Brookfield Zoo Chicago is welcoming new and returning species while saying goodbye to old ones.
Amelia Gray, the newest polar bear at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, made her debut on Wednesday.
The 8-year-old bear arrived from Oregon Zoo and is now one of three polar bears at the zoo, including Hope and Hudson. The species is at risk of disappearance, with research projecting that up to two-thirds of the world’s polar bear population will vanish by the end of the century, according to the zoo.
This transfer from Oregon will provide Amelia Gray the opportunity to be with a male polar bear with the goal of raising cubs someday, the zoo said in a news release.
Willum and Brumby, the first koalas ever to live at the zoo, are leaving at the end of October. They were welcomed last year as part of a loan program with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and San Diego Zoo’s Koala Education and Conservation Project. Guests can still visit them before they return to California.
The zoo is welcoming back tamanduas, members of the anteater species. Beginning in November, they will make their return to the Play Zoo. Known for their front claws and prehensile tails that help them explore and climb trees, the tamanduas are part of the zoo’s Animal Ambassadors program, which allows visitors to learn about animals up close.
Guests can feed, touch and get close to new moon jellies starting in October. They can learn about how the jellyfish have drifted through oceans for over 500 years, and about their biology and life cycle.
The moon jelly encounter is one of eight wildlife connections that the zoo offers, with tickets for the experiences costing $100. Some of the other animals guests can interact with include penguins, giraffes and sharks.
To celebrate Halloween, the zoo is launching a walking tour in October. Participants will explore mysterious creatures and learn about their history. Guests will also be taken to the southwest corridor, which includes some of the oldest buildings on the zoo’s grounds. Walking tour tickets cost $69.
Open daily, with hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield; 708-688-8000 and www.brookfieldzoo.org