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

The Living Coast

Opened in 1997

— Brookfield Zoo; Since 1934 —

The Living Coast Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

1. The Living Coast Marker

Inscription. In 1961, this area became the first location for Seven Seas Panorama (above). It was the nation's first inland dolphinarium and dolphin show.

Today, The Living Coast demonstrates the interdependence of humans and nature, featuring Peru's complex Humboldt Current ecosystem. Brookfield Zoo is the headquarters for the Humboldt Penguin Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding, education, and conservation program among North American zoos.

Erected by Chicago Zoological Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1997.

Location. 41° 49.883′ N, 87° 50.29′ W. Marker is in Brookfield, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on 31st Street near Golfview Road. The marker is next to the entrance to the Living Coast building 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: Punta San Juan (a few steps from this marker); Feathers and Scales (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Baboon Island (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Swamp (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Partners in Conservation (approx. ¼ mile away); South Gate (approx. ¼ mile away); Theodore Roosevelt Fountain (approx. ¼ mile away); Australia House (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. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding The Living Coast. Brookfield Zoo's dolphin show is today located in a newer exhibit, called Seven Seas, on the opposite (eastern) end of the park.

The Living Coast at the Brookfield Zoo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025

2. The Living Coast at the Brookfield Zoo

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 49 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.