Let s Visit The Zoo! A partnership between The Autism Program of Illinois Have Dreams and Lincoln Park Zoo Level 3
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 called habitats that are separate from people. The habitats at the zoo are designed to look like the places animals live in the wild. Zookeepers take care of the animals at the zoo. Zookeepers feed the animals, keep them clean, and make sure they are healthy. Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. It was founded in 1868. It is also the only zoo in the city of Chicago. Lincoln Park Zoo is free to visit. There are over 200 species of animals, and over 1,100 animals total! 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. Do Not Feed The 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 many buses and lots of people. I will do my best to stay with my class. 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. It costs money to park in the zoo parking lot. We will get a ticket and pay when we leave the zoo. If I walk or take the city bus to the zoo, I might enter through this gate. I can always check a zoo map to figure out where I am. Page 3
Inside the Lion House I may see lions, tigers, and other big cats. The Lion House has tall ceilings inside. I can look for some of the world s rarest big cats. There are bathrooms inside the Lion House if I need them. Page 4
The Center for African Apes is home to smaller chimpanzees and large gorillas. This center has three habitats: a bamboo forest, a fig forest, and a dry riverbed. I can watch and study the African apes through the glass. Sometimes they climb in the vines. Sometimes they just sit and rest or look for food on the ground. There are also a large areas outside where I can try to look for apes. There is a deep moat which keeps the apes in their exhibit. 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 5
Nature Boardwalk is a 15 acre outdoor area with a walking path and pond. There is a great view of the Chicago skyline. I can look in the air, land, and water to see many species of animals. Birds, insects, frogs, turtles, and fish all live here. It is important not to touch any of the animals or plants, or pick any of the flowers. It is also important that I do not feed any of the animals. This will help preserve the habitat and keep all the animals and plants healthy. It is important to walk only on the path and not on the grass. There are signs in the grass to remind me. Walking on the grass can damage the natural habitat. Page 6
The Antelope & Zebra Area is a four acre outdoor exhibit. Many of the animals that live in this area have hooves. I can look for zebras, camels, and kangaroos. Sometimes the animals may be grazing for food. Other times they may be resting under the trees. Page 7
The African Journey has exhibits that show four different types of habitats for African animals. There are both indoor and outdoor habitats. Some of the African animals I can see are: hippos, rhinos, spiders, fish, giraffes, crocodiles, meerkats, and many different types of birds. Page 8
The Farm-in-the-Zoo is a working farm inside Lincoln Park Zoo. The main barn has many activities inside, where I can learn about farming, types of crops, and the animals that live there. Outside I can look for cows, chickens, ponies, sheep, and pigs. Sometimes there are gardening demonstrations I can watch. There is also a dairy barn where I can learn more about the milking process. 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 and listen to all of the birds. The flamingos walk around and build nests on the mudflats. The flamingos might move inside as the weather gets colder. No Feeding Animals Page 10
The Primate House has many types of primates. Primates are mammals with high intelligence, flexible hands and feet, and they usually Iive in groups. I can see mostly monkeys and a few apes. There are eight natural habitats in the primate house. The primates may be sitting, eating, swinging from vines, climbing or jumping. I can watch the different primates through the glass. In the warmer months, primates called gibbons may be in an outdoor area. It is important I do not hit or tap on the glass. It can disturb the primates and make them upset. Do not hit or tap on the window. 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. Sometimes the seals will be swimming around. Sometimes they go up on the rocks and move around or lay in the sun. Sometimes a zoo worker will train the seals and give information. I can stand and watch. There is also an underwater viewing area. If the seals are in the water it is a great place to watch them swim. Page 14
The Bird House has hundreds of bird from all over the world. Some of the habitats include: wetlands, savannas, seashores, forests, and tropics. Part of the Bird House has more traditional exhibits with birds behind glass and nets. I can try to spot all the different types of nests the birds build. The other area of the Bird House is the Free Flight Area. Here, birds fly all around. They may fly close to my head, but none of the birds are dangerous. I will try to stay calm so I do not upset the birds. Page 15
The Birds of Prey Exhibit is outdoors. All of the birds in this area eat other animals. All of the birds of prey are behind fences in their habitats. In this exhibit there are vultures, storks, owls, and bald eagles. Page 16
The Children s Zoo has an outdoor area and indoor area. In the outdoor area I can look for wolves and bears in the forest habitats. They may be difficult to spot with all the leaves on the trees. They may be easier to see in autumn when the leaves begin to fall. In the indoor area I may be able to see otters and beavers underwater. I can also see some reptiles, insects, and birds. Page 17
If I bring my own food, I may eat outside at a table or find a place on the grass. There is also space to eat in the lower level of the Park Pavilion, and there are bathrooms available. There are also several places to buy food at the zoo. Menus are available online at www.lpzoo.org. Park Place Café Landmark Café Patio at Café Brauer Café at Wild Things Page 18
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