For Wildlife. For All.

For Wildlife. For All.

For Wildlife. For All.
For Wildlife. For All.

nature boardwalk

News from Nature Boardwalk

Millions of Chicago residents walk through, bike, or run into the zoo’s 14-acre Nature Boardwalk every year—but most may not realize exactly what goes into making sure this beautiful place, overflowing with plant and animal life, thrive.
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Volunteer at Your Zoo

Want to make an impact at Chicago’s free zoo? Become a volunteer! Lincoln Park Zoo’s volunteer team helps in many areas, from interacting with guests to supporting the horticulture team. There’s something for everyone, but hurry! Applications close February 14.
View Opportunities

New Arrivals: Meet Sal and Feta

Say hello to Sal and Feta, a pair of emperor tamarins who are the newest residents at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House!
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LEAP Sessions Live

LEAP: Learn, Explore, and Play lets children ages 2–4 lead the way in investigating the natural world, whether that means digging in the dirt, creating art, playing with parts, or listening to stories. Stand-alone hour-long sessions take place on February 15 and March 1.
Learn More

chimpanzee eye

Lincoln Park Zoo featured in The New York Times

Read the piece featuring Lincoln Park Zoo’s primate advocacy through the lens of resident chimpanzees Eli and Susie, who were formerly used in entertainment and rescued from an unaccredited facility.
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zoo app in pepper family wildlife center

New Lincoln Park Zoo Web App

There’s a new way to navigate your visit! In our new web app, you can explore an interactive map, see what to do during your visit, learn about your favorite animals, and more—no download required.
Explore More

News

Learn about what’s happening at Lincoln Park Zoo, from new animal arrivals to progress on science projects and conservation initiatives.

Read the Blog

Creating a Place for Connection

In a city where skyscrapers are built every day, Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to being the place in Chicago for all things wildlife—where children learn to love animals, where adults rediscover what it’s like to wonder, and where nature isn’t just an escape, but the priority.

Work Grounded in Purpose

Animal Care staff working with a seal

Care

Animal care comes first. It’s why we prioritize individual well-being over everything. With the help of our scientific research team, staff and volunteers work to provide the best animal care and welfare outcomes for each animal.

Learn More About Care

Bali myna in exhibit

Conservation

The first step in protecting wildlife populations is learning how; the next step is doing something about it. With one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country, we fund, support, and lead research projects locally and globally.

Learn More about Conservation

A zoo educators talking to young guests

Community

We all share one global wildlife community. Through engagement and education, we connect people with nature across the greater Chicagoland area. Our commitment to community here contributes to defending wildlife everywhere.

Learn More about Community

Upcoming Events

Child holding a magnifying glass.

L.E.A.P. Into Nature Play: A Family-Friendly Workshop

Monday, February 17

Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s Child and Family Learning team for a morning of nature play! We’ll discover the benefits of playing in and with nature, explore some of our favorite materials and activities, and send you home with resources and inspiration.

Run for the Zoo

Sunday, June 8

Don’t miss the 47th Run for the Zoo, Chicago’s beloved family-friendly tradition for runners and walkers of all levels and abilities! Run for the Zoo makes it easy for anyone—from toddlers to elite athletes—to help support their favorite species at the zoo and save them in the wild.

LEAP: Learn, Explore and Play

9-week Series and Saturday Stand-alone Classes

Join us for a morning of investigating and exploring the natural world through play. Children guide the way as they choose whether to dig in the dirt, create a collaborative work of art, or settle in with a story underneath a canopy of colorful fabric.

Keep Your Zoo Free

80% of our operating costs are supported by zoo members, donors, and visitors. With your support, we’re proud to say that we’ve kept the zoo free and accessible to everyone for the past 150 years. Together, we can keep it that way.

EXPLORE WAYS TO SUPPORT

BECOME A MEMBER

African penguins in exhibit
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