Coronavirus Crisis Limits Baby Animal Intake At Wildlife Center

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn is usually the go-to place residents use when they find baby animals in their yards, but the wildlife center is operating with minimal staff and no volunteers due to the new coronavirus shutdown. For this reason, Willowbrook Wildlife Center is being forced to temporarily limit the number of spring baby animals it can take in.

Dr. Sarah Reich, staff veterinarian and wildlife rehabilitation and research manager said in a statement, "Please don’t force us to make decisions about who to save simply because you want to tear down an old shed or dead tree in your yard or don’t want a family of raccoons under your deck. Now is actually the time to leave these things in your yard so native animals have a safe space to raise their young."

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Some ways residents can help in the effort are by allowing baby animals to shelter in their yards and keeping an eye on dogs and cats to protect baby rabbits and other newly born animals. Residents are encouraged to check the Willowbrook Wildlife Center website before bringing in baby animals to make sure the center is not at capacity for that animal.

Local residents are also encouraged to donate items and money to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center to aid it in caring for the furry babies and other animals it has taken in. Click the link to make a monetary donation to Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 15: 23,247 Cases; 868 Deaths