Episode Transcript
[00:00:24] Speaker A: Welcome, dear listeners, to Colorado Crime, where shadows linger, whispers grow louder, and the darkness has a story to tell.
Here, the line between the living and the dead blurs. And every creak, every cold breath holds a secret. I'm Amanda, and today we invite you to step into a world where the past never rests and the spirits are waiting.
[00:00:55] Speaker B: You feel it, don't you? That chill creeping up your spine. The sense that someone or something is watching. You're not alone. Not here.
Not today.
In the dark corners of your room, shadows flicker. You can't see them, but they see you. You've heard the stories, but now you're part of one. The door to the unknown is opening, and there's no turning back. You've chosen to listen, and now they've chosen you. Today, we are taking you on a spooky journey through the Lincoln Park Zoo. Right here in beautiful Illinois, where I happen to live.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago's oldest and most cherished attractions. It offers visitors a chance to connect with wildlife in a beautiful urban setting.
But beneath its family friendly facade, the zoo harbors a chilling history that has sparked curiosity and unease.
What secrets lie beneath the surface of one of Chicago's most beloved attractions? Rumors swirl about the bodies buried beneath the zoo, remnants of the area's past when it served as a cemetery. The eerie legacy contributes to its haunted reputation, leaving many to wonder what echoes of the past linger in the shadows of the animal exhibits.
Established in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo has a rich history that reflects the evolution of urban wildlife conservation. Before the zoo took shape, the land served a much darker purpose. It was a burial ground for the city's poor, particularly during devastating epidemics like cholera in the 19th century. As Chicago grappled with the public health crises, many unmarked graves filled the area, offering little solace to those who perished.
[00:02:49] Speaker A: When the zoo was constructed, around 1000 bodies were left behind. There remains entombed beneath the very grounds where families now enjoy playful animals and lush landscapes. This haunting legacy adds a layer of complexity to the zoo's identity, intertwining joy and sorrow in the heart of one of Chicago's most beloved attractions.
The echoes of those buried beneath serve as a chilling reminder of the land's past, fueling stories and speculation about what might still linger in the shadows.
In the mid 19th century, the area that is now Lincoln Park Zoo was primarily used as a potter's field, a burial ground for the city's poor and marginalized.
During times of crisis, such as cholera epidemics, many people died without family to claim them, leading to mass burials. These graves often lack proper markers, and many were simply dug into the earth with little more than a wooden stake to denote the resting place.
[00:03:56] Speaker B: Local historian John McNaughton highlights the sorrowful reality of these burials, stating the Potter's Field was a silent testament to the city's struggles, where the forgotten found their final rest in unmarked graves. End quote this neglect echoed the attitudes of the time as the city struggled to manage an influx of deaths without the resources or infrastructure to provide dignified burials.
In the early 20th century, as urban development expanded, the city initiated efforts to locate the bodies from the Potter's Field. However, these undertakings were often haphazard, with many remains left undisturbed. According to a report from the Chicago Historical Society, while some bodies were moved to nearby cemeteries, countless others likely remained beneath the surface, lost to time and the city's growth.
The lingering question of how many bodies still rest beneath Lincoln Park Zoo adds a haunting layer to its History as visitors enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of the zoo, they tread over a silent past that speaks to the lives and struggles of those who came before them.
[00:05:07] Speaker A: Eyewitness accounts and local legends about hauntings at Lincoln Park Zoo added an intriguing layer to its already complex history. Visitors and staff alike have reported eerie encounters that seem tied to the land's unsettling past, particularly around the historic buildings such as the original Lion House and the Reptile House. These sites, steeped in history, seem to resonate with the spirits of the past. One commonly cited area of paranormal activity is the historic Lincoln Park Conservatory.
People have described feeling sudden chills and a pervasive sense of being watched, especially in the quieter corners of the building.
Former staff members have recounted instances of strange noises, like footsteps echoing in empty hallways and shadows moving in their peripheral vision. A particularly chilling account involves a caretaker who claimed to have seen the faint outline of a figure near the conservatory's entrance disappearing as he approached. They have called it the quote keeper's ghost, the spirit of a long deceased zoo worker said to roam the grounds after hours checking on the animals or watching from the shadows.
Some employees claim to have seen a figure walking by, only to disappear moments later.
Could it be the ghost still doing its rounds?
[00:06:41] Speaker B: A hotspot for ghostly encounters is the old Bear Den, where guests have reported the sensation of cold spots and the unsettling feeling of being followed. Some say they've glimpsed apparitions resembling early zoo staff, perhaps indicating a sense of unfinished business tied to the graves beneath.
Another popular legend involves the old Lion House, where employees have claimed to hear strange noises, whispering echoing through the empty halls, and footsteps that seemed to follow them, and flickering lights. A former zookeeper recounted, I was alone one night, closing up, and I felt a cold breeze pass by me. Even though the windows were shut, it felt like someone was right there beside me.
Surrounding the zoo and the park itself is steeped in legends. Many locals believe that the restless spirits of those buried in the potter's field still linger, particularly around twilight. An urban legend tells of spectral figures appearing near benches along paths, their forms flickering in and out of sight. Witnesses often describe a feeling of deep melancholy in these areas, as if the spirits are yearning for recognition and remembrance.
[00:07:51] Speaker A: The themes of restlessness and unfinished business resonate strongly with the buried bodies beneath the zoo. As these souls lay undisturbed, their stories and struggles remain unacknowledged, fueling the belief that they are still seeking solace in a place that has transformed dramatically over the years.
In this way, Lincoln Park Zoo stands not only as a sanctuary for animals, but but also as a poignant reminder of the human lives intertwined with its history, their echoes lingering in the shadows. The stories of hauntings have often transformed the zoo's image from a simple recreational space into a site of intrigue and mystery. This dual reputation can attract a different demographic, those interested in the paranormal. While potentially alienating families looking for a traditional day out, they have seen a rise in visitation during special events like Halloween, where ghost tours or paranormal events are hosted. These events can significantly boost tourism, providing new revenue streams through ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions.
[00:09:04] Speaker B: The interplay between the zoo's family friendly image and its haunted past offers rich opportunities for storytelling and tourism. By thoughtfully integrating its ghostly legends into its narrative, the zoo can engage a diverse audience while celebrating both its history and its role as a beloved community destination.
If you are intrigued by these stories, we encourage you to visit the zoo yourself. I've been there. It's very cool. Keep your eyes and ears open. Who knows what you might encounter? Whether you're there for the animals or the thrill of a ghostly experience, the zoo has something for everyone.
As the gates of the Lincoln Park Zoo close for the night and the living creatures settle into their slumber. And not all spirits rest so easily.
[00:09:48] Speaker A: The echoes of the past linger here among the shadows of the zoo's forgotten history, where graves are disturbed and restless souls still roam unseen, but never far away.
[00:10:01] Speaker B: If you ever feel a cold breath on your neck or catch a glimpse of something that doesn't quite belong, maybe it's not your imagination.
[00:10:09] Speaker A: Maybe the zoo's not as quiet as it seems after dark.
[00:10:14] Speaker B: Until next time, Podcastians. Sleep well if you can.
