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Largest Private Gift In Brookfield Zoo's History

The donor wishes to remain anonymous, but has been a longtime supporter of the zoo, officials said.

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The $40 million donation is expected to support the construction of Tropical Forests at Brookfield Zoo. This is a rendering of the orangutan viewing area.
The $40 million donation is expected to support the construction of Tropical Forests at Brookfield Zoo. This is a rendering of the orangutan viewing area. (Courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo)

BROOKFIELD, IL – Brookfield Zoo has received a $40 million donation – the largest single private contribution in its 89-year history, according to a zoo news release.

It was given by a family with a long history of support for the zoo, but who wishes to remain anonymous, the Chicago Zoological Society said.

The donation will support the construction of Tropical Forests, featuring outdoor and indoor environments for the zoo's apes, the society said. Also in the works are new animal habitats to be revealed in the master plan, which is set to be unveiled early next year, according to the news release.

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