Animal dads take center stage at Brookfield Zoo Chicago this Father’s Day

Posted June 17, 2026 4:19 pm

By Megan Pellock, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Over in the “Australia yard” at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, western gray kangaroos Cheerio, right, gives a gentle nudge to Troody. Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

From piggyback rides to protecting the pack, animal dads at Brookfield Zoo Chicago are showing how fatherhood comes in all shapes and species this Father’s Day.

African painted dog Kellan helps care for his 10 puppies, protecting and regulating pack dynamics.

African painted dogs Kellan and Roanne keep a close guard on their pups in the Habitat Africa! The Savannah exhibit at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The breeding pair welcomed a litter of five male and five female pups in November 2025. Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Western gray kangaroo Cheerio is the head of the patriarchy, but this species is known more to protect the “mob” than to help raise joeys.

Poison dart frogs carry tadpoles on their backs to find a better place for survival.

The male yellow seahorse carries fertilized embryos until the babies are ready to be born. Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Seahorses are the only species in the animal kingdom where males can get pregnant.

Guests visiting these animals at the Zoo on Father’s Day can get a taste of the greens during a golf-themed tailgate from 11 a.m.  to 3 p.m.  with their Zoo admission or membership.

Enjoy BBQ pulled pork, smoked sliced brisket, coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, Texas toast. There also will be beer and wine bar featuring Transfusion cocktails and Yuengling, golf simulators and lawn games, and live stream of the PGA U.S. Open

Brazilian poison dart frog Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

There’s also a special Kid's Zone with activities for all ages. Kids’ meals include grilled hot dog and chips, and macaroni and cheese, as well as ice cream bars and Lofty Pops.

For details, visit brookfieldzoo.org/events.