Brookfield Zoo unveils new redevelopment plan

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Brookfield Zoo Chicago unveiled an ambitious redevelopment plan as it approaches its 100 year anniversary.

"The Next Century Plan" aims to reshape over 100 acres of property. The $500 million dollar initiative comes as the Zoo prepares to celebrate its 100 anniversary in 2034.

"The plan is intended to be a 15 year plan for the Zoo. But we've really developed that in a 30 year vision, so to speak," said Zoo President and CEO Michael Adkesson.

Adkesson said the campus will be divided into four different zones, the biggest being immersive "ecoregions" that will mimic the animals' natural habitats.

"So it's an opportunity for us to increase the space available to our animals, but also an opportunity for us to take our guests on sort of an immersive journey through the Zoo, where they really feel like they've been transported around the globe, into different areas."

He hopes this will help visitors connect with animals and hopefully inspire them to take part in conservation efforts.

"Make sure that they're leaving here with an appreciation for wildlife, that they're leaving here with an understanding of the threats that are facing animals around the globe, and what they can do to help."

Adkesson is excited about the possibility of the connections visitors could make, and the further good they could do.

"That's such a powerful opportunity for us to allow people to really make that connection and develop that sense of caring around those animals. That they're motivated to make the everyday changes and really put forward that effort to be good stewards of the environment, to be a champion for wildlife and nature and to really help to impact conservation on a global scale."

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