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Governor Quinn Announces $1 Million Investment in Brookfield Zoo Improvements


Investment Will Create Jobs, Attract Tourism and Support Inclusion for Adults and Children with Disabilities

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–September 6, 2014.   Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $1 million for improvements at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo. The funding will assist in the development of a new building designed for children and adults with disabilities, underserved communities, and veterans and their families. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, the investment is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“For more than 80 years, Brookfield Zoo has supported the students, teachers and families of Illinois through its educational initiatives and community outreach,” Governor Quinn said. “Now the state of Illinois is making an investment in the future of Brookfield Zoo to help keep it in top condition so the zoo can continue to be a tourism attraction, economic engine and award-winning educational organization.”

“We are grateful to Governor Quinn for making an investment in Brookfield Zoo that is already creating jobs for Illinois construction workers, enhancing the zoo’s standing as a top tourism attraction and connecting individuals with disabilities with wildlife and nature,” President and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society Dr. Stuart Strahl said.

The funding will help build a new facility that will advance animal welfare and house a unique group of animals used for programming for children and adults with developmental disabilities, children from underserved communities and for veterans and their families. The state investment will leverage more than $1 million in private funding for the construction of the $7 million building. In addition, the animals housed in the new structure will be part of the zoo’s planned Wild Encounters exhibit, which will provide guests with unique opportunities to interact with the zoo’s ambassador animals. The new exhibit is expected to increase the zoo’s attendance and increase tourism-related expenditures in the area.

Brookfield Zoo is transforming the role that accredited zoos play in the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It recently launched the world’s first zoo-based programming for children with autism. This ground-breaking program was based on recent research which found that children with autism attempt to communicate more, and demonstrate more pro-social and adaptive behaviors when around animals within inclusive, experiential environments. Brookfield Zoo’s new animal ambassador building will house animals used in these new programs.

The zoo investment is part of Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.

Source: illinois.gov


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