Community Landmark: The Lincoln Park Zoo
One of Chicago’s most iconic community landmarks, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a definite must-visit for all residents (old and new) and tourists alike. Here are a few things you need to know about this historic animal sanctuary in the city.
About the Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is located within Lincoln Park, covering a total area of approximately 35 acres. Established and opened to the public in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo counts as one of the oldest zoos in the country, as well as one of the very few zoos in the United States that offers free admission to all visitors.
A large number of animal species call the Lincoln Park Zoo home. All types of animals are well-represented here, from mammals to cool amphibians, reptiles, and beautiful birds. As a result, the Lincoln Park Zoo has built several centers and exhibits using high-tech equipment to create naturalistic habitats that will make the animal population feel right at home.
The Lincoln Park Zoo’s Key Attractions and Exhibits
The sprawling urban zoo attracts thousands of tourists each year due to its wide selection of attractions as well as rides. The following are some of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s best-loved attractions and exhibits.
- Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove – The Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove is home to a colony of 15 African penguins, each with their own unique personality and traits. Visitors are welcome to interact with the colony and learn more about these wily penguins, including their daily routines at the zoo and more about the African penguin in general.
- Walter Family Arctic Tundra – Home of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s polar bears, the Walter Family Arctic Tundra is a specially designed exhibit equipped with naturalistic features such as pools, ice caves, and rolling terrain.
- Regenstein Center for African Apes – Behold the majesty of the African ape at the state-of-the-art Regenstein Center for African Apes. The exhibit features 29,000 square feet of outdoor and indoor living space for these majestic primates, complete with bamboo, artificial vines, and even waterfalls. As of date, the center for African Apes is currently home to a group of chimpanzees and several western lowland gorillas.
Learn more about the Lincoln Park Zoo’s different exhibits here.
Role in wildlife conservation
Aside from being an urban sanctuary for animals, the zoo is also an active participant of numerous wildlife conservation efforts. As of date, the Lincoln Park Zoo is currently involved in the following conservation and science programs:
- Goualougo Triangle Ape Project – A conservation project that aims to learn more about the cohabitation between chimpanzees and gorillas in a remote part of the Congo.
- Serengeti Health Initiative – The Lincoln Park Zoo is also part of the Serengeti Health Initiative, which aims to study Africa’s ecosystem and the secret to maintaining its balance and health.
Learn more about the zoo’s conservation programs, as well as admission information by visiting their official website: http://www.lpzoo.org
Explore Lincoln Park Real Estate!
The Lincoln Park neighborhood offers a wide variety of homes for sale and also condos for sale and rent. Contact Ryan and learn more about this exciting Chicago neighborhood!