Let s Visit The Zoo! A partnership between The Autism Program of Illinois Have Dreams and Lincoln Park Zoo Level 2
What is a zoo? A zoo is a place where people go to see animals from all over the world. The animals live in spaces that are separate from people. Most areas the animals live in at the zoo are designed to look like the places where animals live in the wild. Zookeepers take care of the animals at the zoo. Zookeepers feed the animals, make sure they are healthy, and keep the exhibits clean. Page 1
Zoo Rules There are important rules at the zoo to make sure I am safe and that all of the animals are safe. No Feeding Animals No Climbing Stay With An Adult At All Times No Bikes No Pets Page 2
There are several ways to enter Lincoln Park Zoo. If I come on a field trip I will usually enter through these gates. There may be someone at the information booth if I need help or have questions about the zoo. If I come in a car and park I will usually enter the zoo through this entrance. If I walk or take the bus to the zoo, I might enter through this gate. Page 3
Inside the Lion House I may see lions, leopards, tigers, and other big cats. I can walk down the long hall and look at all the big cats. Some of the big cats may be outside. I can also go outside to try and see them. There are bathrooms inside the Lion House if I need them. Page 4
The Center for African Apes is home to chimpanzees and gorillas. Inside, there are large gorillas and smaller chimpanzees. I can watch them through the glass. Sometimes they climb on the vines. Sometimes they just sit and rest or look for food on the ground. There is also a large area outside where I can try to look for apes. I will try not to tap on the glass. It can make the primates very upset. I will try to remember to look without touching. Do not hit or tap on the window. Page 5
Nature Boardwalk is an outdoor area with a walking path and pond. I can also see many Chicago buildings in the distance. As I walk around the Boardwalk I may see birds, fish, insects, turtles, and many types of plants. I will try not to touch any of the animals or plants that I see. It is also important that I do not pick any flowers or feed any of the animals. I will try and walk only on the path and not on the grass. This will help all of the plants and animals be safe. Page 6
The Antelope & Zebra Area is outdoors. I can look for zebras, camels, kangaroos and deer. Sometimes the animals may be resting, walking around or eating. Page 7
The African Journey has animals such as a hippo, giraffes, and many kinds of fish. Some of the animals are inside, and some are outside. I can walk through to try and see as many African animals as I can. Page 8
The Farm-in-the-Zoo is a working farm inside Lincoln Park Zoo. At the farm I can see the gardens and farm animals. There is a large barn with fun things to do inside. I may be able to see cows, chickens, ponies, sheep, and pigs. There are bathrooms in the Farm-in-the-Zoo if I need them. Page 9
Waterfowl Lagoon and Swan Pond are home to ducks, flamingos, geese, and swans. I can stand on the bridge and watch all of the birds. I can watch the flamingos walk around. I may see them cleaning their feathers, resting, or eating. No Feeding Animals Page 10
The Primate House has many types of primates. I can see mostly monkeys and a few apes. The primates may be sitting, eating, swinging from vines, climbing or jumping. I can watch the different primates through the glass. Some of the primates may be outside. I can go outside to try to find them. Do not hit or tap on the window. I will try not to tap on the glass. It can make the primates very upset. I will try to remember to look without touching. Page 11
The Small Mammal and Reptile House has more than 200 birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. The first part of the house will be dark. I can look through the glass to try and see the animals. Sometimes the animals may be hidden under rocks or behind plants. Do not hit or tap on the window. I will try not to tap on the glass. It can make the animals upset. Page 12
The next part of the Small Mammal and Reptile House is bright with many trees and plants. There are many types of animals including birds, fish, and turtles. I can walk upstairs to get a good view of this area. There are bathrooms inside the Small Mammal and Reptile House if I need them. Page 13
The Sea Lion Pool is home to harbor seals. I can watch the seals swim and climb on the rocks. Sometimes a zoo worker will train the seals and talk about them. I can stand and watch the show. When the seals are swimming, I can watch them underwater. It is fun to see the seals swim. Page 14
The Bird House has hundreds of bird from all over the world. Some of the birds are behind glass, some are behind nets, and some birds fly freely. I can watch the birds in their nests, walking, sitting, and flying around. Some birds may fly close to my head. I can try to stay calm and enjoy watching them. Page 15
The Birds of Prey Exhibit is outdoors. In this exhibit, I may be able to see vultures, storks, owls, and bald eagles. All of the birds are behind fences. Page 16
The Children s Zoo has an outdoor area and indoor area. In the outdoor area I can try to see wolves, bears (which may be difficult to spot), and otters. In the inside area I can watch the beavers and otters underwater (they may be difficult to spot). I can also see some reptiles, insects, and birds. Page 17
There are many places to eat while I am at the zoo. If I bring my own food, I may eat outside at a table or find a place on the grass. I may also eat inside. There are tables for eating in the lower level of the Park Pavilion. There are also bathrooms available. Page 18
An adult I am with will let me know if I can buy food. Here are some places that sell food at the zoo: Park Place Café Landmark Café Patio at Café Brauer Café at Wild Things Page 19
We hope you have fun at the Lincoln Park Zoo! Please check Lincoln Park Zoo s website for any changes and modify your guide accordingly. www.lpzoo.org