Also known as Chicago Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo is located in the suburb of Brookfield in Chicago, Illinois. The zoo is home to around 450 species with a total number of 2,300 animals, covering an area of 216 acres. Notable animal residents at Brookfield Zoo include Ziggy, a 6.5 ton bull elephant, Olga, the Atlantic walrus, Binti Jua, a female Western lowland gorilla and Cookie, a Major Mitchell's Cockatoo.

Brookfield Zoo has several separate sections, including a Butterfly Garden, a Children's Zoo and an innovative Family Play Zoo. Now you can also have admission to the state-of-the-art Great Bear Wilderness that is the largest exhibit ever displayed at the zoo. Grab the chance to take a glimpse of some magnificent iconic North American animals, such as polar bears, bald eagles, grizzly bears and bison and more.

Explore Great Bear Wilderness

http://www.czs.org/CZS/GreatBearWilderness

There's much more to see and do if you take a little time to plan your visit in advance. This may include the zoo hours, special exhibits and events and other visiting info. The premier thing you need to do is confirm the zoo hours.

What are the general zoo hours? Managed by Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days in a year. Hours may differ in four seasons respectively. The usual zoo hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM. Some indoor animal exhibits often close 30 minutes before the zoo gate closes. It means that they will close at 4:30 PM. Check the website for the most current zoo hours before your visits.

General Info for Brookfield Zoo

http://www.czs.org/CZS/Brookfield/Plan-Your-Day/General-Information.aspx

Different exhibits and zoo attractions have varying hours. When planning your Brookfield Zoo journeys, the general zoo hour is not enough. You also need to watch for the operation hours for special animal exhibits and separate areas.

Children's Zoo may be the first stop for many family vacationers with kids. Cows, ducks, sheep and llamas are showcased at the exhibit. Kids of all ages can come to close contact with these animals and some other interesting species like snakes, reindeer and eagle etc. Bring your little ones to this fantastic animal kingdom from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. You can visit the Children's Zoo from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends. You can even watch milking demonstrations and wool-spinning demonstrations from May 24 to September 1. Milking demonstrations are performed at 11 AM and 1 PM every day during this period. Wool-spinning demonstrations are shown every Tuesday.

Children's Zoo at Brookfield Zoo

http://www.czs.org/CZS/Brookfield/Exhibit-and-Animal-Guide/Children-s-Zoo

Hamill Family Play Zoo is specifically designed for children ranging from infants to kids aging 10 years old. Please notice that the Play Zoo is ready for your visit at 10 AM every day. But it will close at 4:30, one half hour before the park closes to prepare for next day's play again for visitors.

Another highlight for Brookfield Zoo is the Butterfly Garden. Now the exhibit is closed for 2010 season. You need to wait until the next spring in May 2011. Remember to explore the Butterfly Garden before the season flies away.

What are some good dining places at Brookfield Zoo? The zoo boasts many fine dining places for visitors to taste gourmet delicacies. La Gran Cocina Food Court and Safari Grill are open year around. North Gate Snack Shack and South Gate Snacks are open seasonally. The detailed operation hours are as follows.

La Gran Cocina Food Court: 10 AM - 4:30 PM

Safari Grill: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

North Gate Snack Shack: 10:30 AM - 5PM (or until park closing)

South Gate Snacks: 11 AM - 5 PM (or until park closing)

Tips for your zoo visits: As fore trip planning, some universal tips are available for zoo visitors. They can be useful guide to enhance your next vacation at Brookfield Zoo.

Careful tourists can find that animals are in the most active period early in the morning and later in the afternoon. You can arrange your visits during this period if possible. This is also a good way to avoid the big crowds.

If you're looking for some solitude, fall and winter are premier options. The zoo is less crowded at this time when compared with summer and spring. And animals are more likely to be curious about coming visitors with fewer people around.

School field trips are very popular in spring, like April and May. If you're planning to come with your school group, it's better to plan your trip earlier to avoid the big crowds you may encounter at the zoo.