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 7 reviews)); "Good benefits" ((in 5 reviews)); "changing schedule; mission driven and committed to service quality; fun place to work; dedication to staff development and contentment." ((in 4 reviews)); "Friendly staff" ((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 12 reviews)); "Low pay." ((in 10 reviews)); "Long hours" ((in 5 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

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 demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

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).

Reviews by job title

135 reviews

3.0

May 18, 2025

Corporatized administration does not value animal care staff

Animal care specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

- pay is fine for full-timers but lags for seasonal employees (Union issue)

Cons

- cut several seasonal roles, placing more strain on full time employees for the sake of “efficiency” - upper management does not value the experience or expertise of animal care staff; they will occasionally ask for input on animal care management and proceed to ignore the input entirely - care staff is not valued in general; they are viewed as replaceable and disposable bodies to fill positions - seasonal employees within the Union pay Union dues but ARE NOT represented in, or benefitted by, the Union

4.0

Mar 1, 2025

Great Team!

Adventure guide

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Very fun team, good pay

Cons

Not the best communication or support from upper management

5.0

Feb 26, 2025

Great Place to Work

Attractions attendant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Easy and enjoyable seasonal job.

Cons

Winter is cold for Zoo lights.

Viewing 7 - 9 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

NatureStart Programs - Coordinator, Play Programs

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

Police Dept - Sergeant