Lincoln Park Zoo Pumpkin Walk

Vision

Inspire communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world.

Mission

Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience in the heart of Chicago and by advancing the highest quality of animal care, education, science and conservation.

Funding

Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately managed institution that depends primarily on the support of its visitors, members and donors to remain open and free every day. More than two-thirds of the zoo’s operating budget is provided by revenue from its food service, retail shops, parking, and fund-raising activities. The remaining portion is provided by a fixed annual subsidy from the Chicago Park District.

Leadership

Lincoln Park Zoo is ambitious—a direct reflection of our executive staff and the passion they bring to the zoo each and every day. Their talents lead to the conservation of animals around the world, the cataloguing of critically endangered plants at the zoo, the development of learning programs throughout Chicago, and the creation of animal-care techniques that benefit individuals across the globe. The zoo also relies on its Board of Trustees for leadership and guidance. Providing insights on financial and operational matters, they are primarily responsible for the fiscal health of the zoo. The Women’s Board and Auxiliary Board provide supportive funds through extensive fundraising efforts, such as Zoo Ball, and public service initiatives, such as Spooky Zoo.

Reservation and Ticket Policies

Capacity

Lincoln Park Zoo reserves the right to increase or reduce the number of reservations available on any given date/time based on visitor data, operational capacity, and/or City and State guidelines.

Refunds

All events at Lincoln Park Zoo are non-refundable.

Weather/Emergencies

Lincoln Park Zoo and associated events are rain or shine. In the case of severe weather or unexpeced emergencies, we will do all we can to notify guests in advance of specific cancellations .

Photography and Filming Notice

During your virtual and in-person visit to Lincoln Park Zoo, you may be recorded or photographed by or on behalf of Lincoln Park Zoo. Your purchase/entry to this program serves as permission for use of your image by Lincoln Park Zoo.

Lincoln Park Zoo regularly uses this media to review our practices as well as safeguard our participants should any unwanted behavior arise. At times recordings/photographs are requested by the media for promotional consideration as well. Lincoln Park Zoo may also share the recorded video or photographs after the program, for future promotional efforts.  

If you do not want your likeness or name recorded at virtual events, please ensure your camera is turned off and the alias associated with your account is updated. 

Lincoln Park Zoo will do everything possible to communicate media schedules in advance as well as clarify recording status to all guests participating in both virtual and in-person events.