Brookfield Zoo Welcomes 150 Millionth Guest

BROOKFIELD, IL — Rick Sauseda of Elgin was recognized for being the 150 millionth guest to Brookfield Zoo on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Stuart D. Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society, and Richard Gamble, senior vice president of operations for the Society, greeted Rick, his wife Agnes and their three children Payton, Adriane, and Carter, at the zoo’s South Gate.

Strahl presented the family with a giant “congratulations” sign and a five-year Unlimited Family Membership to the zoo. With this membership, the Sausedas receive free admission and parking to the zoo, as well as free admission to all of the in-park paid attractions through August 2021.

In addition, on a return visit, the family will get a behind-the-scenes experience with the zoo’s giraffes.

Brookfield Zoo opened to the public in 1934 with an estimated 58,000 people in attendance. Annual attendance now exceeds more than two million guests. For all of the guests throughout its 82-year history, the zoo has inspired conservation leadership by providing amazing animal experiences.

Submitted by the Chicago Zoological Society. Photos by Jim Schulz.