Zoo Invites Valentines to 'Animal Attractions' Breakfast

Valentine’s Day at Lincoln Park Zoo is all about the birds and the bees and the apes in the trees.

The wild at heart are invited to woo their loved ones at Animal Attractions Breakfast, the only Chicago event that offers the inside scoop on the risqué side of animal courtship—not to mention exclusive before-hours access to Regenstein Center for African Apes.

Adults ages 18 years old or older will break bread alongside gorilla babies Patty and Nayembi on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. while learning about the wild lives of wildlife, including the zoo’s very own Casanova, silverback Kwan.

“Romantic dinners at packed restaurants are so done,” Dana Jussaume, Lincoln Park Zoo sales director, said in a news release. “This unconventional brunch event is perfect for everyone from single science buffs to creative couples looking for a little something different.”

Internet dating websites have nothing on animal matchmaker Sarah Long. She is behind hundreds of love connections in zoos across the country, ranging from tigers and monkeys to birds and snakes. She will be on hand to explain what goes into a critter coupling.

First impressions can last a lifetime in both the human and animal world. Meet Michael Brown-Palsgrove, who works with a team of zoo professionals to ensure that the animals’ environment is just perfect for a love match up. And, judging by the recent ape house baby boom, he is good at his job!

Sometimes the right match boils down to chemistry—just ask Dr. Rachel Santymire, an endocrinologist who analyzes the love hormones of zoo critters. She can help animal managers determine the perfect moment to introduce a feisty male rhino with a fetching and fertile female. Santymire also develops pregnancy tests for all kinds of animals to alert the zoo team when a baby is on the way. 

Tickets are $75, or $65 for Lincoln Park Zoo members. Admission to Animal Attractions Breakfast includes a delicious breakfast provided by Tigerlily Catering with seasonal fresh fruits, yogurt parfaits with granola toppings, baked waffles, breakfast burritos, crisp applewood smoked bacon and more.

Whether you are an animal lover or a person in love, reserve a spot now at www.lpzoo.org or call 312-742-2000 for more information. Registration closes on Feb. 6.

The above information was provided by the Lincoln Park Zoo.