2 S PR ING 201 8 | 5
Printed in the USA ©IMPACT PHOTOGRAPHICS
WI LDFILE: N EWS OF THE ZOO
Take Action
With Us
BY MEGAN ROSS, PH.D.
New Chick on the Block EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Come Play at the The zoo’s African penguin colony got a
Farm! lot fuzzier on February 10 when its first We know you care about the
chick hatched. It’s a boy! Lincoln Park zoo, and that means you care
Early Childhood Learning
Zoo Trustee Mayari Pritzker named about wildlife. At Lincoln
Programs at the Farm Presented
the chick Oliver. Oliver is the offspring Park Zoo, we protect ani-
by Peoples Gas offer free activi-
of penguin pair Robben (female) and mals around the world, from
ties for the littlest learners at the
Preston (male), and will retain his downy the Republic of Congo to
Farm-in-the-Zoo!
gray feathers until he molts into his Clark Street! You might be
Photo byJulia Fuller
waterproof, juvenile plumage. After one surprised at how many wild
Play Days at the Farm
to two years, African penguins molt into animals live right here in Chicago.
(Main Barn) Tuesdays and
their iconic, tuxedo-like adult plumage. How can we help make Chicago a wel-
Photo byJulia Fuller
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–noon
Bird keepers slowly introduced coming place for people and wildlife to thrive
Join our Play Assistants for
Oliver to the rest of the colony behind together? Here are a few suggestions from
hands-on nature play activities!
From sorting pinecones to digging
Hats Off to Bats the scenes. While the introductions went Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute:
well, it was no surprise they ruffled pro-
in smooth seeds, little ones ages To spot the “Official Mammal of Chicago,”
tective mom Robben’s feathers a bit. Appreciate local wildlife. When you see
1–5 with a caregiver can explore you’ll have to look up. The little brown
Keepers then gave Oliver and his parents wildlife, don’t approach, but get a pic-
the sights, smells and textures that bat was waiting in the wings to claim this
the choice to explore a small on-exhibit
When Beary Met Sally ture. We like to say, “Tweet it, don’t touch it!”
nature offers in an open-ended title, which became official this past April
space before giving the little one access No icebreakers necessary: Siku and Talini, the zoo’s male and
experience. 18 at a Chicago City Council meeting Create wildlife-friendly spaces by plant-
to the entire Robert and Mayari Pritzker female polar bears, have been getting along swimmingly at
with support from 43rd Ward Alderman ing Illinois-native plants in your yard or
Penguin Cove with the other penguins. Walter Family Arctic Tundra since Talini’s arrival in March from
Sing Along with Mr. Singer Michele Smith. school garden. Native plants help provide
Lincoln Park Zoo works closely with Detroit Zoo. The bear pair came together as a part of a breed-
(Main Barn) Wednesdays and This bat badge of honor will be in resources for important animals—like insects
AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction ing recommendation from the Polar Bear Species Survival Plan®
Fridays, 9:15 and 10 a.m. place through 2018 and represents the that our bats need to eat to survive.
(SAFE) program, which focuses the col- (SSP), which cooperatively manages the polar bear population
Sing, dance and clap your hands zoo’s vision to inspire communities to
lective expertise within AZA-accredited within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) based on If you really want to help make a place
with Chicago’s beloved Mr. Singer! create environments where wildlife
facilities to save endangered species. genetic and demographic analyses conducted at Lincoln Park for local wildlife, install a bat house,
Enjoy original songs while wee ones will thrive in our urbanizing world. It
The African penguin is a SAFE priority Zoo’s Population Management Center. insect hotel, or birdhouse. (Visit lpzoo.org/
ages 6 and under dance and sing nods to the work of Lincoln Park Zoo’s
species due to its decreasing population According to keepers, 13-year-old Talini is playful, curious, insect-hotel for a DIY guide to making your
along. Urban Wildlife Institute (UWI), which
in southern Africa from habitat destruc- and definitely in charge when it comes to her courtship with own insect hotel.)
studies urban ecosystems to develop sci-
tion, commercial overfishing, and other 8-year-old Siku. Talini and Siku met at the peak of polar bear
Edible Gardens Wednesdays, entific standards that minimize conflict Help us analyze the largest urban
human-related causes. breeding season, and observers are just as smitten.
Thursdays and Saturdays, 9:30 between humans and wildlife. Scientists wildlife dataset in the world! Visit
Want to follow Oliver as he contin- General Curator Dave Bernier reports the pair have engaged
a.m.–12:30 p.m. (through October) at UWI and the zoo’s Davee Center for chicagowildlifewatch.org to identify the ani-
ues to reach developmental milestones? in proper courtship behaviors: chuffing, nuzzling, and—in
Facilitated in partnership with Epidemiology and Endocrinology use mals we’ve spotted at sites across Chicago.
Tune in to the second season of “All My Siku’s case—even watching Talini sleep! Animal Care will work
Green City Market and The Organic non-invasive techniques to study bat You can help us understand how wildlife use
Penguins” this summer at lpzoo.org/ with the Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology to
Gardener, the hands-on Edible species in Chicago. Bat populations cities, and get to know a few of your animal
allmypenguins! monitor Talini’s reproductive-hormone levels to see if cubs may
Gardens connect children with across the nation—including little brown neighbors.
potentially arrive in the future.
their food and give families the bats in Illinois—have been devastated by
Support local stewardship. You can vol-
knowledge, experience, and inspi- a fatal fungal disease called white-nose
unteer with your local forest preserve
ration to support sustainable food syndrome.
district to help protect nature throughout
practices. The zoo hopes Chicago will rally Opposite: Big brown bats
Chicagoland. Or you can make a monetary
behind little brown bats and the plight of roost in southwest suburban
donation to the zoo or other organizations
Feed the Cows (Dairy Barn) other bat species. These flying mammals Laughton Preserve (top);
that work to protect local nature.
Daily, 10:30 a.m. are an important part of our shared eco- penguin chick Oliver with
Get nose-to-nose with Holstein system, helping to control insect popula-
Photo by Kaycee Bridges
mom Robben (bottom).
