Are the dolphins your favorite part of visiting Brookfield Zoo?

Beautiful, majestic, and entertaining, Tapeko and the bottlenose dolphins of Brookfield Zoo bring joy and wonder to everyone who sees them.

Now imagine having the opportunity to truly know Tapeko, and to play a key role in providing top-notch care for the animals of Brookfield Zoo by becoming Tapeko's VIP Lead Patron.

Although supported by many zoo guests through our animal adoption program, we are offering the opportunity to be the VIP Lead Patron for Tapeko.

What would this look like?
There are so many reasons to take part in this exclusive opportunity!

As Tapeko's VIP Lead Patron, your family name will be on display at the Seven Seas Dolphinarium for one year (beginning July 1, 2021). You will have special VIP access, allowing you to truly get to know this magnificent marine mammal. This includes:

• A private painting experience in Tapeko's habitat, with VIP parking, a cart tour and lunch for six.
• A Zoom chat or Birthday shout out with a member of Tapeko's animal care team.
• Regular video and written updates - allowing you up close and personal (but safe!) face to face access.
• Additionally, you'll receive photos, cards, and name recognition in the Chicago Zoological Society's Annual Report.

You can help make a difference by sponsoring Tapeko at the VIP Lead Patron level.

More about Tapeko:
Tapeko, 39, is the oldest dolphin at Brookfield Zoo. An experienced mom, she is a confident dolphin who has close bonds to all the dolphins (especially her daughters Noelani and Allison as well as her only son Merlin) and all of the animal care team. Tapeko keeps an eye on the other dolphins, who treat her as the leader of the group. She regularly wows the crowds during Dolphins in Action with her spectacular aerial breach, and you can spot her by looking for the V-shaped notch on her dorsal fin.

Leading the Field in Animal Care and Welfare:
Caring for animals and their habitats is central to the Chicago Zoological Society's mission. Through your support, you can ensure that we remain a leader in animal care and welfare.

Please note: Participants in behind-the-scenes experiences are required to be a minimum of 12 years of age.

Under IRS guidelines, the amount of your contribution that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is limited to the excess of your payment over the value of the goods or services provided by the Chicago Zoological Society. The estimated fair market value of goods or services received in return for this contribution is $150.