The sanctuary functions as one of the largest state-licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Wisconsin.
The property is situated on the former site of an amusement park and a residential area destroyed by repeated flooding.
It maintains a specialized nursery unit specifically for the care of orphaned fawns and small mammals during the spring.
The sanctuary is a designated stop for migratory waterfowl, providing a critical refuge on the Mississippi Flyway.
It hosts an annual 'Wolf Awareness Week' to educate the public on the role of apex predators in the Wisconsin ecosystem.
The land serves as a natural floodplain, intentionally designed to absorb overflow from the nearby bay to protect surrounding infrastructure.
It operates a 'Wildlife Education Program' that provides outreach services to schools across Northeast Wisconsin.
The sanctuary grounds contain the Barker Farmstead, a preserved historic site reflecting early regional agricultural life.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a 600-acre urban wildlife refuge located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, focusing on animal rehabilitation and environmental education. The facility serves as a major rescue center, treating thousands of injured or orphaned wild animals annually with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats. The sanctuary features a complex of indoor and outdoor exhibits housing non-releasable native species, including gray wolves, bobcats, and river otters. Visitors can access six miles of hiking and skiing trails that wind through diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. The site includes a dedicated observation building where visitors can view waterfowl and other wildlife through floor-to-ceiling windows. It also operates a nature education center with interactive displays and a library focused on regional ecology. Several ponds on the grounds host significant migratory bird populations during spring and fall seasons. The park is municipally owned and functions as a non-profit entity supported by public and private partnerships. Unlike commercial zoos, the sanctuary emphasizes indigenous wildlife rather than exotic animals.
The Observation Building windows facing the main lagoon, which offer clear views of native waterfowl.
Visit the Observation Building to see live animal feeds and learn about the rehabilitation process from staff.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching near the various ponds, especially during the spring and fall migration periods.
Check the daily program schedule at the Nature Center upon arrival for opportunities to view feedings or educational talks.
Do not attempt to 'rescue' baby animals found on the trails; notify staff instead.
The nature center and facility grounds observe different seasonal closures, and some trails may be restricted during winter months due to snow coverage.
Maintain a respectful distance from all animal enclosures, remain on marked trails to protect sensitive habitats, and do not feed the wildlife.
