Endangered Brookfield Zoo Leopards Celebrate Birthday

Endangered Leopards Celebrate at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago recently celebrated the first birthday of two Amur leopards, Lacy and Sady. These leopards are critically endangered, with an estimated wild population of fewer than 100. As part of the celebration, the leopards received a special treat designed to stimulate both their mental and physical health and encourage natural behaviors.

The Amur leopards often spend time hidden in trees or on rocky ledges, habitats recreated at the zoo. Visitors can see these cubs at the Big Cats Walkway near the entrance to Desert’s Edge. More information about Brookfield Zoo is available online.

DuPage Forest Preserve District Photo Contest

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites residents to reconnect with nature by participating in its 2026 photo contest. The contest encourages people to take a break from digital distractions and capture experiences in the preserves. Categories for submissions include Wildlife & Plants, Landscapes & Places, and People & Recreation.

Photos must be taken in a DuPage County forest preserve, and there is no limit on the number of entries. The same photo may be entered in multiple categories. The contest is open to Illinois residents aged 18 and older. Winners can choose a prize package worth about $150, featuring technology, camera equipment, or a framed print. Online voting for a Voters’ Choice winner runs through September 14, with the winner receiving a Kodak Printomatic camera package.

More details, rules, and entry submissions are on the district’s website. The contest supports the Unplug to Recharge campaign, aiming to get people to enjoy and document their moments in nature.

“We hope this contest inspires people to slow down, explore our forest preserves, and capture memorable moments,” shared Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard.

Free Concerts at Oak Park Arms

The Caught Off Guards band will offer free concerts on August 21 and September 18 at Oak Park Arms Senior Living Community. The events run from 5 to 7 p.m. and are part of a summer outdoor concert series. Known for their blues, jazz, soul, funk, and R&B performances, the band began as a backing and live karaoke band.

Concerts will occur on the center’s grounds, with an alternative venue in the historic ballroom if the weather is poor. Further information is available by phone or on their website.

Elmhurst History Museum Summer Concerts

The Fourth Fridays summer concert series at Elmhurst History Museum continues with the Blooze Brothers Band on August 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 120 E. Park Ave. in Elmhurst. Admission is free, with partial funding from the Dr. Virginia R. Stuart Memorial Fund. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

Triton College Radiology Student Awarded

A second-year student, Gerek Wright, from Triton College in River Grove, received first place in the Student Scientific Paper Competition at the annual Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists Conference. Wright’s paper focused on kyphosis, a condition causing excessive forward spine curvature. Another Triton student, Samantha McDonald, placed third in a competitive trivia event at the conference.

The recognition marks Triton’s first participation and victory in the competition, highlighting the strength of its Radiologic Technology program. Wright has since graduated and is now working as a radiologic technician at a local hospital.