Lincoln Park Zoo

The Regenstein Center for African Apes quadruples the amount of outdoor space formerly available to gorillas and houses 24 apes: silverbacks JoJo and Kwan, their families and two groups of chimpanzees. Four separate habitats--including three outdoor yards for both chimpanzees and gorillas--mimic the trees, rocks and vegetation of African forests. The Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes will conduct scientific research and visitor education programs.

In July 2007, the zoo unveiled new outdoor habitats at the Kovler Lion House. The expanded exhibits are home to a red panda, two puma cubs, an Afghan leopard, three long-haired Pallas' cats and a snow leopard. More than two years in development, the $1.75 million project hopes to improve the animals' quality of life and draw the public's attention to endangered wildlife.

Located in a beautiful park setting near Chicago's lakefront, the Lincoln Park Zoo boasts winding paths that lead to indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the recently opened Regenstein African Journey, where wild dogs, meerkats, aardvarks, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, ostriches and other animals live in large, lush habitats. The mixed-species environments of the Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House feature about 200 creatures from South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Birds fly free in the McCormick Bird House, while African lions, Siberian tigers, leopards and other big cats reside in the Kovler Lion House at the center of the zoo. Penguins and koala bears are favorites with kids. A children's zoo gives visitors a chance to meet infant and adult animals up-close and to learn more about wildlife at the Conservation Station. The Farm-in-the-Zoo, a working replica of a Midwestern farm, offers daily demonstrations. The Cafe at Wild Things which opened spring of 2009, offers items from local and organic farms. The Park Place Cafe features simple fare year-round; a number of seasonal cafes serve up sandwiches, coffee, ice cream and other snacks.

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