Endangered Brookfield Zoo leopards celebrate a birthday
Almost everyone loves a treat when turning a year older, and that’s true as well for two Amur leopards at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, who recently turned 1.
Lacy and Sady are Armu leopards, a critically endangered big cat, with fewer than 100 believed to still be in the wild, according to a news release.
The treat they received for the celebration was designed to provide positive stimulation for their mental and physical health while also encouraging natural behaviors. The agile climbers often spend their time hidden in trees or on rocky ledges, both of which can be found at the zoo.
Zoo guests can see the cubs at Big Cats Walkway near the entrance to Desert’s Edge. Information is at brookfieldzoo.org.
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Photos sought for DuPage Forest Preserve District contest
In an attempt to get area residents to reconnect with nature and take a break from digital distractions, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County wants visitors to share photos of their experiences in the preserves by entering its 2026 photo contest before Sept 8.
Juried categories include Wildlife & Plants, Landscapes & Places and People & Recreation. Photos must be taken in a DuPage County forest preserve. There is no limit on the number of entries, and the same photo may be entered in more than one category. The contest is open to Illinois residents 18 and older
Winners, chosen by a panel of district employees, can choose a prize package worth about $150 featuring technology, camera equipment or a framed print. Also, visitors can vote online through Sept. 14 for their favorite photograph, and the Voters’ Choice winner gets a Kodak Printomatic camera, carrying case and 20-pack of paper. Winners will be notified by Oct. 1.
A random prize drawing happens Sept. 2, and that winner gets a Kodake disposable camera and $25 district gift card, which can be redeemed for permits, programs, equipment rentals or district merchandise. Complete rules and entry submission are found at www.dupageforest.org/2026-photo-contest.
The contest, part of the district’s Unplug to Recharge campaign, encourages people to spend more time looking at the world and less time at screens, photographing moments they’ll want to revisit. “We hope this contest inspires people to slow down, explore our forest preserves, and capture the moments that make every visit memorable,” Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard shared via a news release.
Caught Off Guard plays at senior living center
The community is invited to the last two performances in the summer outdoor concert series presented at Oak Park Arms Senior Living Community, set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 21 and Sept. 18 at 408 S. Oak Park Ave.
Band members, who love blues, jazz, soul, funk and R&B began as a backing band and live karaoke band for other performers but eventually became a main act. The band performs to heal others through the arts, having met at an open-mic event at the National Alliance on Mental Illness drop-in center in Oak Park.
Concerts take place on the grounds unless weather is poor; in that instance, the performance moves to the center’s historic ballroom. Details are at 708-386-4040 or www.oakparkarms.com.
Elmhurst History Museum hosts concert
The Fourth Fridays summer concert series presented by the Elmhurst History Museum continues with the Blooze Brothers Band, which performs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at 120 E. Park Ave. in Elmhurst.
Admission is free to the concert. It’s funded, in part, by the Dr. Virginia R. Stuart memorial Fund. For information, visit elmhursthistory.org.
Triton radiology student wins state award
A second-year student in the Radiologic Technology program at Triton College in River Grove earned a first-place award in the Student Scientific Paper Competition at the annual Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists Conference earlier this year.
Gerek Wright won the blue ribbon for his paper on kyphosis, which causes the spine to curve excessively forward. In addition, Samantha McDonald placed third among 150 students in the Kahoot Review Competition, answering questions on radiologic science topics. Both are members of Triton’s Rad Tech Club.
Nancy Rizo, chair of the Radiologic Technology program at Triton, called out Wright’s achievement because it was the college’s first win and its first time entering the contest. “Seeing him recognized at that level was incredibly rewarding,” she shared in a news release. “This recognition highlights not only his dedication and critical thinking, but also the strength of our program in preparing students for scholarly research and professional presentation.“
Wright, who was “amazed and shocked” he won the award, has graduated and is working as a radiologic technician at a local hospital.
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