Families in Chicagoland can now explore lush rainforests and watch chimps swing through towering trees all without leaving the state.
The Brookfield Zoo, the largest zoo in the Chicago area, will debut one of the country’s largest primate habitats on July 11, 2025. The new James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests habitat will feature roughly three-acres of outdoor space inspired by Africa, Asia and South America.
“The James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests represents a bold step forward in how we connect people to wildlife,” says Mike Adkesson, president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago in a press release. “This extraordinary space not only provides an incredibly dynamic and enriching environment for the animals in our care but also inspires guests to understand and protect some of the most endangered species on the planet.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome our community to experience the wonder and the vital message of conservation that lives at the heart of this new habitat,” Adkesson adds.
What to know about Brookfield Zoo’s Tropical Forests
The grand opening weekend will run from July 11-13 and feature family-friendly activities and celebrations like live music, animal ambassadors and Zoo Chats.
A timed-entry ticket is required and must be purchased ahead of time.
A new habitat for kids to explore
Little ones who love monkeys will be thrilled. Visitors can now watch western lowland gorillas, Bornean orangutans and several monkey species as they traverse the new outdoor rainforest environment.
In the center of the habitat lies the Gorilla Conservation Center, an interactive indoor space where kids can learn about the challenges facing the animals. The King Conservation Leadership Academy–which hosts educational programming for families, high schoolers and college students–will now be housed above the center.
The Brookfield Zoo highlights conservation practices across its exhibits. Kids can explore the popular pollinator gardens and learn about the important roles of bees.
Expanding the zoo’s primate habitats
Families who loved Tropic World, the iconic indoor primate habitat, are also in for a treat. Tropic World was temporarily closed for construction and connection to the new Bramsen Tropical Forests, but will reopen during the grand opening weekend.
Now, families will enter through a newly designed entryway designed to look like part of the forest and emerge beneath a 48-foot waterfall. There, kids can catch a glimpse of two-toed sloths, a giant anteater, Asian small-clawed otters, squirrel monkeys, cotton-top tamarins and a variety of bird species.
There is no reservation required to visit the reopening of Tropic World.
Quick details about the Brookfield Zoo
- Address: 8400 31st St., Brookfield
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
- Cost: Kids ages 3 to 11 $20.95; ages 12 to 64 $29.95; ages 64 and above $24.95. Brookfield Zoo offers free admission days but parking fees and extra fees for attractions still apply.
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