Teamsters Join Gov. Quinn to Announce Brookfield Zoo Repairs

Joint Council 25 Works With State to Prevent Layoffs,
Create New Jobs

The Chicago Teamsters joined Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday to announce $15.6 million in capital funding for Brookfield Zoo to prevent layoffs and repair its aging infrastructure.

Teamsters Local 727 represents approximately 300 full-time and seasonal workers at Brookfield Zoo, who will be met with dramatic improvements to their workplace as the zoo experiences much-needed renovations. The funding, included in last year’s $33 billion capital bill, is part of a job generation and capital improvement program to revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over six years.

“Illinois’ commitment to Brookfield Zoo will do wonders for this world-renowned institute of conservation,” said John T. Coli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “As a result, efforts and initiatives will be implemented throughout the grounds to ensure the preservation and protection of the zoo’s wildlife and the workers who care for it.”

Brookfield Zoo, also known as Chicago Zoological Park, opened its gates in 1934, with much of its infrastructure dating back to the era.  Funding for upgrades will create more than 370 construction jobs while preventing worker layoffs, exhibit closures and the elimination of award-winning conservation education programs.

“Investing in Brookfield Zoo will create jobs and help ensure that one of our top tourist attractions keeps people coming to Illinois,” said Quinn. “With the Illinois Jobs Now! program, we can fund important projects that will help revitalize our economy while laying a foundation for future growth.”

Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois.

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