We live on a planet that gets more urban
Photo byChris Bijalba
dairy cows! tions, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds. Above: Siku and Talini’s rom-
every single year. Help us make sure that
Learn how you can help bats and other com courtship; left: another
even on an urban planet there’s still a place
local wildlife in “Take Action With Us” on new arrival, 2-year-old male
for our wild neighbors. That’s part of what
the opposite page. giraffe Finely, is adult female
we mean by “For Wildlife. For All.”
Etana’s companion.
6 | LIN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 7
A History of
Helping Apes
BY KATE SILVER
Photo by Jillian Braun
In the second installment of our year-long magazine former Lincoln Park Zoo director and household name in
series on the care and conservation of primates, explore Chicago for whom the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study
Regenstein Center for African Apes, where care is informed and Conservation of Apes is named—helped shape the modern
by a pioneering past and research that gives gorillas and zoo and the modern ape house. “Les
chimpanzees a voice through science. “Les Fisher helped Fisher helped rewrite the history
books for Lincoln Park and for zoos
If you visit the Regenstein Center for African Apes (RCAA) rewrite the history everywhere,” says Steve Taylor,
at 1:30 p.m. on a weekday, you might see Kwan the silverback books for Lincoln former president of American
gorilla gently placing his finger on a touchscreen monitor to Park and for zoos Association of Zoological Parks and
select the food he likes, usually opting for grapes or tomatoes. Aquariums, in an article published in
Nearby, an intern may be tapping away on an iPad, recording everywhere,” says Chicago Tribune in 1992, the year that
information in the ZooMonitor app about where apes like Azizi, Steve Taylor. Fisher retired from the zoo.
a bachelor gorilla, is sitting and how he’s making use of his Fisher transformed Lincoln Park
Photo by Todd Rosenberg
habitat. Zoo from an entertainment-centric park where (visitors could
These pursuits, along with robust healthcare and a detailed feed marshmallows to bears and peanuts to elephants) into a
planning and management system, inform the way staff cares renowned facility dedicated to education and conservation. He
for the great apes on a daily basis. “Science is in everything we coordinated preventive medical procedures at the zoo, taking
do,” says Maureen Leahy, vice president of animal care and blood draws from each ape. The goal was to move the animals
Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo/Chicago Park District
horticulture at Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s part of a legacy dating into family groups, as they live in the wild, and to encourage
back decades. Science—through technology, research and data breeding. To date, more than 50 gorillas have been born at
collection—gives the apes a voice and allows them, both directly Lincoln Park Zoo (while that number is impressive, the focus is
and indirectly, to make choices that inform their care. on the quality of the animal matches and not quantity of births).
Caring for the apes takes a village. More than a dozen
Lincoln Park Zoo team members work with each animal to
Becoming a leader in great ape care and conservation
better understand and improve their lives, and, more broadly,
Science and innovation are part of the DNA of ape care at
bolster conservation of the species. The zoo has four different
Lincoln Park Zoo. In the 1920s, the Primate House was
great ape groups at RCCA. There’s the family group of western
designed in a way that would mimic “native habitats”, and allow
lowland gorillas, led by the 382-pound silverback, Kwan,
in natural light. Even back then, the ventilation system was
that has three adult females and three female offspring. The
constructed to prevent the spread of disease between animals
bachelor group of gorillas is a rowdy one, made up of four males Opposite: Fisher Center Research Assistant Crystal Egelkamp conducts a
and humans. As far back as the 1930s, the zoo would draw blood
ages 12 to 15, led by Azizi. There’s an inquisitive group of six touchscreen cognition session with male gorilla Azizi. Above: Dr. Lester E. Fisher
from animals, like the beloved gorilla Bushman, to assess their
chimpanzees led by Hank and a group of five chimpanzees that (foreground) examines male gorilla Otto in 1976 during the apes’ move into the
health and, according to a 1932 article in the Chicago Tribune,
live behind-the-scenes in a separate habitat, led by Magadi. former Great Ape House, where they formed family groups.
“discover means of prolonging the creature’s life.”
Primate health is at the top of the priority list, and that
Starting in the 1960s, Dr. Lester E. Fisher—a veterinarian,
8 | L IN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 9
Opposite: Operant conditioning helps
primate keeper Amy Martens and Maureen
Leahy monitor the heart health of a female
chimpanzee with an implanted EKG device.
This page, top: Western lowland gorilla
Umande, shown here in 2012, observes the
bachelor group’s outdoor habitat. Dominant
apes might use doorways to establish control
over troop members. Below: Mulch and wood-
wool shavings provide welcome ground-
nesting materials for chimpanzee Kathy at
Regenstein Center for African Apes.
much less stressful situation, because they’re used to the training.
They’re used to the veterinarian coming in to check on them.”
Preventive care also extends to how animal care and
research staff interact with the apes. Because gorillas and chim-
panzees are so similar to humans, they can share diseases, like
the flu or cold. Given this risk to all primates involved, several
years ago the zoo revised protocol and all team members
coming into contact with the apes are required to wear personal
protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including face masks
Photo by Todd Rosenberg
and gloves. Anyone who is ill or thinks they might be ill must
also stay home. These practices are also used by our researchers
in the Republic of Congo with the Goualougo Triangle Ape
Photo by LPZ Staff
Project as they track wild chimpanzees and gorillas.
A Core of Scientific Research
Scientists at Lincoln Park Zoo have found a number of ways to
get feedback—direct or indirect—from the apes. Those touch-
the animals use their space. At the time, they were living in
screen tasks, mentioned above, give the animals a chance to
the Lester E. Fisher Great Ape House. He would observe the
includes preventive care. According to Lester E. Fisher Director weigh in on their own care. By selecting icons on a screen, the
animals and, every 30 seconds, record where and how they
of Veterinary Medicine Kathryn Gamble, D.V.M., 60 to 70 chimpanzees and gorillas can choose the foods they prefer, and,
spent their time using a special computer program (today,
percent of the medical attention the apes receive is preventive. in the future, they may be able to select their favorite enrich-
they use an app called ZooMonitor, an evolution of the early
That’s an important change from earlier days in zoos, when ment (items that encourage natural behaviors, from play to
program, to record similar data on a tablet).
vets, who usually weren’t on staff, were called upon to address foraging). In the past, they even played something the scientists
Ross noticed how much time they spend in doorways and
an immediate issue, such as an illness or injury. “As technology call “Ape-Plunko”: the primates rearrange straws in a transpar-
corners and hypothesized that a corner might replicate a thick
has evolved, it’s coming to veterinary medicine and we’re able ent tube to try and get a grape to fall through the opening.
