Brookfield, United States - December 09, 2024 Brookfield Zoo is buzzing with excitement as two rescued honey bee hives have found a new home in the Hamill Family Play Zoo, offering visitors an immersive educational experience about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. Rescued locally by Illinois Bee Rescue, one hive was saved from a brick building in Lincoln Park, while the other was removed from an attic in Naperville. The bees now reside in secure observation hives, allowing guests to safely watch hive activity up close. The hives, which each house about 45,000 bees, are part of a creative play area designed for families to explore. Features include a station to observe bees, a play area to pretend to be a bee, and access to pollinator-friendly plants. Brookfield Zoo’s collaboration with Illinois Bee Rescue has created a unique, interactive experience that highlights the incredible work of bees, such as their ability to flap their wings 230 times per second and their essential role in pollination.