From the playful antics of lions, tigers, and bears at the zoo to the serene beauty of horses, this blog uncovers the wonders of wildlife in DuPage County, fosters appreciation for our furry and feathered neighbors, and celebrates the bonds that connect us with the animal kingdom.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago 
As one of the world’s most dedicated zoological institutions, Brookfield Zoo Chicago stays true to its mission of “inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.” Not only do they offer a wide variety of educational opportunities and animal encounters for the public, but they are also on the forefront of animal research and conservation efforts. Their newest exhibit, Bramsen Tropical Forests, features four dynamic habitats and micro-climates modeled after Africa, Asia, and South America. This new habitat is designed with the latest advancements in primate care and welfare to meet the unique needs of the Zoo’s primates.  

A Western lowland gorilla walks in its enclosure at the Bramsen Tropical Forest exhibit at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, surrounded by naturalistic habitat features.
Photo Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Cosley Zoo 
If you’re looking for a zoo on a smaller scale, this animal oasis is the perfect place. The zoo exclusively features native animals in domestic environments. From small birds and critters, to horses, goats, and cows, Cosley Zoo empowers visitors to become more knowledgeable of their environment, strengthening the connection between community and conservation. Through hands-on learning and meaningful encounters, they have successfully lived by their mission for over 50 years. 

A herd of goats lounges together in their enclosure at Cosley Zoo, with the goats perched on wooden structures.

Danada Equestrian Center 
Home to Lucky Debonair, the 1965 Kentucky Derby champion horse, Danada House is an historic estate where equestrian heritage and natural beauty come together. The name combines those of the original owners, Dan and Ada Rice, who established the farm in 1928 and built it into a naturally recognized horse-breeding and training operation. Decades later, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County purchased the property, restoring and preserving it for the public to enjoy. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds, explore miles of scenic trails, and experience Danada’s rich horse culture firsthand. The Ada L. Rice Stables remain active and are a favorite attraction for horse lovers, offering riding lessons and more interactive activities.

Horses drink from a water bowl inside a fenced enclosure at Danada Forest Preserve, enjoying a quiet moment in their stable environment.

DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center
For over 70 years, the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center has provided care and medical treatment to thousands of injured, sick, and/or orphaned animals. People come all over to bring wildlife to the center for the care they need. It also serves as a resource for local residents, teaching them how to live in harmony with local wildlife and what to do in the event they come across an animal in need of rescuing. After undergoing significant renovations and construction, the center reopened where it now offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at wildlife rehabilitation while continuing to develop a greater understanding of the environment it works so hard to protect. Guests can explore interactive exhibits, peek into treatment and rehabilitation through large viewing windows, attend educational programs, and stroll through the trails to learn more about the region’s native wildlife and ecosystems.     

birds sitting on perch in enclosed area
Photo Courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Fermilab Natural Areas 
As part of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, this unique space is one of the largest restored prairies in the Midwest and home to roaming bison. It was the vision of Fermilab’s founder Robert Wilson to be at the “frontier of science while also bringing back the original frontier.” The first bison arrived in 1969, helping restore a piece of the region’s natural heritage. Visitors can view the bison from designated overlooks, explore miles of trails, spot native wildlife and wildflowers, and experience the beauty of one of Illinois’ most significant prairie restoration efforts.

A mother bison and her calf graze on grass inside an enclosure in Fermilab’s natural areas, enjoying a peaceful moment in a prairie-like habitat.

Kline Creek Farm
At Kline Creek Farm, the animals take center stage in bringing 19th-century farm life to reality. Encounter the farm’s Cotswold sheep, prized for their distinctive wool, as well as pigs, Heritage Milking Shorthorn cattle, chickens, and Percheron work horses. These animals serve as living examples of the vital roles they played in early agriculture, offering visitors a deeper understanding of farming practices of the past. Guests can stroll through the historic farmstead, tour the house, learn about daily chores and skills through costumed interpreters, and experience the inner workings of 1890s Illinois farm life. 

A group of sheep lounges together in an enclosure at Kline Creek Farm, resting peacefully in a pastoral farm setting.

DuPage Wildlife Moments

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