forest, protecting them from open spaces, while a doorway
to access it,” says Gamble. “Each decade that goes by we learn The cognition studies are managed by Lydia Hopper, Ph.D.,
could be a point of control for a dominant ape to keep track of
new things, better ways to care for animals. And so from a assistant director of the Fisher Center, and the goal is to better
what’s happening within the group. Today, you can see how
medical perspective, anything that makes the animals more bal- understand how they learn and how they perceive the world
those observations influenced the design of the angular RCAA
anced in their environment makes them less likely to get sick.” around them.
building. “We used data from the apes to tell us how to do it,”
Photo by Chris Bijalba
The apes are even trained to aid staff in monitoring their Additionally, a long-term behavioral monitoring program—
says Ross. “So in a way, they designed it.”
own health. Through something called “operant conditioning,” which Fisher Center Director Steve Ross, Ph.D., started in the
To ensure the apes’ comfort, the habitats at the RCAA are
the team at RCAA works with the apes daily to ensure they previous ape house and continues today—is made up of more
thick with mulch—a big change from the concrete and steel
know how to present different parts of their body (like a hand or than 7,500 hours of data on the resident apes. Many of the 180
exhibits of the past. Ross says that’s because apes, like humans,
foot) and will open their mouth for a dental examination. The interns who have been trained in the Fisher Center have par-
suffer from arthritis. The mulch offers a softer alternative that’s
team performs cardio ultrasounds on the apes, because, just like ticipated in this data collection, and the experience has helped
more akin to a natural forest floor. The chimps enjoy the mulch
humans, gorillas and chimpanzees suffer from heart disease. launch many of their careers in science. The rich dataset is
so much they build their nests on the ground, rather than in
The animals are rewarded with a part of their diet, like fruit or used by scientists and managers to put each animal’s behavior
trees, as they do in nature. “They dig a small concave shape
diluted juice. into a longer-term context to inform needed management
like a teacup for themselves, line it with some bedding that we
Jill Moyse, curator of primates, says that this kind of condi- changes at the zoo. It’s also been utilized in dozens of scientific
provide, some hay or straw, and actually pull a little blanket
tioning creates a system and takes away anxiety for all involved. publications, sharing knowledge with the scientific community.
over the top of them,” says Ross. Lincoln Park Zoo was the first
“Say they got in a fight and there’s a wound, which is natural,” A few years before RCAA was built in 2004, Ross was hired
zoo in North America to use mulch with chimpanzees, and zoo
says Moyse. “The vets can come and look at these wounds in a to conduct research that would reveal preferences in how
10 | L IN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 11
Just a few months after suffering a facial injury,
female gorilla Nayembi—shown here on May
Type Casting
6, 2013—was fully recovered thanks to rapid
intervention and around-the-clock care from the
zoo’s animal care and veterinary staff.
In 2005, Mumbali, a female western lowland gorilla
at RCAA, became ill and required dialysis and a blood
transfusion. Finding a suitable donor proved frustrating.
Veterinarians identified silverback male Kwan, whose blood
type matched, as a donor and performed the procedure.
Despite their vigilance, Mumbali succumbed to her advanc-
ing illness.
Curator of Primates Jill Moyse (then assistant lead
keeper) was surprised by the lack of published literature on
great ape blood types—key data for treatment when transfu-
sions are needed. She sought the advice of Kathryn Gamble,
D.V.M., the zoo’s Dr. Lester E. Fisher Director of Veterinary
Medicine.
“Jill was frustrated and wanted to make a difference,”
recalls Gamble. “I told her, ‘Then I need your help. I’ve
wanted to do something about this for 15 years.’”
The two launched a great ape blood-typing initiative in
2006. Veterinary Resident Jessica Lovstad, D.V.M., then a
ZooMed support intern, laid the groundwork by analyzing
blood-typing cards sent to zoos and sanctuaries. The cards,
Photo by Todd Rosenberg
donated by Denmark-based Eldon Biologicals, are embed-
ded with dried antibodies that reveal A, B or O human blood
types when mixed with water and small blood samples.
Lovstad’s research confirmed they also worked for gorillas,
chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos, validating that
human and ape blood types are genetically comparable,
although not identical.
Four years and nearly 600 cards later, the team published
its findings in the scientific journal Zoo Biology. (Among
staff regularly field inquiries from other facilities seeking to for her 24 hours a day, trying to behave, as much as they could,
their discoveries: orangutans are the only ape species that
learn more about the benefits of mulch floors. like gorillas—playing, resting and grunting with her. “When
shares all four blood types with humans—A, B, AB, and O.)
you’re socializing them, you become their family,” says Gamble.
A dozen years later, Moyse and Gamble continue to
Nayembi’s mother, Rollie, and the rest of the crew was able to
The power of a plan maintain this virtual blood bank, documenting blood types
watch until Nayembi had healed enough to be reunited. Today,
Beyond data collection and research, the team working with the of great apes at zoos and sanctuaries worldwide. This central
at age 5, she’s thriving, thanks, in part, to careful planning and
great apes spends a lot of time exploring the “what ifs.” In other resource—which has blossomed into a global network and
deep understanding of gorilla behavior.
words, they prepare for everything: every scenario that could spawned related research—allows veterinarians to contact
Working with animals isn’t inherently a scientific process.
happen when two animals are recommended for breeding, all Lincoln Park Zoo in times of emergency or pre-surgical need
There’s gray area. Respect. Laughter. Love. Because of that, says
the possibilities that could arise throughout pregnancy, during and identify potential, nearby donors if their own animals
Leahy, the relationships between care staff and the animals are
a birth and for the critical months following birth, any and all are not appropriate. Eldon Biologicals still generously
incredibly intimate. Collective years of staff experience, knowl-
medical emergencies that could transpire and more. Those donates cards.
