Brookfield Zoo’s Endangered Leopards Celebrate Birthday and Other Local Events

Endangered Leopards at Brookfield Zoo Celebrate Their First Birthday

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago recently celebrated the first birthday of two Amur leopards, Lacy and Sady. These leopards belong to a critically endangered species, with fewer than 100 remaining in the wild. The zoo created a special treat for them, aimed at stimulating their mental and physical health while promoting natural behaviors. As skilled climbers, Lacy and Sady have habitats in trees and on rocky ledges within the zoo. Visitors can view these cubs at the Big Cats Walkway, located near Desert’s Edge. More information is available at brookfieldzoo.org.

DuPage Forest Preserve District Photo Contest

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites residents to participate in a photo contest as part of its Unplug to Recharge campaign. The contest encourages people to reconnect with nature, focusing less on screens and more on their surroundings. Entries can be submitted until September 8, 2026, under categories such as Wildlife & Plants, Landscapes & Places, and People & Recreation. Contest rules specify that photos must be taken within DuPage County forest preserves. Illinois residents aged 18 and older are eligible to enter.

Winners will receive a prize package worth approximately $150. Additionally, a Voters’ Choice winner will be awarded a Kodak Printomatic camera bundle. A random prize drawing on September 2 will also offer a Kodake disposable camera and a $25 district gift card. Further details are available at www.dupageforest.org/2026-photo-contest.

Caught Off Guard Performs at Oak Park Arms Senior Living Community

The band Caught Off Guard will perform two free concerts on August 21 and September 18 at the Oak Park Arms Senior Living Community. The concerts, a part of a summer outdoor series, will take place on the grounds between 5 to 7 p.m., moving indoors to the ballroom if weather conditions are unfavorable. Known for their blues, jazz, soul, funk, and R&B music, the band initially started as a backing group and karaoke band. More information can be found at 708-386-4040 or www.oakparkarms.com.

Elmhurst History Museum Hosts Blooze Brothers Band

The Elmhurst History Museum continues its Fourth Fridays summer concert series with a performance by the Blooze Brothers Band on August 28. The concert, funded in part by the Dr. Virginia R. Stuart Memorial Fund, will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 120 E. Park Ave. in Elmhurst. Admission is free. Visit elmhursthistory.org for more information.

Triton College Radiology Student Wins Award

A student from Triton College in River Grove achieved first place in the Student Scientific Paper Competition at the Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists Conference. Gerek Wright, a second-year student in the Radiologic Technology program, won the award for his paper on kyphosis. Meanwhile, Samantha McDonald, another student at Triton, secured third place among 150 participants in a radiologic science competition.

Nancy Rizo, the program chair, praised Wright’s success as a first for the college. Wright, now a graduate, works as a radiologic technician at a local hospital.