Brookfield Zoo Chicago Tests Dominion Hemp Bedding with Okapi and Reticulated Giraffes

Since its opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for excellence in animal care and conservation of the natural world.

Today, there is an increasing need for conservation leaders to guide, teach, and motivate people to protect the world's threatened wildlife and ecosystems. In addition to conservationists, Brookfield Zoo Chicago inspires and engages children, students, teachers, and others among the general public to positively impact the natural world around them.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a global leader in animal conservation and education. The zoo partners on critical initiatives worldwide, including breeding programs, habitat restoration, veterinary research, and community engagement. At the core of these efforts is the singular goal of improving animal welfare at the zoo and in the wild. Brookfield Zoo strives to understand animals better, develop innovations to enhance their well-being, conserve natural habitats, revitalize threatened species populations, and equip other conservation leaders to do the same.

Brookfield believes people of all ages should connect with wildlife and nature, which are vital for well-being and development. The award-winning educators provide unique hands-on learning to encourage STEAM and animal bonding. Recognizing its role in the greater ecosystem, the zoo takes responsibility for helping the metropolitan area's nature flourish.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is home to more than 3,400 animals of over 500 species from around the globe.

The zoo will use Dominion Hemp with its okapi and reticulated giraffe populations.

The okapi, also known as the forest giraffe or zebra giraffe, is an artiodactyl mammal endemic to the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. Other artiodactyls include cows, sheep, camels and pigs.

The reticulated giraffe is a subspecies native to the Horn of Africa. It is differentiated from other types of giraffe by its coat, consisting of large, polygonal (or squared), block-like spots extending onto the lower legs, tail and face.