edge, and expertise are combined with research and data to
preparations were put to the test in 2013. “Because the process is a visual reaction, zoos can keep
approach animal care holistically. “We’re working with animals
That’s when Nayembi, a three-month-old gorilla in the the cards and send us digital images,” says Moyse. “The work
Photos by Julia Fuller
that we deeply care for, so there’s an emotional component,”
family group led by Kwan, sustained an injury to her face. doesn’t stop. We keep hearing from new institutions that
says Leahy. This approach helps caregivers understand how
Thanks to operant conditioning, staff was able to intervene want to participate.”—Craig Keller
the apes use their space, provide them with opportunities for
quickly in what could have been a chaotic situation. They
choice and control, and ensure they are living in a way that’s
directed the other gorillas in the habitat to their behind-the-
aligned with health and well-being.
scenes area so they could safely attend to Nayembi, transporting
Not only does science help improve the animals’ care and Curator of Primates Jill Moyse and Dr. Kathryn
her to the zoo hospital. She underwent emergency facial recon-
welfare. It also gives them agency. “We’re trying to use science Gamble use a card embedded with dried
structive surgery performed by the Lincoln Park Zoo veterinary
to understand how our apes think and feel and learn, and what antibodies to determine and archive the blood
team (which also consulted with a surgeon specializing in
they like,” says Leahy. type—O positive—for Bella, a 3-year-old gorilla at
human pediatric trauma cases). While healing, she lived in the
Lincoln Park Zoo.
behind-the-scenes space, next to her family group. Staff cared
12 LIN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 13
Left to right: Kevin Bell and Dr. Lester E. Fisher
Transforming the Zoo
today; in 1981 with rockhopper penguins prior to their
exhibition at the former Penguin-Seabird House; and
in 1984 with a barn owl and baby raccoon at Indian
Boundary Park on Chicago's far north side where the
In a conversation with magazine staff, Dr. Lester Fisher and Kevin J. Bell, zoo helped care for animals exhibited to the public.
whose past and present leadership at Lincoln Park Zoo spans decades,
share how the zoo has evolved and what it means to them
District’s area of interest. Over the past
30 years we have emphasized that and
now have one of the largest zoo-based
conservation science departments in the
country. So we’re creating great exhibits,
Photo by Chicago Park District
and using applied science in the field, to
tell the public a story about why we have
Photo by Julia Fuller
animals in our care and what we can do
to help them in the wild—as well as in
expanding urban areas.
Photo by Chicago Park District
Why is it important that the zoo
stays free?
Dr. Fisher, tell us about your challenge was, “How do we transform Were there some key donors early on?
earliest days as the zoo’s first staff this already wonderful place into KB: On any particular day, anyone can
LF: Marshall Field came in and said,
veterinarian. something even more meaningful and come to the zoo. While they’re having
“Les, I want to help the zoo.” From
comfortable for the animals?” fun, we hope they’re also learning
LF: I’m a city guy, and most of the there the Zoo Society continued to
KB: The Lincoln Park Zoological more about animals and supporting
keepers were semi-retired animal people grow. We also had a luncheon with Ray
Photo by Julia Fuller
Society’s formation in the late 1950s conservation efforts.
from rural areas. I was initially part-time Kroc, the McDonald’s hamburger man,
provided private resources besides LF: Lincoln Park Zoo has a very special
and earned their respect after coming and I walked out with a million-dollar
city funding through the Chicago Park relationship with the entire community.
here around midnight to deliver a zebu check. Ray said a restaurant without a Did Lincoln Park Zoo also play a role KB: In the early days we developed
District. That led to better programs Everyone looks upon it as their zoo—and,
cow’s calf. It was storming, so we named good kitchen has a problem, just like a in inspiring today’s shared population curriculum for schools to use. We’re still
and exhibits that helped animals happily, it is their zoo and one of the few
the baby Thunder. Word got around zoo without a commissary. We got our management of species among zoos? doing that, but we’re also now partnering
express their natural behaviors and places people of all backgrounds can
pretty quick: “Maybe Doc’s okay.” commissary as well as seed money for the with communities in Chicago to develop
visitors learn more about them. Les and KB: We took a leadership role years ago come together and enjoy a meaningful
Great Ape House built in 1976. programs right in their neighborhoods.
Barbara Carr, who ran the Zoo Society, when, free of charge, we donated a group experience.
Programs that teach them about wildlife
How far has zoo vet medicine come were an incredible team: Barb raising of gorillas to another institution. They
where they live, and that has been very
since then? money, Les coming up with designs. The Which meant moving several gorillas, were considered very valuable back Transcript edited by Kelly McGrath
successful.
groundwork they laid in the 1960s, ‘70s, chimpanzees, and orangutans from the when animals were bought and sold from
LF: A long way from the days when I had
and ‘80s made it easy for me to become Primate House. one zoo to another. We were the first to
a little black bag with my stethoscope,
director in 1993 and keep moving the do this. Commercializing animals was What should the zoo’s priorities be
thermometers, and bandages. We had no LF: We assembled a team of specialists,
ship forward. not the message we wanted to present. today and going forward?
hospital, no nursery, but we had to take veterinary and medical, and every animal Our 3D Viewer and Reel celebrate Lincoln
We don’t have animals here because
care of the animals. You’d been here since 1976, when had a total physical, which we’d never LF: It’s extremely important we Park Zoo's 150th anniversary with seven
they’re assets with price tags attached
KB: When Les became director in 1962 Dr. Fisher hired you as bird curator. done before. It was very meaningful to remain involved in local, national, custom 3D images created from photos of
to them. We also felt commercialization significant moments in zoo history!
he hired the first full-time veterinarian see the animals in a family group, in a and international efforts to work with
KB: I had just finished working with could affect our efforts to conserve species.
here. That opened the door to doing good space, instead of crammed into a wildlife and preserve wild spaces.
puffins off the coast of Maine with the
regular physicals on animals and small place. How have the zoo’s education KB: The main mission of zoos is
Audubon Society. It was special to work
preventive medicine. KB: That was part of the shift toward initiatives furthered conservation conservation. When we privatized
with Les and be part of the campaigns
exhibits that replicate natural habitats. messaging? in 1995, it was the Zoo Society’s
they started. My first week here I was
Getting people away from just looking strength that made our move to self-
Dr. Fisher, what did you prioritize hanging ropes in the new great ape LF: We hired our first education curator
at an animal and being entertained by governance so successful. Les started
when you became director? house. We had just opened the zoo’s first in 1977, and that started in a minimal
it. Realizing animals are part of habitats hiring educators and conservationists
hospital and commissary. We went from way. Under Kevin it’s done nothing but
LF: Because we are a historic facility that are disappearing, and we need to do to start programs in the late ‘80s
one project to the next. expand, and today fills a very important
the exhibits were literally ancient. The something about that. that wouldn’t have been in the Park Get yours today at Wild Things gift shop
niche in Chicago learning. or online at lpzoo.org/shop. $33.
