Is that a fair comparison though? Brookfield's expenses are more than twice that of LP's ($67 million vs $30 million USD per year) yet LP gets twice as much money in contributions ($14 million vs $7 million USD). Nearly all of LP's new construction projects are financed by the richest philanthropists in Chicago, most notably the Regensteins and Pritzkers. Isn't raising admissions and outsourcing expenses in order to build new projects in the future proactive...? From what I know, funding is usually figured out after a master plan is developed, so that they have a budget to show investors and the public. Attempting to solicit funding without having a plan on how to spend it doesn't seem like a good pitch.
Hudson and Nan polar bears will be paired up again soon, but cubs for Nan at this age is now out of the question. It is unlikely the zoo will perform any more artificial inseminations on her.
Brookfield Zoo Visit Report: 2/29/20. A wonderful sunny day, what better way to spend it than a trip to the zoo? Restaurant Renovations: The zoo is already reaping the benefits of their recent decision to outsource their food operations. At least three of the smaller cafes around the zoo - North Gate Snacks, and the two snack huts by the rhino and bison exhibits respectively - are currently undergoing renovations. Cafe De Sol' also just finished going under minor renovations hat include some interior touch ups and a brand new menu. I had a sweet and spicy chicken sandwich and it was miles better than anything I had eaten here previously. The zoo has been able to improve their food options, renovate their facilities, and save some money all in the process. A great move on the zoos part. Other Updates: One of the two green-winged macaws recently died, leaving only the one left. The moats in the lion and tiger grottos had slight modifications likely to prevent any more incidents. The recently born gray seal pups were on exhibit and have been for a few weeks. The wolves were mating today, hoping for another litter later this year. All of the animals in the South American wing of Tropic World were off exhibit, not sure why. As an Aside... I really got to appreciate some parts of the zoo that I really haven't in the past. I love Feathers and Scales purely for the large South American aviary, but I gave some attention to the other ones in the building and they are also really great. The desert one and the Bali mynah/victorian crowned pigeon one were both really well done. However, I couldn't help but feel the wattled curassow one was far too small. I also went in Reptiles and Birds for the first time in a while today, and the help exhibits there are really well done. These buildings really should be condensed into their own things instead of both having reptiles and amphibians. Another building I went in for the first time today was the dolphinarium. I must say, it is significantly smaller than I remember. I'm really wondering what the future of the zoos dolphin program is, as while the zoo has made great strides in dolphin research and the shows are a visitor favorite I can't help but feel a little uneasy watching them. I do have an idea for what could be done with it which I will share on the Ideas, Dreams, Hopes thread when I get the chance, but I feel it is unlikely the dolphins will be leaving any time soon. Does anybody know what happened with that import they were attempting to do about a year ago?
I am thinking exhibit maintenance. When I visited a couple days ago, the gorillas were off exhibit for that reason.
According to the zoo's social media, they have welcome two male lions named Brutus and Titus from Utah's Hogle Zoo (this is not an April Fool's Day prank).
The zoo just laid off a third of their employees as the covid-19 outbreak continues to plague the world. Brookfield Zoo lays off workers amid coronavirus outbreak
I feel for the employees laid off? How is it being conducted (as in is it just the support and general management staff - in my view unjust - or does it also affect senior staff and management)???? How long has the zoo been closed and how does losing a month's income affect the finances of the zoo. PS: I have my views on laying off staff per se, but out of curiosity I would like to know the above .....!!!!
If you laid off all the management who's going to run the zoo. Believe me, I feel very sorry for all people who were laid off but remember the animals need to be cared for and fed. Management needs to move resources and attempt to solicit donations to keep it running.
I am not contesting that someone needs to run the zoo, but general staff lose their jobs because of an issue outside their control. Hence, I specifically asked a few questions which are not being addressed as yet. I am hopeful someone can really address the questions asked how general staff vs senior management are affected, how the current financial situation of Brookfield Zoo impinges upon the 3+ week lockdown (a guess) and how long has the zoo been closed already (if only for 3 weeks+ I cannot seriously believe the finance situation would be so dramatic as to immediately lay off staff? How many staff have been laid off?
A female Amur tiger will be arriving at the zoo this summer. Samson, a male amur leopard, has recently arrived from the Fort Worth Zoo.
Amur Leopard Birth VIDEO: Brookfield Zoo Announces Birth Of Amur Leopard Cub And He's Almost Painfully Cute An Amur leopard cub was born on March 3. The male cub, named Sasha, is currently behind the scenes bonding with his mom, Lisa. Animal care staff estimate Sasha will be able to have access to his outdoor habitat sometime in June. According to the zoo, this is the third litter for 9-year-old Lisa, and the sire, 9-year-old Kasha. Previous births included Temur, in 2016 and twin brothers, Jilin and Samson in 2018.
Painted Dog Pup Update The Painted dog pups have been sexed as five males and two females. Six of them have been named as follows: 1.0 Cesar 1.0 JP 1.0 Masikio 1.0 Prospect 0.1 Roanne 0.1 Daisie You can vote what to name the remaining pup (a male) here: Brookfield Zoo Needs a Name for This Puppy! Cast Your Vote These are the names: Kashyyyk - name of a planet in Star Wars. Shaki - means “shark” in Chewa, Taya - means “jaws” in Swahili. Kwanza - means “first” in Swahili (he was the firstborn in the litter).
Some new information in regards to outdoor Tropic World exhibits. During todays Bringing the Zoo to You livestream - which was on orangutans and gibbons - I asked if they would be getting outdoor exhibits in the near future. Specifically I played a little dumb and asked "Do the orangutans ever get to go outdoors?" Here is the response I got. "We do not currently have an outdoor area for them, but we do hope to build one in the future behind the Hamill Family Nature Plaza." I assume they are referring to this area. I pressed a bit further and asked if other animals in Tropic World would get outdoor exhibits as well and if there was a timetable for they will be built. If or when I get a response, I will update this thread. Gotta love Zoochat investigative reporting .
