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

Wild African Lions

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

1. Wild African Lions Marker

Inscription. Since the early '90s, nearly half of the wild African lion population has been wiped out by habitat loss and disease, and the numbers continue to decline rapidly.

To help ensure African lions' survival, Brookfield Zoo Chicago participates in the African Lion Species Survival Plan, a cooperative population management and conservation program.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1990.

Location. 41° 50.007′ N, 87° 49.941′ W. Marker is in Brookfield, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from 31st Street near Golfview Road, on the right when traveling east. The marker is affixed to a fence near the African lions at 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: The Fragile Kingdom (within shouting distance of this marker); Hamza (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); George F. Getz (about 300 feet away); Theodore Roosevelt Fountain (about 300 feet away); The Carousel (about 400 feet away); Partners in Conservation (about 500 feet away); King Nyani (about 600 feet away); Hamill Family Play Zoo (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookfield.

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Another marker is no longer nearby. Partners in Conservation (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Lions. From the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

Excerpt: "Lions have long been a symbol of strength, royalty, courage, valour, and nobility, partly due to their historical regard in being the ‘king of beasts’. But in the last 20 years, they have become a symbol of struggle, as wild populations have declined by 43%."

(Submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

2. Wild African Lions Marker

An African lion sleeps in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.