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 6 reviews)); "Friendly work environment and people." ((in 4 reviews)); "FREE ADMISSION ." ((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 9 reviews)); "Long hours" ((in 6 reviews)); "Upper Management seems to be a bit hypocritical in there actions." ((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))

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

5.0

Oct 30, 2014

Amazing organization to work for.

Youth and camp coordinator

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible, ever-changing schedule; mission driven and committed to service quality; fun place to work; dedication to staff development and contentment.

Cons

Low turnover in mid and upper management positions so made long term advancement goals tough to achieve

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Response

Thank you for your review.

3.0

Aug 26, 2014

Great company but not for the long haul

Park safety officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I worked for the zoo for many years and I still have friends that I made through the zoo. I always had great people to work with and caring management.

Cons

There was almost no room for personal growth or advancement. The pay was subpar for the amount of time I had worked there. I was sometimes treated as an inferior.

4.0

May 3, 2014

lots of fun, but inconsistent by department

Audience research

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Working at the zoo is amazing for all of the obvious reasons - you get to work outside, surrounded by amazing animals and people who care deeply about them. Management is typically friendly and flexible. If you pull together connections with keepers and other staff, you can develop some truly amazing relationships and experiences.

Cons

Staff are often under-qualified because zoos in general wind up with so many applications, despite low wages. There is very, very little room to grow a career unless you are extremely lucky and willing to make very little money. Different departments know little to nothing outside of their immediate area, which can be frustrating for employees and confusing for guests.

Viewing 16 - 18 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Admissions - Section Supervisor (Seasonal)

Director, Learning & Development

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

Primates - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

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Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago reviews

Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Amazing organization to work for.

Great company but not for the long haul

lots of fun, but inconsistent by department

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