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

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

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (135 reviews)

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

4.0

Feb 17, 2016

Great organization great values

Guest services

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

They have a good compensation plan. You get to work with great people. Meet great customers from all different background.

Cons

Very little room for advancement if you are looking for a way to move up. The practices are a little outdated.

3.0

Jan 5, 2016

Merchandise Associate

Merchandise associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Fun work environment, pretty friendly staff and management, 20% employee discount on merchandise and food, business hours (9 to 5) and schedule flexibility.

Cons

Almost no advancement, no pay raise, working in extreme weather conditions (extreme heat and extreme cold), 30 minute unpaid lunch breaks, and lots of crying children.

3.0

Aug 11, 2015

HR Assistant

Human resources assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

A unique environment to practice HR, one of the top zoo's in the world.

Cons

But as with anything, there are too many egos and the problems that come with them. They make promises that they will not keep, and are quick to make cuts that usually involves their most loyal employees.

Viewing 130 - 132 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