Chimpanzees in Context

LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Lincoln Park Zoo is a world of wildlife in the midst of skyscrapers. Located within a verdant park right on the shores of Lake Michigan, just minutes north of downtown Chicago, the zoo has been a natural, free oasis for generations of animal lovers, who visit the zoo to hear a lion’s roar echo off nearby apartment buildings, see gorillas climb trees as the Hancock Tower looms in the distance, or forget where they are as they immerse themselves in tropical rainforests, dry-thorn forests or spacious savannas.

We are excited for you to see and explore all that Lincoln Park Zoo has to offer!

Conservation and Science

One of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo’s Conservation & Science Department is dedicated to improving animal management and wildlife conservation. Zoo scientists combine expertise in a range of disciplines to identify threats to zoo and wild populations and develop strategies to ensure their continued existence.

To accomplish this mission of improving animal management and wildlife conservation, Lincoln Park Zoo:

  • Conducts research with direct application to managing and conserving animals in zoos and in the wild
  • Leads field animal conservation efforts on behalf of wild populations
  • Advises population management programs for zoo and wild populations
  • Trains students as well as zoo and conservation professionals

The zoo’s research and conservation efforts focus on programs in population biology, applied animal behavior, primatology, conservation of wild populations, epidemiology, endocrinology, cognition and learning, and veterinary medicine.

These disciplines are organized into five primary research centers, with each center having its own dedicated research staff, support staff and funding: Population Management Center, Urban Wildlife Institute, Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology and Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology.

Education

The Education Department at Lincoln Park Zoo creates multiple opportunities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to have meaningful experiences at the zoo. The department runs a number of programs throughout the year, including week-long summer camps for kids – if you are bringing children to Chicago during the conference, take a look at our Summer Camp page (but sign up early!).

The Education Department also schedules on-grounds learning experiences and activities. Check the website for the most up-to-date information.


Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes
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2001 North Clark Street | Chicago, IL 60614 | 312-742-7263
Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and is FREE every day!