With an average of 2 million annual guests, Brookfield Zoo Chicago (brookfieldzoo.org) is one of the Chicago area’s major attractions— and president and CEO Dr. Mike Adkesson is committed to raising the Zoo’s game even further. As Adkesson and his team prepare for the annual Whirl Gala, he sat down with Datebook to talk about his passion for animal advocacy and what news the Zoo has in store for the rest of ’25. Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Whirl Gala takes place Saturday, April 26, brookfieldzoo.org/whirl
Grey seal Kiinaq shows his appreciation of Dr. Mike Adkesson’s efforts at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Why is the Zoo’s work important to you?
I passionately believe that zoos provide a crucial opportunity for people to connect with wildlife and nature that they might not otherwise ever see in person. In our urbanized society, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a refuge that lets people step into nature and see animals up close. These connections help people understand the importance of protecting wildlife and wild places around the globe.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to come to work every day at a place that creates joy for families and millions of people each year. I love looking out my office window at crowds of smiling people. People learn best when they are having fun.
What has been one of your proudest accomplishments during your Zoo tenure?
I am tremendously excited about our Next Century Plan, which was released in 2024. It created a vision for the evolution of Brookfield Zoo over the next 15 years and will guide us through our centennial celebration in 2034.
What can we expect from the Zoo in 2025?
The most exciting news in 2025 will be the opening of Tropical Forests. As we see it come to life, we’re already hard at work designing the next major animal project for the future.
Photography by: COURTESY OF BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO
