Lincoln Park Zoo

The Annual Fund

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Annual Fund helps keep our shared Chicago treasure free for future generations to enjoy. Your gift supports exemplary animal care, worldwide conservation efforts and exceptional education programs.

More than a third of the zoo’s operating budget comes from direct philanthropic contributions like yours, keeping our doors free and open every day of the year!

Every gift makes a difference. And now, your gift can have an even bigger impact through the Donor Club Drive: From One to $150. Make a new or increased Donor Club level gift by 12/31/09, and Lincoln Park Zoo’s Board of Directors will increase their giving by $150! You give and they give more!

Now is the time to make a new or increased gift to the zoo. For more details about the Donor Club Drive, click here or donate now to increase the impact of your contribution.

Conservators' Council
Council Ambassador - Gifts of $10,000 and more
Council Steward - Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999
Council Patron - Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999
Council Associate - Gifts of $1,500 to $2,499
Grandparents Club - Gifts of $1,500 and more

Donors' Circle
Explorers' Circle - Gifts of $500 to $1,499
Curators' Circle - Gifts of $250 to $499

...scientific conservation initiatives on zoo grounds and worldwide.

The zoo's Alexander Center for Population Biology, directed by Joanne Earnhardt, Ph.D., is working with researchers in Argentina and Brazil to develop a computer model to aid jaguar conservation in South America.

...exceptional animal care, including general husbandry, specialized veterinary care and preventive medicine.

Veterinary care at Lincoln Park Zoo involves more than just treating sick animals. Annual physicals, regular check-ups and visits from medical specialists are all part of animal care at the zoo.

...maintenance of zoo grounds and gardens, ensuring that every visitor strolls a park that is lush and beautiful.

Efforts are underway to transform the zoo's South Pond into a new urban ecosystem. The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo will provide essential habitat to native species and allow visitors to enjoy a piece of wilderness in the city.

...education programs that communicate the wonder of wildlife to millions of Chicagoans.

The Zoocology nature-outreach program helps Chicago kids form a closer connection with nature. Traveling Zoo visits, teacher-training programs and field trips all help students embrace the world of animals.