14 LIN COLN PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 15
I Spy, 5 6
I am as heavy as a truck and
as light as a feather,
You can visit me outside, no Our animal cousins are
BY JILLIAN BRAUN &
Zoo Spy
ALLISON PRICE
matter the weather. pretty neat,
PHOTOS BY Some might call me a globe or Ten fingers on their hands,
Ph
CHRIS BIJALBA a map to jet-set, ten toes on their feet.
ot
ob
y
To
Careful when you get close dR d
Which species is most similar
The zoo’s history is written on the walls— because you will get wet!
os
g
ber
en
to humans you ask?
literally! Explore the zoo in a whole new way Come discover the answer if
by using these clues to find some hidden you’re up to the task.
(and not-so-hidden) features of the zoo, with
2
designs dating back to as early as 1904.
Stroll through Main 7
Mall, using your brain,
1 I’m covering a hole We share the Earth with creatures great and small,
Photo by Lisa Miller
where all water drains. But water is the one thing that connects us all.
I’m in the shape of a
Head south toward animals In the shade of the woods where the Wild Saplings grow,
that live in herds, circle, down by your feet,
Share a sip from a spring where cool water flows.
A face of an animal,
Past the lions, apes,
monkeys, and birds. surrounded by concrete.
Look for the man and
ram between two pillars
of bricks, Head to the place where
A Greek god for wildlife, the reptiles reside,
plants, trees and sticks. Before you head in, take
a look around outside.
Near the door where 8
9 Apes don’t have tails, but monkeys do,
Right below us is a stone reading “1992”.
you enter, tilt your head
and look up,
We walk on four paws but we tussle on two,
Diamonds with a gecko
We’re carved into rock, two peas in a pod,
We communicate with roars and claws – cat kung fu! and fennec fox pup.
Little monkeys lounging on a log.
Find the house for lions and look up to the sky,
Search the bricks until you see two lions mid high-five.
At the heart of the zoo lies the place where you eat, 10
3 4
Move your eyes up and that’s where we’ll meet.
I’m a green reptile friend with a shell hard and round,
Between two fish is where I can be found.
Some eagles fly and some eagles perch,
Head to the home of bird research. 9. Primate sculptures at Helen Brach Primate House 10. Turtle and fish sculpture at Park Place Café
Before you open the swinging door,
Center for African Apes 8. Fennec fox and lizard sculptures at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House
Journey 6. Drinking fountain at Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo 7. Bronze cast of ape hand at Regenstein
Look up and see birds that soar. at Kovler Lion House 4. Bird sculptures at McCormick Bird House 5. Kugel Fountain at Regenstein African
Answers: 1. Piper and Ram sculpture near Camel & Zebra Area 2. Lion sewer cover 3. Brick mosaic lions
16 L IN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 17
ZO O FAM I LY ALB U M: MEET OU R STA FF A N D SU PPORTER S
In our anniversary edition, members of the zoo family share their most memorable zoo experiences
Lydia Hopper, Ph.D. Luis Gutierrez Amber Platowski
Assistant Director, Lester E. Founder/ CEO, 9th grade biology teacher,
Fisher Center for the Study and Latinos Progresando Marine Leadership Academy
Conservation of Apes, Incoming Board of Trustees
In fall 2017, I began work- built insect hotels
Lincoln Park Zoo member, Lincoln Park Zoo ing with facilitators of to provide habitats
the zoo’s Partners in for local pollinators.
I first visited Lincoln Park Zoo in 2007 to attend Walking around Lincoln Park Zoo
Fieldwork program (PIF). They have completed
The Mind of the Chimpanzee, a conference hosted makes you feel like you’ve been trans-
I watched my high research projects,
by the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and ported somewhere else. Surrounded
Photo courtesy of Amber Platowski
school students transform analyzed data, and
Conservation of Apes. At the time, I was a grad- by nature, you sometimes forget you’re
from hesitant kids who begun to generate
uate student and excited to present my research still in Chicago.
were, at first, happy just new questions.
at this prestigious seminar series, founded by Dr. The zoo is
Photo by Veronika Hernandez
to see an airplane through It is true scientific
Jane Goodall. truly one of our
their newly donned binoc- inquiry in action,
The opening reception was held in the city’s greatest
Photo courtesy of Luis Gutierrez
ulars. Now they go outside benefiting my stu-
Regenstein Center for African Apes, and I vividly treasures.
and debate with each dents while contrib-
remember the joy of seeing friends and meeting On any given
other, field guides in hand, uting to the data set
colleagues while surrounded by chimpanzees day, you can go to
about what species of bird they have for the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute,
and gorillas sleeping peacefully in their habi- the zoo and see
seen based on its physical and behavioral and support from the PIF team has been
tats. The floor-to-ceiling viewing windows gave families of differ-
characteristics. They have done biodi- instrumental in making it happen.
