Brookfield in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Fragile Kingdom

Opened as Lion House in 1931; Renovated as The Fragile Kingdom in 1991

— Brookfield Zoo; Since 1934 —

The Fragile Kingdom Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

1. The Fragile Kingdom Marker

Inscription. As the Lion House, this exhibit was home to a variety of big cats. To the delight of guests, keepers placed meat inside a hollow, artificial deer to stimulate natural feeding behaviors.

In 1991, the exhibit was completely renovated. Today, The Fragile Kingdom simulates two biomes—a rain forest and a desert—that highlight the complex struggles of animal survival.

Erected by Chicago Zoological Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.

Location. 41° 50.03′ N, 87° 49.936′ W. Marker is in Brookfield, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from 31st Street near Golfview Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker is next to the entrance into the Desert's Edge exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8400 31st Street, Brookfield IL 60513, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wild African Lions (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carousel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Theodore Roosevelt Fountain (about 400 feet away); Hamza (about 500 feet away); George F. Getz

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(about 500 feet away); King Nyani (about 500 feet away); Partners in Conservation (about 600 feet away); Brookfield Zoo Chicago (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookfield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Partners in Conservation (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Chicago Tribune: Zoo exhibit re-creates rain forest, desert. A 1991 article about the renovation of the old Lion House at the Brookfield Zoo. (Submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Desert's Edge at Brookfield Zoo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

2. Desert's Edge at Brookfield Zoo

The Fragile Kingdom Marker is to affixed to the wall next to the door on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.