Brookfield Zoo animals celebrate the holidays with enriching treats
Guests at Brookfield Zoo Chicago “Holiday Magic” show aren’t the only ones getting into the holiday spirit. The animal care specialists keep things fresh for the animals with holiday-themed treats or fun activities.
As you stroll around the zoo, you may notice puzzle feeders or carcasses in a habitat. These are forms of environmental enrichment, a key component needed for promoting good welfare for the residents of Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Around the holidays, zoo staff repurpose the Christmas trees from “Holiday Magic” by offering them to the bison, polar bears, lions, and other animals. While some species may be most intrigued by the scent, others may be focused on clawing at the bark.
In the Australia House, the short-beaked echidnas decked the halls with a “tree-mendous” treat topped with a star! The native Australian mammal explored and feasted on the unflavored gelatin-based enrichment, which supports natural curiosity and foraging behaviors.
At Dolphin Discovery, the bottlenose dolphins made a splash this holiday season with a snowman made of frozen, unflavored gelatin and ice along with other holiday-inspired treats that aid hydration and spark cognitive engagement.
In Regenstein Wolf Woods, a pack of male Mexican wolves received olfactory-focused enrichment, sniffing for elk antlers donated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County after a recent antler removal for safety purposes. These brothers may be new to some guests to see as they have just recently begun rotating on habitat.
More information about enrichment is available on the zoo’s website, brookfieldzoo.org, with insights from Brookfield Zoo Chicago animal welfare biologist Dr. Jessica Whitham.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is closed on Dec. 22 through Christmas Day, but guests can still sleigh their way through the final nights of the brightest “Holiday Magic” yet.
The popular holiday light festival goes into its final 10-day run from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26 to Sunday, Jan. 4. The zoo is celebrating more than 40 years of “Holiday Magic” with a new light display. Now with more than 3.5 million lights, this interactive display transforms the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels, and animal-themed lights.
More information is available at brookfieldzoo.org/visit. Advance reservations are required for south gate parking. Reservations are not required for the north (main) entrance, and parking at this lot is free for zoo members.