Lights, Camera, Conservation: Humboldt penguins steal the spotlight in new holiday movie filmed at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Lights, Camera, Conservation: Humboldt penguins steal the spotlight in new holiday movie filmed at Brookfield Zoo Chicago  

 

Filmed during a real Chicago winter, “Christmas at the Zoo” showcases wildlife, conservation and the magic of the holiday season at Brookfield Zoo Chicago; 

 

Watch trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT3TA8d8jkg for heartwarming holiday movie coming to Tubi on Nov. 10


Brookfield, IL—From snow-dusted pathways and twinkling holiday lights to unforgettable animal encounters, Brookfield Zoo Chicago will step into the spotlight as the primary filming location for the upcoming holiday film “Christmas at the Zoo,” premiering on Tubi on November 10.

 

Filmed on location during a real Chicago winter in December 2025, the heartwarming holiday love story captures the authentic sights, sounds and seasonal atmosphere that make Brookfield Zoo Chicago one of the region’s most beloved holiday destinations. The fictional film follows an entrepreneur Alicia (Brittany Underwood) helping the Zoo secure funding for a new Humboldt penguin habitat. But she’s faced with a challenge: can she keep a strong business deal while she’s falling for compassionate animal care specialist Shane (Matt Cohen)?

 

“What makes this film special is that Brookfield Zoo Chicago isn’t simply a backdrop; it’s part of the story,” said Julianne Olivo, director of public relations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. “While the characters and storyline are fictional, the values woven throughout the film are very real: exceptional animal care, conservation, collaboration and a deep commitment to wildlife.”

 

Unlike traditional studio productions, much of the film was shot throughout Brookfield Zoo Chicago, incorporating about 150 animals representing at least 35 species and more than 25 spaces recognizable for Zoo guests. From the glow of Holiday Magic—Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday lights festival—to intimate moments featuring some of the Zoo’s most recognizable denizen, from reindeer to polar bears, the setting brings an authentic atmosphere rarely seen on screen.

 

While some animals appear in memorable scenes alongside cast members, others can be spotted throughout the film as part of the Zoo’s everyday landscape. At the heart of the story and the Zoo’s conservation efforts are Humboldt penguins, a Vulnerable species native to the coasts of Peru and Chile. In the wild, Humboldt penguin populations are rapidly declining while threatened by increasing El Niño events, avian influenza, environmental contamination and changing fishing practices. Brookfield Zoo Chicago partners with the Punta San Juan Program, as mentioned in the film, to study threats to the species.

 

“As an actor, you’re always looking for ways to connect with the world of your character, and the team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago made that easy,” said Cohen, who plays an animal care specialist in the film. “Spending time with the animal care team and seeing firsthand how deeply they care about the animals and conservation efforts around the globe gave me a whole new perspective. I fell in love with the mission of the Zoo, and I think audiences will, too.”

 

For local audiences, the film also serves as a preview of Holiday Magic, which returns bigger this holiday season with more than 3.5 million lights and illuminated displays across the Zoo’s 235-acre campus. For viewers outside Chicagoland, it offers a glimpse into one of the nation’s most celebrated zoo holiday traditions and the wildlife experiences that make Brookfield Zoo Chicago unique all year round.

 

The filming of “Christmas at the Zoo” took place in close coordination with the Zoo’s animal care and welfare experts and was accredited through the American Humane Society’s “No Animals Were Harmed” program. The film was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Danny Buday and produced by John W. Bosher and Chris Charles of Illinois-based Very Merry Entertainment. The film stars Brittany Underwood (Great American Family’s “Crossroad Springs”), two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winner Matt Cohen (ABC’s “General Hospital”, Hallmark’s “Holiday Date”) and comedy legend Nora Dunn (NBC’s “Saturday Night Live”).

 

Adding to the film’s authenticity, Brookfield Zoo Chicago President and CEO Dr. Mike Adkesson makes a cameo appearance in the film alongside Zoo staff, members, donors and volunteers who were cast as extras throughout the production. Their participation helped bring the Zoo’s community to life on screen while showcasing the people behind its mission to connect people to wildlife and nature.

 

“Christmas at the Zoo” can easily be streamed for free on any device via Tubi beginning November 10 and will also be available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video. The trailer and more information about both the movie and Humboldt penguins are available at brookfieldzoo.org/help-penguins.


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