us an unprecedented up-close and personal view of the apes. Jonathan Lopez ent backgrounds
versity investigations comparing our
I thought about how incredible it would be to work there. In Past participant, Research Apprenticeship from different
local schoolyard to the 606 bike trail, and
2012 a position opened up in the Fisher Center and I applied. Program neighborhoods and experiences. For
I was appointed a research scientist, and in 2014 promoted to families, it gets more and more diffi-
assistant director. One of the things I admire most about "After working with cult to find affordable, fun things to do,
Working in RCAA is even more fun than I had imagined in the zoo is that it is free. That makes it the Urban Wildlife and the zoo’s commitment to remain
2007. Not only am I fortunate enough to pass the chimpanzees very accessible for everyone to come and free, accessible, and still provide
Katherine O’Brien
and gorillas every morning as I walk to my office, but through learn about animals. People don’t know Institute as a RAP quality experiences for people of all Zoo Member
my job I get to study the apes and share what my team and I ways to help animals, and when they intern, I realized I ages is really amazing. Now that I’m LEAP nature-play program
learn with zoo guests. come to the zoo they leave with so much loved ecology." a part of the Lincoln Park Zoo family, participant with sons Tyson
In 2016 my connection with Lincoln Park Zoo came full knowledge and a different perspective I’m excited to introduce my nieces and and Kieran
circle as I helped to organize and host the successive meeting on the topic of animal conservation. –Jonathan Lopez nephews to everything the zoo has to
to Mind of the Chimpanzee, titled Chimpanzees in Context— I also really admire the opportunities offer. While Tyson was a baby—as new parents
which Dr. Goodall attended. they have for teens. I am a senior in high school. Before I was an I also look forward to seeing looking to carve out a routine for our little
intern for the Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program Lincoln Park Zoo’s engagement efforts family—we’d go on daily jogs to the zoo
(RAP) I was unsure of what I wanted to study in college. I knew with the Marshall Square/Little to see Anana the polar bear. When Anana
I wanted it to revolve around animals, as I’ve always loved them Village communities grow and flour- left Lincoln Park Zoo [to be paired with a
and wanted to help, but I never knew how. After working with ish this year. male polar bear at North Carolina Zoo], it
the Urban Wildlife Institute as a RAP intern, I realized I loved was hard to say goodbye.
ecology. On early mornings, it seems like we’re
I will now be attending Sewanee: The University of The
"The zoo is truly one of our sometimes the first visitors to say hi to
South, which is located in Tennessee, to get a major in ecology city’s greatest treasures." the black bears. One day, the black bear
and biodiversity. I really hope the zoo continues to be free and –Luis Gutierrez said “hi” back. Since then, our boys love
provide teen opportunities. to ask each other, “Remember that time
Photos courtesy of Katherine O'Brien
we high-fived a black bear?”
Fall Fest has also become our family
go-to. Our boys love to ride the Ferris
Photo by Todd Rosenberg
wheel, and spend the entire ride scream-
ing in delight.
18 LIN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 19G REEN SCEN E
Pat Detrie
Zoo Volunteer
I still remember the first day I volunteered. It was for the gar-
dening group. I was welcomed with such warmth and appre-
Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo
ciation, I knew this was going to be a wonderful place. In
fact, it just might be the happiest place in Chicago!
The zoo is one of my top sights whenever family or friends
visit. Every time I bring someone, they are amazed the zoo
is in the middle of the city, is free to all
guests, and has gardens that are just as
Photo by Ellen Neely
amazing as the animals.
Two years ago I joined the Volunteer
Enrichment Group. I learned how to Hibiscus moscheutos, a cultivar christened “Pink
turn boxes into edible piñatas that Clouds”, brings a taste of the tropics to the zoo.
look like an antelope for the lions or a
birthday cake for the polar bears. I also
learned how to make white PVC pipe
Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Rachel Santymire, look like tree branches and turn them
Ph.D.
Director, Davee Center
into a bird house, and weave recycled
fire hose into a swing for the gorillas.
The options are endless!
Blooms for
for Epidemiology and
Endocrinology, the Ages
Lincoln Park Zoo
BY BETH BOTTS or purple. Often colors are combined for of each bell. In fact, attracting pollina-
One of my favorite Lincoln Park Zoo
a tie-dyed effect. Hibiscus may be the tors is the whole point of those big, flashy
success stories involves my decision to evaluate the hormones
The huge, dramatic, tropical-looking most charismatic of all the blooms in the blooms, at least from the plant’s point of
of the Sichuan takins, whose breeding recommendations had
hibiscus flowers you can see in July and zoo gardens. “People are really drawn to view.
not yet successfully produced offspring.
August at Lincoln Park Zoo may also them,” Rothleutner says. Bright hibiscus flowers also are a
I thought hormone analysis would provide some insight
seem exotic, like something from a balmy Now, the horticulture staff is cranking treat for the zoo’s birds, primates, and
into why they hadn’t bred. Working with the Animal Care
Pacific island. Yet these are hardy peren- up the drama by planting dozens of vari- tortoises. Some animals eat the blooms.
staff, we collected fecal samples on Kublai Khan, our male
nial hibiscus, right at home in Chicago, eties of hardy hibiscus at the zoo—more Others dissect them. “It’s a novelty,”
takin, and Chabi, our female takin. We even had staff from
according to Joseph Rothleutner, director than 50 kinds so far, Rothleutner says, Rothleutner says.
around the zoo watching them, hoping to observe breeding.
Photo courtesy of Pat Detrie
of horticulture. with more to come. Although several hundred species
We were lucky to have Jinse, a pregnant female from the San
The big blooms are attention-get- It’s not just people who are drawn to of hibiscus grow in swamps and wet-
Diego Zoo, come live at Lincoln Park Zoo so that Khan could
ters. A hibiscus flower—a flaring trumpet hibiscus flowers. Bees, butterflies, and lands around the world, most come from
have his herd, which is the takin’s natural social group.
with five broad petals—can be five to migrating hummingbirds also love them warm climates and can’t survive cold
I had been analyzing the takin feces for a few months,
seven inches across, in white, pink, red for the sweet nectar offered in the base winters. The varieties planted in the zoo’s
measuring testosterone in the male and progesterone in the
gardens are hardy enough for Chicago
females to monitor pregnancy for Jinse and determine if
because they’re all descended from North
Chabi was cycling. As I was analyzing the females’ hormones
American species. One species, swamp
in the lab, I thought I had mixed up the samples because both "Every time I bring someone, they Growing Hardy Hibiscus rose mallow (Hibiscus moschuetos), is
females had high hormone levels indicative of pregnancy. are amazed the zoo is in the middle Tips from Joseph Rothleutner for growing hardy hibiscus: a Chicago-area native that naturally
I marched down the hall to the veterinarians. As with
humans, there are certain medications pregnant animals of the city, is free to all guests, • Make sure the variety is hardy to USDA Zone 5. grows in wetlands like the zoo’s Nature
• Plant it in full sun in well-drained soil enriched with compost. Boardwalk.
should not take, and I wanted to make sure everyone knew and has gardens that are just as Look for hibiscus all over the zoo
• Keep the soil moist. Hibiscus do well in wet-soil spots.
Jinse and Chabi were pregnant. Chabi’s usual behavior was to amazing as the animals." • Use slow-release fertilizer, following the package directions. this summer: candy-pink near the Wild
act aggressively towards the veterinarians, but she had sud-
denly become pleasant with the staff. They’d thought it indi- –Pat Detrie • Spread mulch to hold in moisture and protect the plants in winter. Things gift shop, red near Regenstein
• For containers, use tender annual hibiscus varieties. Macaque Forest, huge blooms every-
cated she might be ill. Happily, that was not the case.
where. Expect to be wowed.
The story ended well with the birth of female and male
calves, Mei Li and Bao Zhen!
20 LIN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 21FIELD N OTE
Focus on the Future
Gray’s 150 years of history provides a wealth of experience to
inform the future. These initiatives signal the zoo’s ongoing
Anatomy commitment to connect people with nature and advance
animal care, community, and science and conservation.
Penguins don’t emerge from eggs in
tuxedos.
Oliver, an African penguin chick The Pride of Chicago
that hatched at the zoo on February The final phase of The Pride of Chicago
10, sported fine, dark-gray down upon capital campaign is renovation of Kovler
arrival. Within a few months (as seen in Lion House. Built in 1912, it will be re-en-
this photo taken April 3), his down was visioned to provide larger, more engaging,
molting to make way for the bluish-gray, state-of-the-art habitats. Architects and
waterproof feathers of a juvenile. Oliver planners are starting with the end in mind:
may have to wait up to two years to fully a world-class building where keepers
acquire the iconic, black-and-white can provide the best care; guests can have
plumage of an adult. clear, safe, close-up encounters with lions;
Until then—just like every adult and scientists can monitor and conduct
penguin in the colony at Robert and research to inform conservation efforts for
Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove—he’ll species in the wild.
endure an annual two-week molt to
replace old feathers with new ones.
Sometimes called a “catastrophic molt” Connecting with Nature in North
because all feathers are shed at once, Lawndale
that brief fashion disaster seems a small Adjacent to Little Village, where Lincoln
price to pay for the elegant formalwear to Park Zoo has been collaborating since
follow.—Craig Keller • 2016, North Lawndale is rich in history
and outdoor space. Zoo representatives
have been listening to North Lawndale
organizations and residents to learn how
they wish to connect with nature in their
neighborhood. A co-created partnership
is blossoming, rooted in the community’s
priorities of engaging and employing
teens and utilizing art and wildlife to activate green space. A
Members of the public will have an opportunity to attend a
new program, Douglass 18—the vision of North Lawndale artist
lecture from a world-renowned expert; details will be available
Haman Cross III—will employ local teens to create art instal-
soon. More information is available at reintro.org.
lations that enhance Douglas Park’s miniature golf course. The
zoo will introduce teens to the species, science, and steward-
ship of local birds, providing a foundation for their artwork. Adapting Penguin Encounters
The partnership is further expansion of the zoo’s vision: Last year, Lincoln Park Zoo launched Malott Family Penguin
inspiring communities to create environments where wildlife Encounter: an opportunity for guests to get close to endangered
will thrive in our urbanizing world. African penguins inside their habitat. This format reflects the
zoo’s commitment to offering animals choice. Guests enter a
designated space in the habitat, and the penguins can choose
The 2nd International Wildlife Reintroduction Conference to come and visit—and with their curious personalities, the pen-
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to growing its leadership role guins have always chosen to participate! This year, while learn-
in global conservation. On November 13-16, 2018, in partner- ing about the penguins’ natural history, individual personalities,
ship with the International Union for the Conservation of and the challenges facing their habitats in the wild, guests can
Nature’s Reintroduction Specialist Group, the zoo will host snap close-up photos with their phones or other small cameras.
the 2nd International Wildlife Reintroduction Conference. Visit lpzoo.org/penguin for schedule, pricing, and details.
Photo by Chris Bijalba
Reintroduction biologists and managers from around the globe —Beth Krauss
will again convene in Chicago to share information, triumphs,
and tribulations from experiences restoring wildlife—from
plants to green-winged macaws and more—back to the wild.
22 LIN COL N PA RK ZOO S PR ING 201 8 | 23A History of Lincoln Park Zoo 2010 Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park
Zoo welcomes visitors to a transformed,
1982 Life Trustee planned ecosystem—designed by 2015 Thanks in part to
Studio Gang Architects—for plants and advocacy efforts by the
1868 Two pairs of swans arrive at 1952 The first children’s zoo opens Joe Regenstein funds
Regenstein Large 2000 In the early 2000s, the Population wildlife encompassing the South Pond. Fisher Center, the U.S.
150
Lincoln Park—a gift from New York’s seasonally. A year-round version—now 1963 The public is invited to become
Central Park. The birds mark the 1920 A full-scale Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo—arrives Mammal House with Management Center, Davee Center for Fish & Wildlife Service
replica of a Norse members of the zoo for the first time. Epidemiology and Endocrinology, and declares all chimpanzees
beginning of Chicago’s free zoo. in 1959. the largest donation yet
Viking ship that sailed 1940 R1, a 1-year-old made to the zoo—$1.8 Alexander Center for Applied Population to be an endangered
from Norway to
1970 Kumba is the first western Biology are founded at Lincoln Park species and expands
1870 The zoo builds its first animal West African dwarf 1959 The Lincoln Park Zoological lowland gorilla born at the zoo.
million. It is the first of
house. Over the next few years, bison, Chicago for the 1893 crocodile, arrives and his family foundation’s Zoo. The centers begin making protections for them.
Society is formed to raise money to
World’s Columbian lives 70 years in the continuing scientific breeding recommendations Soon after, the zoo
foxes, elk, deer, wolves, eagles, a care for animals, purchase equipment, 1976 The zoo’s first hospital opens. partners with the national
puma, peacocks, and two turtle doves Exposition is installed on zoo’s care. Guests can and improve the zoo. support for for zoo animals; inform caretakers about
are donated to the zoo. zoo grounds. It remains visit his descendants the zoo. hormones in zoo and wild animals; chimpanzee sanctuary,
Gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees
at the zoo until 1994. today at Regenstein research disease transmission; and Chimp Haven, to form
move into a new, modern great ape
1878 The Lincoln Park African Journey. devise computer models to help guide the first comprehensive
house. During the transfer, Dr. Fisher
commissioners decree the zoo must 1923 The city’s first performs an important preventive conservation strategies. accredited zoo/
always remain free. aquarium opens to 1944 Marlin Perkins medical procedure: a blood draw
sanctuary collaboration
the public at the zoo. becomes the zoo’s from each ape.
