Lincoln Park Zoo: A mission to inspire, educate, and conserve

Whether it’s a school field trip to catch a pride of lions prowling, a family outing to see the gorilla habitat, or field research to protect the world’s flora and fauna, Lincoln Park Zoo’s mission to educate, inspire, and conserve has held true for a long time. Visitors come from far and wide to this wildlife respite in the heart of Chicago to see the diverse animal life and learn about life-sustaining ecosystems across continents. Here’s where it all started.

Lincoln Park Zoo began in 1868 when the Central Park Board of Commissioners in New York City donated two pairs of swans to the Lincoln Park Commissioners. More donations soon followed, and Lincoln Park Zoo came to life. Over 150 years later, the zoo hosts more than 3 million visitors annually at its 49-acre site just north of downtown. With more than 40 scientists on staff, its mission is to connect people with nature and advancing the highest quality of animal care, education, science, and conservation. It strives to be “For Wildlife. For All.” by providing accessible educational experiences, operating with an emphasis on ethical conduct, both in its community engagement programs and its treatment of animals. And for more than 20 years, Lincoln Park Zoo has counted on us to help support the communities and habitats that count on them.