A gift of a pair of swans from New York's Central Park in 1868 marked the beginning of Lincoln Park Zoo's commitment to wildlife. Just four years later the zoo's collection had grown to include buffalo, peacocks, prairie dogs, foxes, deer, elk, wolves, eagles, a bear and a variety of other animals. In 1889, the zoo's first elephant, "Duchess" joined the collection along with a pair of tigers, a lion and a camel in 1889. These were the first species not native to North America introduced to Lincoln Park. Today, Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation's oldest zoo and one of the most-visited zoos welcoming millions of visitors each year. The zoo has changed vastly over the years going from rows of sterile cages to naturalistic exhibits and renovated landmark buildings.

Lincoln Park Zoo's animals and people have gained celebrity status, none bigger than Bushman, a gorilla who grew to more than 6 feet tall and topped the scales at 550 pounds and captured the hearts of Chicagoans. Zoo Director Marlin Perkins, who came to Lincoln Park in 1944, is credited with popularizing zoology and natural science with his pioneering work in television, first with his series "Zoo Parade" and later with "Wild Kingdom." "Zoo Parade" was filmed live at the zoo each week and was telecast to 36 cities around the country. In 1961, a new director replaced Perkins. He was Dr. Lester E. Fisher, the zoo's consulting veterinarian, and he ushered in a new era at the zoo. With the combined efforts of the Chicago Park District and the Lincoln Park Zoological Society, Fisher embarked on one of the most ambitious zoo rebuilding programs in the country. During his 30-year tenure as director, nearly every zoo building was built or rebuilt.