2003 Regenstein African Journey opens which will improve our
1879 The original sea lion grotto Today, it houses Park director. Three years with immersive habitats for species understanding of ape
is constructed. In the 1890s, two Place Café. later he’s featured The zoo’s Women’s Board is ranging from lovebirds to pygmy hippos. Urban Wildlife Institute welfare. Siku at Walter Family Arctic Tundra
escape and wander into a Clark Street on the cover of formed. They take over the
restaurant. TIME magazine. His annual Zoo Ball, which was first
2000 2017
pioneering TV program, hosted by the Zoo Society
Zoo Parade, broadcast in 1964 and remains the
live from the zoo, institution’s largest fundraiser
20 0 0 – PR E S E N T A N E W V I S I O N : FO R WI LD LI FE . FO R AL L .
provides the template Kevin J. Bell as Curator of Birds
Chicago Daily News, to this day. Nature Boardwalk
2004 2016
for Mutual of Omaha’s May 14, 1960
Wild Kingdom.
1960 1981 2016 The zoo provides
its ZooMonitor
19 4 8 –19 9 9 M O D E R N I Z ATI O N A N D PR I VAT I Z ATI O N app for free to
other institutions
Bushman 1948 1995 Laflin Memorial worldwide, which
Bird House enables caregivers to
make more informed
1993 Kevin J. Bell decisions and promote
1904 1930 becomes director. animal welfare.
1 8 6 8 –1 9 47 B U I L DI NG T H E ZOO
Years of Chicago’s Free Zoo
1995 Under The Learning
agreement with the department teams
1947 R1 c.1941 Chicago Park District, up with partners
the Zoo Society takes in Chicago’s Little Teen ambassadors engage families
over management of Village neighborhood,
1888 Cyrus DeVry is hired as Animal 1927 The Small the zoo and remains Regenstein Center for African Apes co-creating art- and
Keeper. He was a charismatic leader Animal House—now committed to keeping garden-focused 2017 Hurvis Family 2018 The City of
and the first public face of the zoo. Helen Brach Primate the zoo free. Bell is programming that Learning Center opens. Chicago and Illinois
House—is built with a
c1889 The “red-roofed cafe,” later
named president and 2004 Regenstein Center for African 2013 King, a critically endangered connects people to In this space, the General Assembly
spacious central hall CEO. Learning department appreciate Lincoln Park
Apes opens. It houses the Lester black rhinoceros now living at nature.
known as Landmark Café, opens to and skylights, housing
E. Fisher Center for the Study and Brookfield Zoo, is born at Lincoln continues its work Zoo’s contributions to
serve refreshments to zoo visitors. monkeys and apes, Lincoln Park Zoo hosts Conservation of Apes, maintaining the Park Zoo. His arrival is guided by a An African penguin with the Conservation leadership in animal
pumas and lynx. its first ZooLights Ambassadors Board, care, community
1904 The Bird House—now zoo’s status as a global leader in great Davee Center-developed hormone- colony waddles into the
holiday celebration. ape conservation and research. monitoring program designed to new Robert and Mayari Zoo Internship Program engagement, and
McCormick Bird House and the oldest 1930 A 2-year-old Dr. Lester Fisher and zookeeper ZooLights
and other teen conservation with
animal house still operating today— Roy Huff with gorilla Sinbad facilitate breeding. Pritzker Penguin Cove.
lowland gorilla arrives
opens, featuring a skylit central court
2006 Lincoln Park Zoo teams up with (African penguins are programs that connect proclamations
from Africa and
with a small waterfowl pond.
the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project to 2015 Regenstein Macaque Forest, the listed as endangered by young people with zoo recognizing the zoo’s
becomes the most 1962 After a dozen years as the 1977 The zoo’s Education department 1984 The zoo study wild chimpanzees and gorillas in first exhibit of the zoo’s current capital the International Union scientists, educators, 150th anniversary.
famous zoo animal of zoo’s first veterinarian, Dr. Lester E. is formally established. establishes its Auxiliary
1908 Café Brauer, designed by TIME magazine, this untouched region of the Republic of campaign, The Pride of Chicago, for the Conservation of visitors, and one another.
his era. He is named July 7, 1974* Fisher becomes the zoo’s director. He Board.
Prairie School architects Perkins & Congo. opens with a troop of Japanese snow Nature). See the extended
Bushman. When he dies oversees the modernization of animal 1981 The Association of Zoos and
monkeys. Lincoln Park Zoo
Hamilton, opens. In 1990, after 50 on New Year’s Day in Aquariums (AZA)—which certified 1989 The zoo timeline and more
years of being closed, the landmark is
exhibits and improves animal care and 2008 The Urban Wildlife Institute is Walter Family Arctic announces a new vision:
1951, thousands pass veterinary practices. He retires in 1992. Lincoln Park Zoo as one of the establishes its founded to study urban ecosystems and inspiring communities
great photos at
restored and reopened by The Lincoln Tundra opens to the
by his empty exhibit in nation’s first accredited zoos in 1975— Conservation and minimize human-wildlife conflict. In 2017, public with its first to create environments lpzoo.org/150.
Park Zoological Society. tribute. 1962 Mayor Richard J. Daley helps initiates the Species Survival Plan® Science department. it creates the Urban Wildlife Information resident, polar bear where wildlife will
break ground at the Farm-in-the-Zoo, (SSP) program. Bali mynahs, which Network, a national organization to thrive in our urbanizing
1912 The Lion House— now Kovler Siku, introduced to
a replica of a working Midwestern the zoo still conserves with partners in monitor urban biodiversity in different world.
Lion House—opens to exhibit big female Talini in 2018.
farm. It is the first new exhibit funded Indonesia, are among the first species regions and contribute to city planning
cats. by the Zoo Society. protected. for green spaces.
*©1947 Time Inc. All rights reserved TIME and the TIME logo are registered trademarks of Time Inc. Used under license.
Historic photos: Chicago Park District, Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo archives. Other photos: Julia Fuller, Isaac
Guzman, Lincoln Park Zoo staff, Todd Rosenberg.You can also read
