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 13 reviews)); "Good benefits" ((in 7 reviews)); "Very talented and dedicated staff, strong mission, able to feel part of making a real difference in the world for animals and nature" ((in 4 reviews)); "Friendly work environment and people." ((in 3 reviews)); "FREE ADMISSION ." ((in 3 reviews))

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

"Low pay." ((in 10 reviews)); "Rude, ineffective management that chafes against the values the institution claims to espouse." ((in 10 reviews)); "Long hours" ((in 6 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

4.0

Jun 16, 2017

Good people and workplace, bad for advacement

Seasonal keeper

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good coworkers, positive work environment, great learning opportunities and resume builder. I enjoyed going to work every day and always had fun while there.

Cons

Not likely to move up in the animal care field. Communication between coworkers could always have been better and sometimes supervisors need to watch coworkers more carefully.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Response

Your comment "not likely to move up in the animal care field" is incorrect. We have five different levels of full-time keeper positions, including two levels of supervisors. In addition, many of our temporary and seasonal staff have been hired into full-time keeper positions. Zoo-wide, in 2017 alone year to date, we have promoted over 60 employees including both seasonal and full-time workers.

4.0

May 29, 2017

It's a good first job

Customer service associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The pro to working here was that you always got a lot of hours. And the pay is good now.

Cons

The downside is there were no off times so you didn't know if you were working five hour or ten hour shifts.

3.0

Apr 4, 2017

Food Service Attendant

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Get to see the animals at the zoo anytime. Free admission, food and merchandise discounts.

Cons

Low pay. No guarantee of hours

Viewing 121 - 123 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Primates - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Admissions - Section Supervisor (Seasonal)

Police Dept - Sergeant

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Good people and workplace, bad for advacement

It's a good first job

Food Service Attendant

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