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

Feathers and Scales

Opened as Aquatic Bird House in 1934; Renovated as Feathers and Scales in 2005

— Brookfield Zoo; Since 1934 —

Feathers and Scales Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

1. Feathers and Scales Marker

Inscription. This exhibit, the original home of Brookfield Zoo's penguins, was named Aquatic Bird House when it opened in 1934. About 50 years later, the very popular Be A Bird display was built here. With the 2005 closing of Reptile House, a majority of those animals were moved here and the name was changed to Feathers and Scales to better represent the inhabitants.

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 1934.

Location. 41° 49.897′ N, 87° 50.241′ 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 the Feathers and Scales building entrance 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: The Living Coast (within shouting distance of this marker); Punta San Juan (within shouting distance of this marker); Baboon Island (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Swamp (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Partners in Conservation

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); South Gate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Theodore Roosevelt Fountain (approx. ¼ mile away); Hamill Family Play Zoo (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookfield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Partners in Conservation (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Feathers and Scales Building (YouTube). A group of 20 videos about some of the inhabitants of the Feathers and Scales Building at the Brookfield Zoo. (Submitted on October 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

2. Feathers and Scales Marker

The marker can be seen to the right of the center doors.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

3. Feathers and Scales Marker

A view from the building's portico towards the flamingo pond.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.