Go away! Be afraid. Be afraid. This is Flickering Fear. Welcome back to Flickering Fear, the podcast where we explore the eerie tales and ghostly legends that haunt us. I'm your host, Gitte Tamar, and today we're stepping into the shadowy corner of Chicago. Specifically, the enigmatic Lincoln Park Zoo, a place known for its vibrant wildlife and family-friendly atmosphere. But beneath its cheerful facade lies a chilling history filled with ghostly encounters and spectral stories. Located just north of downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, established in 1868. But what many visitors don't realize is that they might not be the only ones wandering its paths. Reports of paranormal activity have emerged over the years, leading us to wonder, is the zoo truly haunted? Let's begin our journey with the zoo's history. The land where the zoo now resides was a part of the city long before it became a sanctuary for animals. And had other purposes that many do not know. In the late 19th century, this area was known for its lush landscapes and serene lakes. But it also witnessed its share of tragedies. Did you know that this popular attraction was actually built on top of a cemetery? You heard it right. The Lincoln Park Zoo was once the site of the city cemetery, where thousands of Chicago residents were buried in the mid-1800s. That was until cholera was wreaking havoc on the population. Worried of the corpses spreading disease to the water supply, it was ordered for the tens of thousands of corpses to be unearthed and removed from the grounds. Mid-removal in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept the cemetery grounds, leaving the land charred and wooden grave markers disintegrated. With no way of identifying the leftover burial plots, the city made the executive decision to convert the land into a public park and zoo. There are some who believe that well over 10,000 bodies still remain underneath the ground today. Because of this, it is said that the spirits of the deceased still linger in the area. Visitors and staff members alike have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling a sudden drop in temperature in certain areas of the zoo. Some have even claimed to have seen apparitions of individuals in old-fashioned clothing wandering the grounds, leading many to believe that the cemetery's restless spirits are still seeking peace. From accidents to untimely deaths, the past holds secrets that may still linger in the present. Numerous visitors and staff members have reported strange occurrences during their time at the zoo, from ghostly apparitions near the animal enclosures to eerie sounds echoing after dark. The stories are as diverse as the animals housed within. One chilling tale involves the old lion house, where staff have claimed to hear the distant roars of lions long after they've passed away. Imagine walking through the empty zoo after hours, and suddenly you hear a lion's roar reverberating through the night. Many believe it's the spirit of a beloved lion who once called the zoo home, still guarding his territory even in death. But the paranormal doesn't stop there. Witnesses have also reported shadowy figures, flickering lights, and a feeling of being watched while strolling through the garden. Some even claim to have seen the apparition of a woman in white, believed to be a former zookeeper who dedicated her life to caring for the animals. Visitors and staff have reported seeing her ghost wandering the zoo grounds, still caring for the animals she loved so dearly in life. Is she still watching over her charges? Or is there a deeper connection to the land itself? Another one of the most well-known ghost stories at the zoo involves the spirit of a former zookeeper named George. Legend has it that he tragically lost his life while trying to save a lion that had escaped from its enclosure. Visitors claim to have seen his ghost wandering the grounds, still trying to protect the animals in his care. Other eerie occurrences include the sound of phantom footsteps echoing through the empty hallways and the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes. Some employees refuse to work alone at night, fearing they may come face-to-face with one of the zoo's spectral residents. But the hauntings don't stop at the zoo gates. Just a short distance away from the Lincoln Park Zoo lies the site of a tragic train crash that occurred in the late 1800s. The crash resulted in multiple fatalities, and to this day, locals report hearing the sound of screeching metal and ghostly cries at the site of the crash. So, what can we make of these ghostly encounters? Are they simply figments of the imagination, or is the spirit of Lincoln Park Zoo as alive as the animals it shelters? Perhaps the past has left an indelible mark on this beloved location, reminding us that history, both joyous and tragic, is never truly forgotten. If you're intrigued by the haunted tales of Lincoln Park Zoo, or have your own experiences to share, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out on social media or leave a comment on our website. And don't forget to subscribe and tune in next week as we delve into more tales that are sure to send shivers down your spine. Till then, make sure to lock your doors and check under your bed. And if you hear a bump in the night, it may be someone just... saying hello. Stay safe, good night, and thanks for listening to Flickering Fear.