Kinda, Brookfield Zoo’s new baby giraffe, with mom Arnieta. (Jim Schulz / CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

It's a tall order to top the excitement of the birth of a new baby giraffe, but Brookfield Zoo has more big news to celebrate.

On Tuesday, officials announced the receipt of a historic $40 million gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, the largest single private contribution in the zoo's 89-year history.

Michael Adkesson, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society and director of Brookfield Zoo, expressed his gratitude to the benefactors — a family with a history of support for the zoo — for their "unparalleled act of generosity." It will support conservation programs, guest experiences, and the enhancement and development of animal habitats, including Tropical Forests, a new indoor-outdoor environment planned for Brookfield's great apes.

As officials begin preparing for the zoo's centennial in 2034 and charting a course for the institIt’s a tall order to top the excitement of the birth of a new baby giraffe, but Brookfield Zoo has more big news to celebrate.

On Tuesday, officials announced the receipt of a historic $40 million gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, the largest single private contribution in the zoo’s 89-year history.

Michael Adkesson, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society and director of Brookfield Zoo, expressed his gratitude to the benefactors — a family with a history of support for the zoo — for their “unparalleled act of generosity.”

It will support conservation programs, guest experiences, and the enhancement and development of animal habitats, including Tropical Forests, a new indoor-outdoor environment planned for Brookfield’s great apes.

As officials begin preparing for the zoo’s centennial in 2034 and charting a course for the institution’s next century, “this gift bolsters our ability to create an exceptional future for Brookfield Zoo,” Adkesson said.

“Zoos play a critical role in connecting people to wildlife and nature,” he said. “This donation will enable us to execute our ambitious plans for Brookfield Zoo and its important role as a conservation organization committed to protecting and preserving endangered species around the globe.”

Officials said more details about how the funds will be allocated will be revealed in the zoo’s forthcoming master plan, slated for release in early 2024. ution's next century, "this gift bolsters our ability to create an exceptional future for Brookfield Zoo," Adkesson said.

“Zoos play a critical role in connecting people to wildlife and nature," he said. "This donation will enable us to execute our ambitious plans for Brookfield Zoo and its important role as a conservation organization committed to protecting and preserving endangered species around the globe."

Officials said more details about how the funds will be allocated will be revealed in the zoo’s forthcoming master plan, slated for release in early 2024. 

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]