Animal Rescue

Animal rescue plays a critical role in wildlife conservation across the United States. Every year, thousands of animals are injured, orphaned, displaced, or illegally trafficked due to human activity, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. When these animals cannot survive on their own in the wild, a nationwide network of wildlife agencies, rescue organizations, rehabilitation centers, and accredited zoos step in to help.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is proud to be part of this national animal rescue effort, working alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), state wildlife agencies, and other accredited zoos to provide a forever home and expert care for these animals.

Animal rescue refers to the protection, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care of animals that are injured, orphaned, or threatened. In the United States, wildlife rescue is highly regulated to ensure animals receive appropriate medical care and that conservation laws are upheld.

Animal rescue efforts may include:

• Responding to injured wildlife*

• Rehabilitating orphaned animals*

• Caring for animals impacted by pollution or climate events

• Providing sanctuary for animals seized from the illegal wildlife trade

• Offering lifelong care when animals cannot safely return to the wild

*Brookfield Zoo Chicago cannot respond to injured or orphaned wildlife. For assistance, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator such as Willowbrook Wildlife.

When a wild animal is found injured or in distress, trained professionals assess the situation. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service determine whether an animal can be rehabilitated and released or whether permanent professional care is required.

If an animal cannot survive independently in the wild, accredited zoos and aquariums like Brookfield Zoo Chicago may be asked to provide a forever home. These facilities meet rigorous standards for animal welfare, veterinary medicine, enrichment, and conservation education.

While many rescued animals are successfully released, some sustain injuries or conditions that make survival in the wild impossible. These may include:

• Permanent loss of vision

• Inability to fly, swim, or hunt

• Neurological damage

• Imprinting on humans at a young age

For these animals, accredited zoos offer safe habitats, expert veterinary care, and opportunities to serve as ambassadors for their species — helping inspire conservation action and public awareness.

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the greatest threats to animals worldwide. Species such as pangolins, reptiles, primates, and birds are trafficked at alarming rates, often with devastating survival outcomes.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago actively supports conservation and educates the public about the dangers of purchasing wild-caught animals.

One way you can help is to never buy wild-caught animals. By refusing to buy animals that are captured illegally, we can decrease the demand for the illegal pet trade.

Everyone has a role to play in protecting wildlife:

• Never purchase wild-caught or illegally traded animals

• Report injured or stranded wildlife to local authorities

• Support accredited rescue organizations and conservation programs

• Learn and share responsible wildlife practices

• Visit rescued animals responsibly to learn their stories

Animal rescue is about more than saving individual lives — it’s about protecting entire species and ecosystems. Through collaboration, science, and compassion, Brookfield Zoo Chicago remains committed to giving rescued animals a second chance and inspiring conservation action across the United States.