Does Brookfield Zoo Chicago pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Brookfield Zoo Chicago employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.0 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This rating has improved by 6% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago?

59% of Brookfield Zoo Chicago employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Brookfield Zoo Chicago 3.5 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.5 for culture and values and 2.8 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago?

Admissions Associate (10) , Guest Services (4) , Merchandise Associate (4) , Food Service Worker (3) , Park Safety Officer (3) , Seasonal Animal Care Specialist (3) , Banquet Server (2) , Cashier (2) , Customer Service Associate (2) , Director (2) , Food Service Associate (2) , Guest Service Representative (2) , Marketing (2) , Seasonal Zookeeper (2) , Zoo Keeper (2)

What are the pros of working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago according to real employee reviews?

"The people are work with are great and I am fairly compensated." ((in 14 reviews)); "Good benefits" ((in 6 reviews)); "Friendly work environment and people." ((in 4 reviews)); "FREE ADMISSION ." ((in 3 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago according to real employee reviews?

"Long hours" ((in 9 reviews)); "Rude, ineffective management that chafes against the values the institution claims to espouse." ((in 9 reviews)); "Low pay." ((in 8 reviews)); "Have watched at least a few managers and several employees leave over the past few years due to these problems." ((in 4 reviews)); "3. Leadership is mainly one of two categories: either they are highly resistant and actively deterring change, OR they are so frustrated by no change, no resources, no support, they will eagerly point fingers at anyone." ((in 4 reviews))

What are employees saying about Brookfield Zoo Chicago layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Brookfield Zoo Chicago layoffs and their outlook for job security at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Brookfield Zoo Chicago locations?

Brookfield , Chicago , Berwyn , Lyons , Oak Lawn , Oak Park , Wheaton , Stickney

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

3.6

59% would recommend to a friend

(135 total reviews)

Dr. Michael Adkesson

35% approve of CEO

42% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.8

Diversity & inclusion

3.5

Culture & values

3.5

Work/Life balance

3.0

Compensation and benefits

2.9

Senior management

2.8

Career opportunities

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 135 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Brookfield Zoo Chicago employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry (3.9 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

135 reviews

4.0

Sep 10, 2020

Great mission and purpose

Director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Focused on conservation, great people to work with, excellent training and experience.

Cons

Never enough money in the budget, always cutting back staff or programs.

4.0

Aug 10, 2020

Brookfield Zoo

Administrative

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

People are friendly and willing to help.

Cons

Expected to work at full capacity while cutting program budgets. Salaries are not to industry standard.

3.0

Jun 30, 2020

Poor management

Admissions associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

It’s fun to see the animals

Cons

The management is not friendly and very strict

Viewing 67 - 69 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

Director, Learning & Development

Admissions - Associate (Seasonal)

Primates - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews FAQs

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

Ratings by category

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Great mission and purpose

Brookfield Zoo

Poor management

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