Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Willowbrook treats injured, ill and orphaned native animals to DuPage County. We do not accept skunks, bats, deer, or trapped nuisance animals. We do not accept nonnative animals, including European starlings, house sparrows and pigeons. We also do not accept native wildlife raised as pets, as efforts to reverse any taming or imprinting are unsuccessful.

Willowbrook may have species-specific admission criteria. In the case where an animal does not meet that criteria and is unable to be treated at the center, we may be able to help rescuers and other agencies find other licensed wildlife rehabilitators or referrals.

Photography

Commercial and portrait photography in DuPage forest preserves requires a valid still portrait photography permit in the photographer's possession. Please see the photography page or call Visitor Services at 630-933-7247 for more information.

The main entrance is at 525 South Park Blvd.

Families, children, Scouts and youth groups can enjoy a variety of fun programs about birds of prey, mammals and insects throughout the year. Willowbrook also offers programs that meet state curriculum standards for grammar and high school classes.

For more information, visit our school programs and teacher resources page or call 630-942-6200.

Our visitor center is closed until a new building opens in 2024. For more information, see Upcoming Projects.

Outdoor Exhibits

Native wildlife with permanent disabilities are provided homes along Willowbrook’s outdoor exhibit trail. Residents include red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks, a turkey vulture, owls, groundhogs, raccoons, a turkey vulture, bobcat, woodchuck, sandhill crane, American kestrel, blue jay, and common grackle.

Butterfly Garden

Willowbrook’s butterfly garden showcases landscape ideas to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Interpretive signs introduce necessary elements to provide suitable habitat including food, water and shelter. The area contains tagged plantings that are attractive to butterflies, and a sensory garden that abounds with sights, smells and textures. An educational display cabin offers a close-up view of nectaring butterflies and blooming plants, a butterfly puzzle and play area.

Nature Trail

Our nature trail features a half-mile outer loop and a shorter inner loop through 40 acres of restored prairie, savanna, woodland and wetland habitats. The trail hosts native animals that live in DuPage forest preserves. An enclosed wetland bird habitat along the trail also houses a sandhill crane and serves as a unique educational experience.

Our Willowbrook Wildlife Center offers programs about native wildlife year-round. Sign up today!

Willowbrook Wildlife Center