Plainfield Resident Wins Chicago Zoological Society Photo Contest

PLAINFIELD, IL — A Plainfield resident took the top prize in Chicago Zoological Society's photo contest this year.

Hayley Pendergast's close-up shot of one of Brookfield Zoo's Orinoco crocodiles came away as the grand prize winner chosen from more than 700 photos of lions, butterflies, capybaras, penguins and others submitted to the contest hosted by the nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo.

By winning the grand prize, Pendergast got a Brookfield Zoo Family Plus Membership; a Penguin Encounter for two people; an original painting by Leo, the zoo's red panda; and $100 worth of gift certificates that can be used in any of the zoo's restaurants or gift shops.

The Plainfield resident's photo, as well as all other entries, was judged by a panel of professional photographers who selected their top seven choices in the following categories: mammal, bird, and reptile/amphibian/invertebrate/fish. Judges also chose their top five picks from all submitted entries to be considered for the grand prize.

The public was brought into the competition too by being asked to vote for their favorites in each category. More than 6,000 votes were cast to determine this year's winners:

Mammal category

• First place: Luke Ciancio of Lake Barrington
• Second place: Mark Holzman of Hoffman Estates
• Third place: Steven Tabor of Lyons

Bird category

• First place: Nathan Keck of Ottawa
• Second place: Makenzie Wheat of Chicago
• Third place: Joseph Andalina of Naperville

Reptile/invertebrate/amphibian/fish category

• First place: Tricia Rangel of Naperville
• Second place: Robert Bator of Chicago
• Third place: Nicholas McCarney of Sycamore

On top of being displayed on Brookfield Zoo's website, winning photos can be seen on monitors throughout the zoo, including at Hamill Family Nature Plaza, BZ Red Hots, Café del Sol and Discovery Center, through at least Oct. 31.

Many of the images entered in this year's contest will also be featured in a photo mosaic that will be displayed at Café de Sol Plaza this fall.