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 coworkers." ((in 8 reviews)); "Good benefits" ((in 6 reviews)); "Friendly work environment and people." ((in 4 reviews)); "changing schedule; mission driven and committed to service quality; fun place to work; dedication to staff development and contentment." ((in 4 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Brookfield Zoo Chicago according to real employee reviews?

"Low pay." ((in 9 reviews)); "Rude, ineffective management that chafes against the values the institution claims to espouse." ((in 9 reviews)); "Long hours" ((in 6 reviews)); "I had a great manager , strong leader that was very set in his ways but empowered his staff and i had a bad manager that had no leadership experience who said do what you think is right but would use it against you if you didn't do things the way she would and if she didn't have experience in a subject she would try to sound knowledgeable and get upset if anyone corrected her inaccuracies." ((in 5 reviews)); "Upper Management seems to be a bit hypocritical in there actions." ((in 5 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

4.0

May 13, 2015

Manage several locations and special events

General manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The mission and vision of the organization is great and the focus on the environment and conservation is top notch.

Cons

Slow upward mobility. It's a great organization with a lot of departments but most are specialized positions with very low turnover. The non specialized departments have little to offer.

5.0

Mar 18, 2015

Worker there for four years

Security

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Fun environment Outside work Friendly employees Room for promotion Strong non for profit group Very caring Good first job Lots of starting positions Easy interview process Fun events Very customer based

Cons

For starting employees or seasonal workers you have to reapply every year No room for pay increase unless full time

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Response

9y

Thank you for your review. Since the time of your posting we have significantly upgraded our wage structure to remain very competitive. In addition, we have implemented a new, streamlined process that allows temporary employees in good standing to be deactivated and reactivated as needed, without having to reapply each year, which has been very well received.

5.0

Jan 17, 2015

Mission based work is fulfilling

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Saving species, connecting people to amazing animals, celebrating nature. What's not to like?

Cons

Commute. Guest Service department needs to hire, train, and retain friendly people. It's frustrating to see guest services interact with guests in ways that do not represent the society.

Viewing 121 - 123 of 135 Reviews

Jobs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Admissions - Section Supervisor (Seasonal)

Director of Guest Experience & Revenue

NatureStart Programs - Coordinator, Play Programs

Life Support - Craftsworker (Aide)

Police Dept - Sergeant