Brookfield Zoo Lemurs Get Thanksgiving Feast

BROOKFIELD, IL — The ring-tailed lemurs at Brookfield Zoo were treated to their seventh annual Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings. They even practiced social distancing as animal care staff set up a scene that included a laptop showing images of two other lemurs at the zoo to simulate a virtual visit, according to a news release from the zoo.

The lemurs — Moses, Dogwood, Ramses and Butch — seemed to enjoy their nutritious meal that included a turkey made of primate biscuits with honey, steamed corn and green beans, mashed potatoes with banana baby food for gravy, cranberry sauce made of sugar free gelatin and dried cranberries, and pumpkin and sweet potato pie with a primate biscuit crust and popcorn that served as whipped cream. They were able to wash it all down with apple juice, the release said.

Many families make a visit to Brookfield Zoo on Thanksgiving Day a tradition. Although the zoo is open, it is following current guidelines from the state of Illinois, which states no buildings may be open and guest capacity must be limited.

To ensure social distancing, advance admission and parking tickets are required. Reservation times are available in 20-minute increments. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for senior 65 and over. Parking is $15.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays in November, including on Thanksgiving Day, and on Mondays and Tuesdays in December through Dec. 22, admission is free. Tickets must be reserved at CZS.org/OnlineTicketing for all days, including on free admission days. Those not familiar with the zoo’s protocols, it is recommended to review them at CZS.org/KnowBeforeYouGo.