In 1868 Chicago's Lincoln Park Commissioners received the gift of a pair of swans for New York's Central Park Commissioner's. These swans marked the beginning of what has become one of the oldest and last remaining free zoos in the country. Lincoln Park Zoo is still home to swans, but today's swans are joined by over 1,000 animals - both exotic and familiar.
The zoo is a leader in wildlife conservation and education. It's also a great place to spend a warm, sunny day outside. Lincoln Park Zoo is a favorite spot among locals who return every summer to stroll the grounds. Each year it seems there is something new to discover.
The first official zoo animal was a bear cub, purchased for $10 in 1874. Over the years the zoo opened new animal houses and renovated existing ones. Both bears and sea lions escaped their zoo homes in the early zoo years - the sea lions wound up in a nearby restaurant! Fortunately, all but one were returned to the zoo and that one was last seen in Lake Michigan.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is privately managed and is supported by the Chicago Park District. Don't miss the African lioness Myra and her three lion cubs at the Kovler Lion House. Not far from there, visit the Kovler Sea Lion Pool, newly renovated in 1999. Watch the sea lions frolic above and below water and then grab some refreshments from nearby vendors.
Other favorite stops include the Lester E. Fisher Great Ape House, with an extensive gorilla collection including families of four generations. The Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House contains 50 different species of animals. Snakes and lizards crawl on sand behind panes of glass while other species roam in mixed-animal exhibits in an ecosystem filled with waterfalls, lush vegetation, and winding paths.
Families will want to take young children to the Pritzker Children's Zoo with its zoo nursery and petting zoo. The Farm-in-the-Zoo illustrates agricultural life on a working model of a traditional Midwestern farm with traditional animals and demonstrations of farm activities.
Strollers, maps, first-aid and free wheelchairs are available at the Gateway Pavilion. Shop in Wild Things! for stuffed animals, books, zoo-related apparel, and other attractive souvenirs. Big Cats Cafe, above the shop, offers a rooftop view of the outdoor lion and tiger habitats. There are also picnic benches outside in the park, and a food court.
The zoo can be reached by either car or public transportation. Parking is available at the zoo for $10 or contact the RTA/CTA at 312-836-7000 for public transportation alternatives. In the summer, the zoo offers free trolley service from local parking garages and CTA stops to and from the zoo between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Labor Day.
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