February 1, 2011
Brookfield Zoo Closed on February 2—Second Time in Its History
Early Groundhog Day Prediction Held Today
Brookfield,
Ill.—No, it is not February 2, but due to weather predictions of an
impending blizzard, Brookfield Zoo held its annual Groundhog Day
celebration a day early. The event was moved up after a decision was
made to close Brookfield Zoo tomorrow, February 2—for only the second
time in the zoo’s 77 year history.
Tumbleweed, the zoo’s furry forecaster, made a brief appearance earlier today before heading back inside her cozy quarters. She did not see her shadow, and according to the legend, if a groundhog does not see its shadow, Spring is just around the corner.
“With the predictions of possibly one of the worst storms in Illinois history to impact our area starting today and continuing through tomorrow, we feel it is the right decision to close the zoo,” said Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo. “To ensure the safety of our animals and staff, the zoo will only have a skeleton crew on site who will provide basic core functions, including animal care and snow removal.”
Most of the staff working tomorrow will be staying overnight this evening and possibly tomorrow night to assure that no one is driving in blizzard conditions. The zoo will reopen to guests on Thursday, February 3.
The only other time the zoo closed was on September 14, 2008, when it received extensive damage from a weekend rainstorm. Many of the animal building basements had significant flooding and some animals had to be relocated from their buildings to other areas in the park.
The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
Tumbleweed, the zoo’s furry forecaster, made a brief appearance earlier today before heading back inside her cozy quarters. She did not see her shadow, and according to the legend, if a groundhog does not see its shadow, Spring is just around the corner.
“With the predictions of possibly one of the worst storms in Illinois history to impact our area starting today and continuing through tomorrow, we feel it is the right decision to close the zoo,” said Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo. “To ensure the safety of our animals and staff, the zoo will only have a skeleton crew on site who will provide basic core functions, including animal care and snow removal.”
Most of the staff working tomorrow will be staying overnight this evening and possibly tomorrow night to assure that no one is driving in blizzard conditions. The zoo will reopen to guests on Thursday, February 3.
The only other time the zoo closed was on September 14, 2008, when it received extensive damage from a weekend rainstorm. Many of the animal building basements had significant flooding and some animals had to be relocated from their buildings to other areas in the park.
The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
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