Brookfield Zoo Chicago celebrates the season of love with special Valentine’s Day experiences

Posted January 26, 2026 11:31 am

By Megan Pellock, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Love is in the air — and on the paws, flippers and wings — at Brookfield Zoo Chicago this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a Galentine’s Day outing or a wildly unique gift, Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers experiences and gifts to show affection while supporting wildlife conservation in ways that are anything but ordinary.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s annual “Name a Cockroach” fundraiser returns, offering the opportunity to honor a special — or not-so-special — someone in your life.

For just a $15 donation now through Feb. 14, a Madagascar hissing cockroach will be symbolically named after the person of your choosing! Donors will receive a customizable, digital Certificate of Naming and can visit the Cockroach Naming Board at the Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo, featuring names submitted by Thursday, Feb. 5.

Details are available now at brookfieldzoo.org/Cockroach.

This fundraiser began in 2020 as an opportunity to support Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature — including sharing a better understanding of the critical ecological role of cockroaches. While cockroaches don’t hiss the season of love, here are some animal facts for conversation starters this Galentine or Valentine’s Day:

Flamingos, with their festive pink feathers, can bend their neck into what’s described as a half-heart pose thanks to 19 elongated cervical vertebrae. These long necks allow them to filter feed in shallow water while walking.

While often depicted on greeting cards holding paws, only certain species of otters form long-term bonds. The North American river otter, native to Midwest wetlands and rivers, does not mate for life.

Nothing scares off suitors quit like a female golden-silk orb weaver. For these spiders, males keep their distance and quickly retreat while mating to avoid becoming a meal.

“Bee mine” might sound romantic, but honeybees are all about teamwork. A hive thrives thanks to thousands of worker sisters supporting their queen.

Here are a few more ideas from Brookfield Zoo Chicago to shower loved ones while also showing love to wildlife, with even more ideas available in the Zoo’s online shop.

ROAR-mantic Rhythms Jazz Dinner

Make your Valentine’s Day a roar-mantic evening with 1920s jazz and wild charm at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The evening includes a cocktail hour and pairing, five-course meal accompanied by a live jazz band and an up-close encounter with an animal — perfect for a date night. Guests can support the Zoo’s mission while buying tickets to this wild evening of romance. Visit brookfieldzoo.org/roar-mantic-rhythms.

Couples or groups of four can enjoy “Roar-Mantic Rhythms” on Feb. 14, which combines a five-course plated dinner, a live jazz performance, and the unique atmosphere of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Glow Wild

Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers an assortment of events for guests of all ages. Turn Valentine’s Day into a monthly date night by purchasing tickets to Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope! This new, visually stunning experience opens on March 19 with more than 70 larger-than-life illuminated lanterns inspired by wildlife. This immersive journey is just one of the Zoo’s nighttime experiences, with more events coming soon to brookfieldzoo.org/events.

Wild Connections

Create unforgettable memories with someone special through up-close animal experiences. Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Wild Connections program offers nine unique encounters — from penguins and moon jellies and more — perfect for sharing something truly memorable together. This also includes the newly launched Reptile & Amphibian Encounter, available for explorers ages eight and over who are curious about the captivating world of frogs, toads, snakes and lizards. More information and reservations are available at brookfieldzoo.org/wildconnections.

Will you be my valentine?

Share the love with an Animal Adoption at Brookfield Zoo Chicago! Community members can directly contribute to animal care and welfare with more than 60 different species available for honorary adoption, including 10 with the option for an upgraded plush package. The list of species — featuring some beloved individuals like Humboldt penguin Empanada, meerkats and polar bear Amelia Gray — is available at brookfieldzoo.org/AnimalAdoption. In order to guarantee delivery before Valentine’s Day, orders must be placed by Feb. 4.

Yearlong fun

Roses fade, but a Brookfield Zoo Chicago membership is love that lasts all year. With a variety of levels and options, it is the perfect gift for families or couples. Membership includes an assortment of perks and savings like free admission; weekly member updates for the latest Zoo news and exclusive invitations; discounts for attractions, special event tickets, food and beverage, retail and more; free parking and more. The Zoo offers a digital certificate that can be printed — no wrapping required! More information is available at brookfieldzoo.org/membership then selecting “purchase a gift membership.”

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Free Days offer complimentary admission now through the end of February, with the exception of Feb. 16. Guests can explore the Zoo daily during its winter hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the latest updates, follow Brookfield Zoo Chicago on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and TikTok.