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 12 reviews)); "Good coworkers." ((in 8 reviews)); "Good benefits" ((in 5 reviews)); "Friendly staff" ((in 3 reviews)); "Friendly work environment and people." ((in 3 reviews))

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

"Rude, ineffective management that chafes against the values the institution claims to espouse." ((in 9 reviews)); "Low pay." ((in 8 reviews)); "Long hours" ((in 7 reviews)); "Have watched at least a few managers and several employees leave over the past few years due to these problems." ((in 4 reviews)); "Upper Management seems to be a bit hypocritical in there actions." ((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

2.0

Jan 3, 2020

Indifferent Management, unsafe work conditions (no AC, no access to restroom)

Admissions associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

It's the Zoo! A wonderful place filled with happy kids, beautiful animals and lovely trees and flowers.

Cons

Bullying and abrasive management, especially the Assistant Manager. Unprofessional communication (when face to face communication even happened). Although each week we were sent an email starting off with a RED, ALL CAPS scolding. 90% of my coworkers were great, but I was appalled to hear some of them using racial slurs in regards to guests. Some supervisors were great, but one in particular used the Zoo as his personal dating app. Yuck. Turnover is tremendous, and must be costing the zoo a fortune, but that is what will happen in any work environment with poor management. It's a shame, actually.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Response

We very much regret if you've had this experience at Brookfield Zoo. We work very hard to select well-qualified supervisors and to provide training for our supervisor and set expectations. Please be aware you have multiple avenues to raise your concerns, including your immediate supervisor, Human Resources and our Ethics Hotline. We very much wish to address these situations as the types of behavior you describe are simply not tolerated here. Please contact Human Resources to assist us in addressing your concerns. Thank you.

4.0

Jan 1, 2020

Banquet Server

Banquet server

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits of having almost a zoo membership Flexible hours Great working atmosphere

Cons

Long hours Customer Complaints - Customer made frequent and unnecessary complaints

5.0

Aug 30, 2019

Administrative Assistant

Park safety officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

They are a great company with flexibility for school schedules, there are many opportunities for various positions open yearly.

Cons

I have no cons for this company.

Viewing 76 - 78 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Admissions - Associate (Seasonal)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

Primates - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Police Dept - Sergeant

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Indifferent Management, unsafe work conditions (no AC, no access to restroom)

Banquet Server

Administrative Assistant

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews FAQs

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