Hope B. McCormick Swan Pond
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Hope B. McCormick Swan Pond

In 1868, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Commissioners received a pair of mute swans as a gift from New York City’s Central Park Commissioners. The birds became so popular that Chicago’s free zoo was established. Refurbished in 1996 through a bequest from the estate of Hope B. McCormick, Hope B. McCormick Swan Pond is now home to a pair of snow-white trumpeter swans—a reminder of the zoo’s long history of providing the Chicagoland area with free access to the wonders of wildlife.

Animals

Barrow's goldeneye in exhibit
Birds
Barrow’s Goldeneye
In 1868, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Commissioners received a pair of mute swans as a gift from New York City’s Central Park Commissioners. The birds became so popular that Chicago’s free zoo was established.
Hooded merganser in exhibit
Birds
Hooded Merganser
In 1868, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Commissioners received a pair of mute swans as a gift from New York City’s Central Park Commissioners. The birds became so popular that Chicago’s free zoo was established.
North American ruddy duck in exhibit
Birds
North American Ruddy Duck
In 1868, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Commissioners received a pair of mute swans as a gift from New York City’s Central Park Commissioners. The birds became so popular that Chicago’s free zoo was established.
Northern pintail in exhibit
Birds
Northern Pintail
In 1868, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Commissioners received a pair of mute swans as a gift from New York City’s Central Park Commissioners. The birds became so popular that Chicago’s free zoo was established.
Trumpeter swan in exhibit
Birds
Trumpeter Swan
In 1868, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Commissioners received a pair of mute swans as a gift from New York City’s Central Park Commissioners. The birds became so popular that Chicago’s free zoo was established.


Commitment to Care

Animals may not be visible at all times. To promote positive animal welfare, we provide animals with choices. They can choose to spend time in areas that are out of public view.

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Cinerous vulture in exhibit


Giraffes walking through the African savanna

Take Action With Us

Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.

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