LITTLE CREATURES GET NEW HOME

Over time plants and animals have worked out arrangements so that they can all manage to live together. That is why employees of the Lincoln Park Zoo have re-created the vegetation of the rain forests of South America, the savannas of Africa, the deserts of Asia and the dry forests of Australia in the new REGENSTEIN SMALL MAMMAL-REPTILE HOUSE. Many of the more than 200 creatures who are taking up residence in these carefully constructed indoor ecosystems are on the endangered species list, as their outdoor habitats are destroyed. But at the zoo, animals such as Asian tree squirrels and shrews, African swamp monkeys and dwarf crocodiles, South American sloths and lizards, and Australian anteaters and koalas (mistakenly called bears) are living in natural habitats like the ones that have been important to their survival. Creatures of Habitat, Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, free; 312-742-2000.

Animals once again will be center stage in the Children’s Zoo at the Brookfield Zoo. Beginning Saturday, they will illustrate their unique forms of behavior during “Animals in Action,” where pigs might show their retrieval techniques or sheep might show their herding skills. The zoo’s residents will also participate in “Animal Olympics.” Spectators can see how animals are trained and watch demonstrations that this year feature a macaw named Fiesta who comes from the South American rain forest. For a touch of authenticity, a child will always be chosen to start off the event by carrying in the torch.

“Animal Olympics,” 2 p.m. daily, “Animals in Action,” 3 p.m. daily beginning Saturday and running through Labor Day, weather permitting, Children’s Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, $1 adults, 50 cents children in addition to zoo admission, $4-$6 adults, $1.50-$3 children; 708-485-0263.

In a program called “Chickens, Chickens, Chickens!” visitors to the 19th Century Kline Creek Farm can find out about these farmyard fowl through some hands-on activities. In addition, some informal storytelling and sing-alongs will show why chickens may be lacking in self-esteem. The well-known Chicken Little didn’t have much common sense, the term “half-cocked” is hardly a compliment and being called “chicken” is considered an insult. On the other hand, however, during the 19th Century, raising chickens allowed women to gain a certain amount of financial independence since they kept the profits from selling eggs for pocket money.

“Chickens, Chickens, Chickens!,” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Kline Creek Farm, County Farm Road north of Geneva Road, Winfield, free; 630-876-5900.

Visitors to Van Patten Woods can take the expression “Go fly a kite” literally on Saturday. They can compete to see who will be first to get their kite to fly and who has created the best homemade kite. They can also learn how to make a kite dance and watch some professional kite flyers perform amazing stunts.

Kitefest, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Van Patten Woods Forest Preseve, Route 173 east of Route 41 near Wadsworth, free; 847-367-6640 ext.125.

Animals are in the spotlight this summer in Long Grove. Children will be able to pet some ordinary creatures and others that are more unusual such as a llama and pygmy goats. They can also take a turn on the traditional pony ride.

Petting Zoo, $1, Pony Rides, $2, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Monday and other dates through Oct. 6, intersection of Routes 53 and 83, Long Grove; 847-634-0888.

Owls may give a hoot, but they also play an important role in the natural scheme of things. Families can find out about the significant place of these predators in Cook County’s food chain at a program this Sunday.

“Owls in Residence,” 10 a.m. Sunday, Little Red School House, 98 S. 104th Ave., Willow Springs, free; 708-839-6897.