A new visitor center and wildlife clinic could become the first “net zero” building in DuPage County’s Forest Preserve District.
Forest preserve commissioners will move forward with plans for a $29.2million re-imagining Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. This center is a sanctuary for orphaned, sick, and injured animals.
This three-year project would be the largest overhaul of Willowbrook since 1956 when the center for wild-animal rehabilitation opened.
The new clinic would replace a 42-year old building that was overwhelmed by animal admissions. Willowbrook is home to approximately 10,000 animals each year, which is a significant increase over the number of animals admitted a few decades back.
Forest preserve President Daniel Hebreard stated that “It’s an area jewel, and it’s just becoming overrun.” “We have seen copious numbers of animals come in over the years.”
Concerned about climate change, forest preserve commissioners have set out to “net zero” the development of the clinic building measuring 27,000 feet. This would mean that it would produce as much energy and consume as it uses. The board will vote Tuesday on a contract to employ Wight & Company to manage construction.
Hebreard stated that the new animal hospital is an important addition to the community. He also said that it was net zero, making it a great project for green leadership.
The Willowbrook building would have a geothermal cooling and heating system. Solar panels would be mounted on the roof or ground to convert sunlight into electricity. It would also be more efficient to use energy in the building.
Hebreard stated Tuesday that the project’s component “will proudly demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and to doing part in combating climate change.”
The new clinic will open in mid-2024. The forest preserve district hopes that the entire project, which will be completed in four phases, will be completed by 2025. The first phase could be completed by the end of this summer.
Last November, the board approved issuing $41.5million of bonds to help fund Willowbrook’s revamp, Oak Brook’s renovations of Mayslake Peabody Estate, as well as other master-plan projects, and land acquisition. Officials claim they won’t have to increase property taxes to finish the projects. The district has the bonding authority for issuing debt without voter approval.
Willowbrook will receive $22 million from the sale of bonds. The district is seeking $3.5 million more in grant funding. Officials claim they have secured $3.7million in private donations to help the project.
The district also plans on building several amenities — an interpretive path with wildlife observation areas and a classroom outdoors — as well as exterior enclosures for Willowbrook’s animals.
Willowbrook’s permanently disabled animals would trade their zoo-like zoo cages for larger enclosures that are away from the public.
Willowbrook caretakers are citing research on stress in captive animal. They plan to end decades-old practice where animals are kept in captivity that they can’t handle in the wild.
Willowbrook staff members claim that Willowbrook residents are living in dilapidated, undersized enclosures that were built along a wooded trail. They include hawks, owls, and other raptors suffering from eye and wing injuries.
The new enclosures will give residents and rehabilitation animals built-in predator protection as well as the option of indoor or outdoor space.
The structures would be built within several existing buildings near the preserve property’s north boundary. This would enable residents to move from public areas.
The new clinic has one-way windows that allow for a view of the rehabilitation process. This includes intake, examinations, feedings and follow-up care to nurse injured animals to health and reintroduce them into the wild.
According to Kevin Horsfall (assistant director of resource management, development), approximately 60% of the main building will be dedicated to animal care. Public engagement and education areas account for 15%.
During construction, the existing clinic will continue to function.