Chicago hosted 'Rescue Together,' an adoption event to place pets in homes, with adoption fees waived by Chicago Animal Care & Control, as reported by ABC7 Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago-area penguins Pepe, Stewart, and Pico compete in a global contest to raise penguin conservation awareness, with public voting available online and via social media.

Hundreds of red-breasted mergansers have been affected by a bird flu outbreak on Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, raising concerns for wildlife and pets.

The IDNR highlights eagle-watching events in Illinois during the winter, with over 3,000 bald eagles inhabiting the state. Locations like Starved Rock State Park offer prime viewing opportunities.

A coyote was found in a Humboldt Park Aldi in Chicago, surprising customers and staff. It was safely removed without injury and is now with Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is collecting used Christmas trees to create aquatic habitats in state lakes, with drop-off locations available post-holidays.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources urges vigilance as avian influenza affects waterfowl and requests public reporting of multiple bird deaths.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has distributed over $1 million in grants for Lake Michigan shoreline conservation and education, emphasizing diversity and sustainability.

Illinois' IDNR has introduced a mentored archery deer hunting program at Kickapoo State Recreation Area for novice hunters, requiring participants to have a mentor and submit an online application by Nov. 29.

PAWS Chicago rescued 16 puppies from Hurricane Helene's impact in North Carolina; the dogs are being cared for in Chicago and will be up for adoption once medically cleared.

The Clear The Shelters event in 2024 sees a record-breaking 2,819 pets adopted in the Chicago area, contributing to the nationwide total of 168,832 pets finding homes.

NBC Chicago reports a massive bird migration over Illinois, with alerts for Chicago to turn off lights to protect the 70 million birds traveling during peak migration nights.

Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights returns for its 30th year, featuring over three million lights and a new "Light Lounge," with free admission on select nights.