Chicago Rewilding Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a city-based nature sanctuary on the West-Side of Chicago.
We specialize in animal-assisted therapy and immersive educational art installations.
Our goal is to amplify joy, wonder, delight, and a sense of magic through therapeutic horseback riding, animal-assisted therapy, and experiential environmental studies.
We use both scientific inquiry and artistic experimentation to explore the beauty & intricacies of nature: from internal anatomy to the environments in which we live.
Encountering animals in the city is inherently therapeutic. We believe through partnering with animals and the natural world, we can better inhabit our own human bodies, encouraging us to humanely relate to ourselves, one another, and the world around us.
This is the intersection of community, education, and ecological arts. We are honored to be part of the vitality and vibrancy of our Garfield Park neighborhood.
Keep in touch to hear about updates and events.
Phone
(773)332-9438
Location
The nature sanctuary itself is private, but the animals can often be seen grazing on the corner of Carroll Ave and St.Louis Ave in the Garfield Park Neighborhood .
Hours
M-S: times vary with the rain, shine, and cosmic forces
WHO WE ARE
OUR ANIMALS
Egypt, Clover, and the goats share a third of an acre of once-contaminated, now-remediated land in the city of Chicago. They can roam freely between their paddock and barns. Aside from the occasional apple or carrot treat, these playmates eat exclusively hay. We ensure that they get ample exercise and regular vet check-ups. They are fully licensed through Chicago Animal Care and Control.
Egypt is a dappled palomino quarter horse that was rescued from a kill-pen in Oklahoma. She is patient and kind, and confidently navigates the streets of Chicago.
Clover is a miniature pony that has reached his full height at 34”. He can only carry very small riders, but he enjoys being pet and scratched by all.
Our herd of 8 goats are of mixed breed and varied age, but none of them are babies. Most of the goats were born on dairy farms and fed by bottle from an early age. As a consequence, they are very loving and trusting of humans. They like cracking jokes, pulling pranks, and napping in the sunshine.
A flock of 6 hens of varied breeds roam freely, hide eggs, and live among the mammals. They fly and roost in the tree branches and share barn space and warmth with the other animals in the winter months.
A feral cat colony patrols this thriving ecosystem. Dogs lounge and bark and let their tongues loll out.
This is an inter-species animal party.
ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPIES
In these increasingly technological times, it is especially important to have community-led, earth-based, physical experiences.
Outreach
Since 2019, we have given away over 2,000 free therapeutic horseback rides and volunteered at 20+ community parties working in collaboration with The Garfield Park Community Council and the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago.
Education
We offer up-close, hands-on instruction; we look at animals’ teeth, braid their manes, brush their hair, learn body parts, explore mythology, examine the historical roots of animal husbandry, and talk about what unites us all as mammals.
Animals on the Corner
Through community efforts, these previously vacant lots on the corner have been transformed into pasture for the animals. This space has been reimagined into an opportunity for the neighborhood to commune with nature.
Goat Yoga
Combining years of yoga teaching and practicing body-based healing, Chicago Rewilding Society holds goat yoga classes to support its community outreach. However, due to the dangers of COVID-19, this income stream has mostly evaporated.
