Is the thought of holiday shopping stressing you out? Don’t fret, Lincoln Park Zoo has you covered. This year, instead of opting for sweaters and socks, purchase a gift membership to this iconic Chicago destination.
A membership to Lincoln Park Zoo, which was founded in 1868 and is on a mission to connect people with nature, is the perfect present for your family and friends — and it does wonders for the animals, too.
“By becoming a member, you’re joining thousands of other Chicagoans in helping to fund learning programs and support animal care and conservation initiatives. You’re helping to keep the zoo free for everyone while making sure it stays accessible to both city dwellers and tourists visiting this great city,” says Gretchen Kirchmer, the zoo’s Director of Marketing and Events.
Lincoln Park Zoo is an accredited zoo that’s part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), so you can be confident it offers resident animals the best care while assisting in conservation efforts around the world. As one of just a few zoos in the country that offers free admission, it relies on donations, memberships and events for most of its funding.
“It costs $93,000 a day to keep the zoo running — and that includes everything from providing the animals individualized diets to caring for thousands of plants,” Kirchmer adds. Giving a Lincoln Park Zoo membership as a gift means you’re helping care for the animals every day.
Buying a membership also helps support the research Lincoln Park Zoo does, both in the city of Chicago, as it looks to help people and animals coexist in an ever-urbanizing world, and abroad in countries like Tanzania, where it works with partners to support healthy lion populations. Scientific research carried out by Lincoln Park Zoo contributes to better understanding of animals, their habitats and the threats they face.
In addition to helping the animals, members receive loads of benefits all year round. Read on for more information.
Lincoln Park Zoo membership levels
Those interested in purchasing a general membership to Lincoln Park Zoo can select from one of three different basic level options: Safari, Household and Individual. They can opt for even more exclusive opportunities by joining one of the zoo’s Donor Clubs.
All members, regardless of membership level, receive free or discounted parking, access to the Member Lounge at Searle Visitor Center, invitations to sneak previews and members-only events, and discounted tickets to the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure. They also get discounts on camps and events, along with reduced prices at the gift shop and zoo restaurants, plus stroller rentals.
Members can even receive free or discounted admission to more than 100 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums around the U.S. This bonus is one way to really extend the value of a gift membership.
Each Lincoln Park Zoo membership level offers additional benefits, as well. Here’s what you can receive with each level:
Donor Club
Cost: $365+
Benefits: Unlimited free parking, priority registration opportunities for Summer Conservation Camp and Zoo Crew, four free tickets to SuperZooPicnic, complimentary tickets to attractions at zoo events, and invitations to members-only tours.
Safari
Cost: $189
Benefits: Unlimited free parking, early registration opportunities for Summer Conservation Camp and Zoo Crew, two free tickets to SuperZooPicnic.
Household
Cost: $95
Benefits: Two free parking passes, discounted $12 flat-rate parking for every additional visit.
Individual
Cost: $69
Benefits: $12 flat-rate parking every time you visit the zoo
Event access and fun
Zoo events, like the upcoming annual ZooLights celebration, are oh-so-popular and can end up selling out. To ensure you’re able to snag some tickets — and avoid dealing with some very unhappy kiddos — you’ll want to get a head start. With a Lincoln Park Zoo membership, you can do just that.
In fact, you’ll get to register one week early, Kirchmer says. ZooLights tickets go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 20, but members can get them starting Thursday, October 13. Plus, you’ll be invited to Members-Only ZooLights Nights on Friday, November 18 and Wednesday, December 14.
“Membership is a great way to stay connected to the zoo while getting some great perks and discounts,” Kirchmer says. “And there’s a membership level to suit everyone.”
Because a Lincoln Park Zoo membership positively impacts animals here and on a global scale — while providing a wonderful experience right here in Chicago — it makes a truly thoughtful gift, no matter the occasion.
To join Lincoln Park Zoo, or to renew your membership, visit the zoo’s website at lpzoo.org. Learn more about membership, too!
