Filmed on location last December and premiering on Tubi November 10, “Christmas at the Zoo” is filled with animal encounters, authentic sights, sounds and seasonal atmosphere at the Brookfield Zoo—with scene stealing performances by the Humboldt penguins.
An entrepreneur played by Brittany Underwood helps the Zoo secure funding for a new Humboldt penguin habitat. She is faced with a challenge: can she keep a strong business deal while falling for the animal care specialist Shane, played by Matt Cohen. Enter the penguins—along with 150 other animals representing 35 species.
“What makes this film special is that Brookfield Zoo Chicago isn’t simply a backdrop, it is part of the story,” Julianne Olivo, Director of Public Relations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, said. “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.
Daytime Emmy award winner Matt Cohen, who plays the animal specialist, admits that he gained a new perspective spending time with the animal care team. “I fell in love with the mission of the Zoo, and I think audiences will, too.”
Set during Holiday Magic, Chicago’s longest running holiday lights festival, reindeer and polar bears also join in the holiday spirit. But it is the Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species native to the coasts of Peru and Chile who tell the story of the Zoo’s conservation efforts. In the wild, these penguin populations are rapidly declining while threatened by increasing El Niño events, avian influenza, environmental contamination and changing fishing practice. The Zoo partners with the Punta San Juan Program, mentioned in the film, to study threats to the species.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago President and CEO Dr. Mike Adkesson makes a cameo appearance alongside Zoo staff members, donors and volunteers who were cast as extras. Directed by Danny Buday and produced by John Bosher and Chris Charles of Illinois-based Very Merry Entertainment, the film stars Brittany Underwood, Matt Cohen and comedy legend Nora Dunn of Saturday Night Live fame.
We asked Julianne Olivo to tell us more about the movie.
CCM: You couldn’t have a best group of “extras” than the Brookfield Zoo residents. Did they enjoy being part of the movie?
The animals under our care are the stars every day, but it’s incredible to share their stories and see them in the spotlight in a new way. As always, their welfare was our top priority, and we’re proud to say the film was accredited through the American Humane Society’s “No Animals Were Harmed” program just as we celebrate 10 years since Brookfield Zoo Chicago became the first zoo in the world to earn American Humane certification.
CCM: Were there certain penguins that turned out to be the stars? Did their status as a Vulnerable species come through in the movie?
A lot of scenes were filmed in the Living Coast, so the Humboldt penguin colony certainly gets time in the spotlight. You’ll have to watch to see if your favorite penguin makes an appearance though! Humboldt penguins are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and their conservation story provides a meaningful connection between the fictional storyline and the real challenges facing this species. We hope the movie introduces audiences to these naturally curious, engaging animals while also raising awareness of the threats they face in the wild, where populations are rapidly declining.
CCM: Had the actors had experience in Zoos learned to work easily in their surroundings? What a joyful place to film!
Filming at the Zoo offered the cast and crew a chance to experience the Zoo beyond what guests typically see during a visit. Our team worked closely with production partners to bring the setting to life on the big screen in an authentic and animal-welfare focused way, from helping the cast understand the animals and their care to highlighting the people and places that make the Zoo special. Matt Cohen, who plays an animal care specialist named Shane, even shared how much he enjoyed learning from our team and gaining a deeper appreciation for the Zoo’s mission and conservation efforts.
CCM: Were there surprises on set when animals tried to steal the scene?
One of the fun things about the film is discovering just how many of the animals under our care make an appearance. There are about 150 animals representing at least 35 species featured throughout the film compared to the 3,500 individuals that represent more than 500 species that we care for at the Zoo, from the Humboldt penguins at the heart of “Christmas at the Zoo” to notable species like reindeer, polar bear, clownfish and more. Some appear in more prominent scenes, while others are part of the Zoo’s everyday landscape. It’s an exciting challenge for viewers to see how many recognizable animals and habitats they can spot as the story unfolds!
CCM: What is the message about conservation that comes out in the film? And why is conservation so important?
The film introduces viewers to the dedicated team members and behind-the-scenes welfare and conservation efforts that are part of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s work every day. While the characters and storyline are fictional, the commitment to exceptional animal care and conservation is very real. The Humboldt penguins are at the heart of the story, and the film highlights our conservation efforts through the Punta San Juan program in Peru, where our wildlife veterinarians help assess the health of Humboldt penguins and other wildlife to better understand population health and the threats these animals face in the wild.
We’re living through a period of unprecedented biodiversity loss and ecosystem decline, and protecting wildlife and the habitats they depend on has never been more important. The good news is that there are people working every day to make a difference, and research helps us understand what these species need to survive. Whether someone visits the Zoo or sees a species on screen, we want that connection to grow into a deeper appreciation for wildlife and a desire to protect it. We hope the film leaves viewers with the holiday spirit and a little more curiosity about wildlife and nature—both around the world and in our local communities.
CCM: The Zoo’s director and other staff members play cameos in the movie, what were their impressions.
That’s right, Brookfield Zoo Chicago President & CEO Dr. Mike Adkesson makes a cameo in the movie along with many other staff, donors and volunteers! There was a lot of interest and enthusiasm around bringing the Zoo experience to life in this new way, from showcasing our leadership in animal care and welfare to capturing the beloved experience of Holiday Magic presented by ComEd. It was also a special way to celebrate the many people behind the scenes—and those who support our mission and visit the Zoo often—who make Brookfield Zoo Chicago such a special place.
CCM: Since the movie opens in early November it seems to be a good preview to Holiday Magic. Tell us what that much beloved family event is all about.
“Christmas at the Zoo” will be available to stream for free on Tubi beginning November 10, 2026—just days after our annual Tree Trim event, when community members join us to decorate nearly a thousand holiday trees throughout Zoo grounds. Holiday Magic presented by ComEd offers a romantic and festive setting for the film with more than 3.5 million lights and magical experiences across our 235-acre campus. It’s Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday lights festival, celebrating 45 years this holiday season, and a tradition that brings generations of families together to make memories. Visitors can find inspiration from Shane and Alicia’s date night by enjoying the lights, festive fun and familiar Zoo habitats in a new way after seeing some of their favorite spaces and species in the film. Many experiences featured in the film are things that guests can enjoy themselves during a visit, from taking a spin on the Carousel and booking a Penguin Feeding Adventure (one of several Wild Connections experiences) to warming up with a cup of hot cocoa and picking up a souvenir at our Holiday Market while exploring Holiday Magic.
CCM: Will you be showing the movie at Brookfield Zoo?
We’re planning a special screening for Brookfield Zoo Chicago staff and have some guest experiences in the works, but we don’t currently have plans for a public screening of “Christmas at the Zoo.” We recommend cozying up at home to stream the movie for free on Tubi beginning Nov. 10 then joining us for Holiday Magic on select dates between Nov. 21 and Jan. 3 to experience the setting of the film in person—and see some of the on-screen stars in real life!
“Christmas at the Zoo” may be streamed at no cost on any device via Tubi beginning November 10 and will be available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.
To view the trailer and learn more about the Humboldt penguins visit: brookfieldzoo.org/help-penguins.
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