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

3.0

Dec 29, 2024

Was a decent experience

Animal keeper

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Working with animals, people were okay.

Cons

Low pay, hard to get an interview/hired.

4.0

Dec 14, 2024

Friendly Co-workers, Difficult Guests and Balancing Management

Seasonal admissions associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Friendly co-workers, managers are pretty forgiving for most mistakes. They try to be flexible with hours (4 hour shift, 6 hour or 8 hour depending on post) As long as you're doing your job, you're pretty okay. They try for accommodations for weather.

Cons

You might have to ask to be trained in specific positions by email to all of the head management. You'll be put into a specific position for most of your career here. Working with the public, pressure to appease them. Brookfield Zoo executive heads often make decisions too late. You're expected to do your job, but co-workers may be less than inclined to do there which domino effects to you.

4.0

Dec 1, 2024

Simple

Food service worker

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Able to make new friends

Cons

Some days get really busy, always in the hot sun.

Viewing 13 - 15 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

NatureStart Programs - Coordinator, Play Programs

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Admissions - Section Supervisor (Seasonal)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

Primates - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)