I’ve long known that Lindsay Wildlife Experience is a go-to spot for moms, thanks to countless recommendations in local Facebook parenting groups—but I hadn’t visited until now.

From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by a friendly volunteer who excitedly told us about an upcoming outdoor session—but kept the animal a surprise to build anticipation, and it worked! She also let us know that a new wildlife patient had just been admitted to their on-site hospital.

We visited on a Sunday, so there wasn’t a scheduled veterinary demonstration that day. Typically, on weekdays around 10 a.m., visitors can watch the vets perform checkups through a large observation window, followed by an explanation of the procedures. While we didn’t catch a live demo, we did get a unique peek into the hospital through their one-way mirror and saw two patients receiving care. Because it was more of an emergency case, we didn’t get a detailed explanation, but even the staff and volunteers were visibly fascinated watching the team at work. One of the patients was a barn owl—and until that day, I had never heard an owl scream!

On one of the interior walls, you’ll also find fascinating X-rays of various animals, including a snake with its most recent meal visible inside. We also learned that one of the most common reasons birds are brought in is due to collisions with clear windows. Fortunately, this is preventable. The team shared that adding decals, tape, or other visual barriers—or installing screens or netting—can help make glass more visible to birds and reduce accidents.

There are also fun, hands-on experiences for all ages. One exhibit lets you stretch out your arms to see which bird’s wingspan matches your own. Another interactive station invites you to lie down on a bench and use your body movements to simulate flying like a bird—steering left or right as you go. Parents can watch what their kids are seeing on a screen overhead, and grown-ups are welcome to try it too—I didn’t notice any weight limit posted.

Throughout the day, Lindsay Wildlife Experience hosts interactive programs featuring birds and their caregivers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about these animals—just remember to give them space, as sudden movements or getting too close can startle them. Oh, the “secret animal” was a hawk that had survived an attack in the wild but, sadly, lost sight in one eye.

You can check the daily program schedule before your visit here:
lindsaywildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2024-Summer-Daily-Program-Schedule.pdf

If you find an injured animal, Lindsay Wildlife’s on-site hospital accepts wildlife drop-offs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before bringing in an animal, please call their Hospital Hotline at (925) 659-8156 or email hotline@lindsaywildlife.orgfor guidance. Messages are checked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and you’ll usually get a callback the same or next day.

The hospital provides free veterinary care to native California wildlife.

Good to know:

• Free parking is available!
• Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Main phone: (925) 935-1978