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 The rehab process starts when an animal is found. When someone suspects and animal is abandoned or sees an obviously injured animal they should first place a call to Willowbrook Wildlife Center at (630) 942-6200. Our staff will advise the caller on what actions (if any) to take. Assuming the caller was instructed to bring the animal in they would go to the admitting area on the North side of the main building. One of our trained staff members will examine the animal to determine the extent of it's injury. If the animal is suffering and it is determined that recovery is not possible it is humanely euthanized. Animals that are treatable (and native) are taken to a treatment room. If the animal is not native (a pet dog, for example) Willowbrook Wildlife Center will try to refer the individual to a different organization that is equipped for that type of animal.
Treatment may be as simple as isolation in a quiet dark area so it can rest and regain it's strength. On the other end of the spectrum surgical procedures may be employed to save the patient. Willowbrook Wildlife Center has on staff veterinarians with specialized experience in wild animal care.
Most animal patients spend time in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) to rest and recover. When their health has improved the patients are moved to outdoor facilities to become re-acclimated to the weather and to provide ongoing monitoring of their progress.
 Finally, the big day has come and the animal is deemed recovered and ready for release back to the wild. This takes place at discreet locations through out the county based on the species, where it was found and what environments are best suited to it. If a particular preserve has already had a number of raccoons released in it, releasing more will make it that much harder for each of them to find food. Taking these and other factors into account helps to give each animal the best chance for survival. Check the Events page as a few times a year Willowbrook Wildlife Center has a release open to the public.
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