Join the Conservators' Council

Join the Conservators’ Council

When you support Lincoln Park Zoo, you fund world-class animal care, protect species across the planet, and share the gift of science and nature with the next generation. As a thank you, you’ll receive exclusive benefits, including special event invites, priority registration for camps and programs, and unlimited free parking.

Make an Impact

The Conservators’ Council is Lincoln Park Zoo’s premier donor community, bringing together passionate supporters whose generosity helps sustain the zoo’s mission and impact. Annual Fund contributions from Conservators’ Council members provide critical support for world-class animal care, groundbreaking conservation research, innovative education programs, and the zoo’s longstanding commitment to remaining free and accessible to all.

By joining this dedicated community of supporters, you help ensure that Lincoln Park Zoo continues to serve as a beloved Chicago institution, a leader in conservation and education, and a welcoming destination for nearly four million visitors each year. We invite you to become a member of the Conservators’ Council and play a vital role in shaping the future of Lincoln Park Zoo.

Conservators’ Council Memberships

In addition to receiving member benefits, contributors on the Conservators’ Council can also enjoy additional perks based on their level.

Council Patron

$2,000-$4,999
Good for a year.

  • All member benefits
  • Recognition in the Annual Report
  • Invitation to the Lincoln Park Zoo Annual Meeting
  • Invitations to walking tours led by zoo experts
  • Recognition on the Honor Roll of Donors (located in Pepper Family Wildlife Center)
  • Invitation to the donor-exclusive ZooLights Holiday Party
  • Private front-of-scenes tour with Animal Care staff

Become a Council Patron

Council Steward

$5,000-$9,999
Good for a year.

  • All member benefits
  • Recognition in the Annual Report
  • Invitation to the Lincoln Park Zoo Annual Meeting
  • Invitations to walking tours led by zoo experts
  • Recognition on the Honor Roll of Donors (located in Pepper Family Wildlife Center)
  • Invitation to the donor-exclusive ZooLights Holiday Party
  • Private behind-the-scenes tour with Animal Care staff

Become a Council Steward

Council Ambassador

$10,000-$24,999
Good for a year.

  • All member benefits
  • Recognition in the Annual Report
  • Invitation to the Lincoln Park Zoo Annual Meeting
  • Invitations to walking tours led by zoo experts
  • Recognition on the Honor Roll of Donors (located in Pepper Family Wildlife Center)
  • Invitation to the donor-exclusive ZooLights Holiday Party
  • Private behind-the-scenes tour with Animal Care staff
  • Invitation to Chair’s Dinner with Members of the Board of Trustees

Become a Council Ambassador

The Chairmans’ Council

Deepen your commitment to Chicago’s free zoo and enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences for you and your family, in addition to all of the above Conservators’ Council benefits.

Chairmans’ Council Member

$25,000+
Good for a year.

  • All member benefits
  • Recognition in the Annual Report
  • Invitation to the Lincoln Park Zoo Annual Meeting
  • Invitations to walking tours led by zoo experts
  • Recognition on the Honor Roll of Donors (located in Pepper Family Wildlife Center)
  • Invitation to the donor-exclusive ZooLights Holiday Party
  • Private behind-the-scenes tour with Animal Care staff
  • Invitation to Chair’s Dinner with Members of the Board of Trustees
  • One (1) curated zoo experience

Contact Lincoln Park Zoo Team Member

More Ways to Give

Explore more ways to give back to Chicago’s free zoo.

Monthly Giving

Scheduling a monthly gift is an easy and convenient way to spread your Lincoln Park Zoo gift over the entire year—and monthly gifts add up quickly!

Enroll Today

Matching Gifts

Does your company match gifts? See if they’re on the list and make your dollar go further with a matching gift!

Learn More

Stock or Wire Transfer

Donating appreciated securities is an easy, tax-deductible way to support Lincoln Park Zoo.

Learn More

Donor-advised Fund and Family Foundation Contributions

Making a grant through your donor-advised fund or family foundation is a flexible way to support your favorite charities.

Learn More

IRA Charitable Rollover Gift

If you are aged 70½ or older, you may make gifts tax-free from your IRA directly to Lincoln Park Zoo.

Learn More

Cryptocurrency

Lincoln Park Zoo accepts multiple forms of cryptocurrency via BitPay.

Learn More

Want More Information?

Have a question about joining a Donor Club? Want to talk to a real person? Email [email protected] or call 312-742-2321 to learn more about how you can make a lasting impact for your zoo.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I redeem my membership discounts?

When logged into your member account, ticket-based discounts or free ticket allocations will apply automatically at checkout. For any on-site discounts, simply show your member card (digital or physical) at the register to receive your discount.

How many people can I add to my membership?

Conservators’ Council and Chairman’s Council members can have two (2) named cardholders. That said, members are allowed to bring up to six (6) people to any free member-exclusive events and any free ticket allocations can be shared throughout households or with friends.

How long is a membership good for?

All memberships are annual and expire on the last day of the month one year from your purchase date. For example, if you join on July 1, 2026, your membership will expire on July 31, 2027.

How do I book my front-of-scenes or behind-the-scenes experience?

Please contact the Annual Fund team at [email protected] or (312) 742-2171.

I'd like to get my company involved with the zoo. Who do I contact?

Please contact the Institutional Giving team at [email protected] or (312) 742-2287.

I'm having an issue redeeming my benefits. Who do I contact?

Please contact the Annual Fund team at [email protected]. You can also stop by the Member Center to receive assistance while at the zoo. The Member Center opens at 10 a.m. daily and closes 30 minutes before the zoo closes.

I have a question about membership. Who do I contact?

Please contact the Annual Fund team at [email protected]. You can also stop by the Member Center to receive assistance while at the zoo. The Member Center opens at 10 a.m. daily and closes 30 minutes before the zoo closes.

Stay in the Know

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