Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a zoological park in Chicago, Illinois, United States, covering about 14 hectares and housing roughly 1,100 animals from some 200 species. The enclosures include big cats, polar bears, and primates within naturalistic settings, while a wetland boardwalk runs along the southern section.

The facility began in 1868 when city commissioners received two pairs of swans as a gift from New York. Over the following decades, more animal species arrived, and the grounds expanded gradually across surrounding parkland.

Educational programs introduce children to native plant species and wetland areas at the Nature Boardwalk, right beside the enclosures. Volunteers explain primate feeding habits and bear social behavior to visitors on weekends.

The entrance sits on North Cannon Drive, and admission remains free every day. Pathways lead to all enclosures, and benches are available near most areas.

The Pepper Family Wildlife Center uses a historic late 19th century building to house lions and tigers. The renovated interior combines stone vaulting with glass panels that let visitors watch the cats at close range.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1868

Phone: +9206834685

Website: http://lpzoo.org

GPS coordinates: 44.11068,-87.64908

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:25