The simple act of donating blood can make a big impact this summer. While back-to-school plans, fall sports, and final summer vacations may be top of mind, patients can’t wait. The Red Cross is working with hospitals around the clock to meet urgent blood needs, but we need your help. To help maintain the blood supply, the American Red Cross invites eligible donors to roll up a sleeve during the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Blood Drive on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

As a thank you, all pre-registered blood donors will receive free general zoo admission the day of the drive for one adult and up to two children, plus free parking in the Discovery Center Parking Lot (3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, IL), a $15 gift card by email, and a special edition Red Cross shirt featuring a giraffe. Plus, throughout August, the Red Cross is performing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations.

“We’re proud to partner with Brookfield Zoo Chicago to provide community members supporting such a meaningful cause with a wild experience,” said Sonja Juric, Regional Executive of Blood Donor Services for the American Red Cross of Illinois. “Giving blood is a simple way to make a lifesaving difference, and we’re excited to offer donors the chance to enjoy a day at the zoo as a thank you for their generosity. It’s a great opportunity to help others and spend time with family all in one visit.”

Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products. Each day, the Red Cross must collect more than 12,500 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals across the country.

How to register to donate blood:

Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: BrookfieldZoo, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About Brookfield Zoo Chicago:
Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads.