Brookfield Zoo Chicago announces data breach

BROOKFIELD, Ill. — Brookfield Zoo Chicago released a statement on Wednesday confirming that its network had been hacked earlier this year.

Zoo officials say the data breach did not disrupt operations. Information related to past and present employees, in addition to beneficiaries, may have been accessed, however.

Those affected will be contacted by mail and will receive free credit monitoring and identity restoration services.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s full message:

Earlier this year, Brookfield Zoo Chicago became aware of suspicious activity in our network. We promptly took steps to contain the event, engaged third-party specialists to conduct an investigation, and notified local and federal law enforcement. This event did not create any operational disruptions. Our investigation determined that some information from our systems related to certain employees, former employees, and beneficiaries may have been accessed and/or copied by an unauthorized party. Although we have no evidence that information has been misused for identity theft or fraud as a result of this event, we are notifying those individuals by mail in accordance with applicable laws, as well as providing complimentary credit monitoring and identity restoration services.

To Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s knowledge, the software systems that Brookfield Zoo Chicago uses to service donors, members, and guests were not affected.”

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Brookfield Zoo was renamed Brookfield Zoo Chicago in March.

The zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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