Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
My favorite building in the place is the bird house, especially the large enclosed central space where they can come in and land on the railing right next to you - and often will. One might imagine that this would create many problems, but on the whole, visitors are very good about keeping the doors closed and the birds are very good about not trying to fly through them. What the keepers have done is take the psychology and physiology of their subjects in mind, as they designed their exhibits, with the result that one often gets a more open look, allowing one to gaze directly on a simulated beach without bars getting in the way. It’s a nice place to go to escape the cold, dark and silence of the long Midwestern winters.
After you’ve succeeded, in Mid-January, in convincing yourself that it is actually May, you can drop by and say hello to the aforementioned fornicating gorillas, who I’m glad to hear have made the moment special (ahem), considering how their particular species is doing in its native habitat at present (not well, thanks to poaching). The small mammal house will tend to get overlooked, as one can’t hear its inhabitants roaring from a half mile away, but it shouldn’t be - it’s worth a visit. As others have observed, the grounds are attractive, and an effort is made to make them look more like nature and less like concrete, which is, of course, what a lot of what you’re seeing really is, as you are within easy walking distance of the Gold Coast when you’re there.
Hours are roughly those of the standard work day, so if gainfully employed, you’ll probably have to go on the weekend, when the place is swarmed by large numbers of the happiest looking children you’ll ever see. Parking is difficult in the area, but the 151 Sheridan passes not very far away, so that is an option.
First Posted: 10/5/2007
Yelp Rating: Four Stars
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