The Lincoln Park Zoological Society

Vote for Jackson at the Oregon Zoo-

Jackson (age 52) is the best friend any chimpanzee could ask for. He always makes sure that everyone has a buddy when shifting and will leave no member of the troop behind. He is a happy go lucky fella who is the first to greet keepers when they arrive in the morning. His exuberance for life is obvious and brings a smile to staff and guests. His ability to connect with the public is unmatched by any other, which serves to help chimpanzees all over the world -- once you meet Jackson you love chimpanzees.

Vote for Miss Bubbles at the Detroit Zoo-

Bubbles is a 53-year-old female Chimpanzee from Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan. She is the queen of naps, loves to sunbathe out on her habitat, and is the best auntie to our three youngsters. She is special to her keepers for so many reasons; she loves to give out kisses in the morning, she loves to get manicures, she makes happy vocalizations as soon as she sees us, and even happier vocalizations once she sees us carry in her breakfast. Sometimes she even gets so excited that she can’t even hold food in her mouth! Speaking of food, she has this weird obsession with green foods; green grapes, granny smith apples, key lime yogurt, green bananas, anything green you can find she will devour. She is the sweetest old lady who goes to the beat of her own drum.

Photo credit: Roy Lewis (Detroit Zoo Docent)

Vote for Tanzee at the Houston Zoo

This special girl Tanzee is a former pet now living in a large group which includes her half-brother, Chaos. Chaos has episodes of anxiety and Tanzee is always there to comfort him and hug it out. She likes to flirt with her favorite keepers, and they say she has eyes that can stare straight into your soul.

Vote for Figment at Lion Country Safari

Born at Lion Country Safari in 1990, Figment is a particularly handsome chimp. He has a laid-back personality but is a very large male. When he displays, he typically utilizes his environment in a clever manner: Figment rubs bottles on the culverts to make a distinctive noise or engages in water displays to show his strength. He is currently Bamboo’s “beta” & strongest ally, always looking out for him during conflict. Fun Fact: Figment also likes to “shuffle” or “tap dance” during his displays, which is always entertaining for his keepers to witness.

Vote for Kiambi at the John Ball Zoo-

Kiambi is a fun, playful chimp who is mischievous at times. She enjoys sleeping in, long walks around her habitat, and ensuring that the rest of the zoo is adequately supervised from her favorite vantage point. Kiambi wants everyone to get along and is attentive to chimps who are feeling under the weather. Don't let her goofy smile fool you, she will steal food from the rest of the troop. If that doesn't work, she will have a tantrum and they give her the treat anyway.

Vote for Asali at the Maryland Zoo-

Asali was born at the Sedgwick County Zoo. Unfortunately, her mom passed away a few months after giving birth to her. She then came to The Maryland Zoo to be raised with Rozi. Asali has a very unique look as well as a unique personality. She is very clever and is always paying attention to what her caregivers are saying, so she can make her plan to outsmart us. She rarely gets into altercations; she prefers to sit up high and watch the excitement unfold. She is great at training and was one of the first chimps to allow a voluntary blood draw. She also enjoys playing with the babies, but isn't afraid to discipline them (probably more than needed).

I grew up in the Chicagoland area and frequently visited the Lincoln Park Zoo due to its free entrance (and my love of meerkats!). However, as I aged, I started to appreciate this free experience came at a cost to the Zoo, which subsidizes entrance fees through fundraising.

To help the Zoo achieve its fundraising targets, I'm currently a prospective member of the Lincoln Park Zoo's Auxiliary Board, one of the longest running young professional boards in Chicago. While not a requirement for prospective members, I want to start raising money to benefit The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, where any donation will help make a direct and immediate impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me and the Chicagoland community!