The Willowbrook Wildlife Center Unveils New Name and Updated Appearance

The Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of a new animal rehabilitation clinic and visitor center. The new two-story building, designed by Wight & Company, will serve as a hub for wild-animal rehabilitation and education for visitors. The center not only provides care for injured and baby animals and birds but also plays a crucial role in species recovery programs, such as rearing young Blanding’s turtles as part of conservation efforts.

To better reflect the center’s mission and work, officials have announced a new name for the complex – the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center at Willowbrook Forest Preserve. This new name emphasizes the center’s focus on wildlife conservation and its growing stature in the field. The center has a long history, originally named Willow Brook in 1956 and later renamed Willowbrook Wildlife Center in 1993. With its new name, the center aims to establish itself as a leader in native animal wildlife rescue and rehabilitation on a national and international level.

The ongoing construction at the center includes the development of a new 27,000-square-foot wildlife rehab clinic and visitor center. The existing facilities, including the visitors center, are being upgraded to provide better care for the animals and a more engaging experience for visitors. The new building will feature one-way windows and video monitors for visitors to observe animals and veterinary staff in action without causing stress to the animals. The center also plans to incorporate educational exhibits, an outdoor classroom, and an interpretive trail with wildlife observation areas to enhance the visitor experience.

In addition to the new building, the center has also made improvements to its existing facilities. Recovering raptors now have a new flight barn for exercise before release, while permanently disabled and senior birds have been relocated to a new housing area known as „Resident Hall.“ These changes aim to provide better care for the animals and create a more natural and stress-free environment for their rehabilitation.

Despite the ongoing construction, the center continues to admit animals in need of care. The staff at the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center at Willowbrook Forest Preserve are dedicated to their mission of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, and the new facilities will further enhance their ability to provide care for injured and endangered species. As the center continues to grow and expand its reach, it remains a beacon of hope for native wildlife in the region.