Answering Your Most Frequently Asked Zoo Questions

We get lots of questions about the zoo! Here are a few of the most common, all in one place, to enhance your visit.

When is the zoo open?

The zoo is open 365 days a year. While hours change seasonally, you can generally count on the zoo to be open starting at 10 a.m. The zoo most often closes at 5 p.m., but this may be altered depending on events taking place on grounds. Zoo buildings start closing a half-hour before the zoo closes.

How is the zoo free?

Lincoln Park Zoo is the only free, privately managed zoo in the country—and has made a commitment to staying so through at least 2050. A small amount of the zoo’s funding comes from the Chicago Park District, government grants, and other income. Around 80%, however, comes directly from supporters (members), donors, event attendees, and guests.

Anytime you park in the zoo lot, buy concessions, drop a dime into an on-grounds donation box, come to ZooLights, or purchase an item at the Gift Shop, you are supporting the groundbreaking animal care, conservation, and education work done at the zoo. You’re also ensuring that the zoo remains free. Keeping the zoo open costs more than $108,000 a day, so every little bit helps.

Where can I find restrooms/food/lost and found/information?

For questions about where to go and what to do, you can visit Searle Visitor Center at the East Gate upon arrival. Maps, including accessibility maps, are available on our website. Or, you may use the web app (no download required!) at go.lpzoo.org. It includes a GPS-powered interactive map that can direct you to your destination in real-time.

Can I pet animals or have close-up encounters with them?

Seasonally, the zoo offers free, close-up encounters with animals at Farm-in-the-Zoo. You can also purchase Malott Family Penguin Encounters from May–October, which allow you to learn about these aquatic birds and take a seat inside the habitat just feet away from African penguins.

In 2019 the zoo implemented an “animal-first” approach to zoo programming that makes individual wellbeing even more of a priority. The programs that now exist have gone through extensive evaluation to ensure they are part of promoting positive welfare for zoo animals and ensures the individuals always have the choice to participate and control where they spend time in their habitats.

Why can’t I see any animals today?

Sometimes, you need to look a little bit more closely at the naturalistic settings of zoo habitats to find where the animals are. After all, many species have evolved to blend into their surroundings. However, there are times when animals may be behind the scenes or in private spaces.

If you don’t see any animals exploring their outdoor habitats—head inside! There are always animals to see at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House, McCormick Bird House, and Regenstein African Journey.

As part of a philosophy and practice designed to support welfare for every zoo resident, the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo have as much choice and control over their environments as possible. If they do not prefer to be within view of people, they can go inside or hide in habitat elements. This may mean visitors won’t be able to view every animal exactly when they want to, but providing animals with agency has data-backed benefits for their wellbeing. So, even when you aren’t able to catch a glimpse of them, you can rest assured that this is the result of ethical care that makes their needs a priority.

How do the animals handle the cold/heat?

With some help from zoo staff and habitat design, the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo tolerate extreme conditions well. All species here have been vetted to ensure their comfort in Chicago’s climate. Elements in their habitats, such as ice-producing machines for the polar bears and heated rocks for the lions, help ensure that they continue to thrive no matter what the weather. They always have the choice to head indoors when they want. Animal Care staff also keep track of outside conditions and put any needed precautions into place, such as bringing certain animals indoors when temperatures get too low or providing icy treats on hot days.

For more information on how we keep the animals cool in hot conditions, visit this blog post. To learn about how animals ride out the city’s famously cold winters, read this.

I’d be interested in volunteering. How do I get involved?

As a free institution with the mission of connecting people with nature, Lincoln Park Zoo depends on the generosity of volunteers in donating their time, service skills, and expertise. Volunteers can work to their strengths, whether that’s animal behavior research with ZooMonitor or gardening under supervision from the Horticulture team. There’s something for everyone!

Volunteers are required to go through a training process and make a weekly commitment. However, the rewards are great, and we are recruiting now! Click here to find out more and start your application.

How can I become a zookeeper and work at a place like Lincoln Park Zoo?

Zookeeping is a tough but rewarding job! In general, aspiring zookeepers should have a higher education degree, in a scientific or animal behavior-related field. Our keepers recommend then getting as much zoo-related and/or hands-on animal care experience as possible through volunteering and internships. Giving time to your local animal shelter or volunteering at a similar institution can be helpful steps toward a zookeeping career.

For many keepers, caring for zoo animals isn’t just a job, it’s a calling—so you need to know for sure that it’s right for you. Experience with animals is good for your resume, but it also helps you understand where your passion lies. If zookeeping turns out not to be for you, other types of employees are needed at zoos too, from marketing experts to food service workers.

What kinds of learning programs do you have for kids and families?

Lincoln Park Zoo offers programs for children and teens of all ages. From LEAP (Learn, Explore, and Play) sessions for preschoolers to Conservation Ambassadors Board programming for high school students, zoo programs are designed to help nurture a love of nature in young people—and develop the next generation of conservation leadership.

For more information on Conservation Camp, the Malott Family R.O.A.R. Corps (Research, Observation, Action, and Restoration), and other youth learning programs, visit this page. Teachers may also want to consider signing up for Partners in Fieldwork, which helps their classes engage in authentic science with help from the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute.