Center closed until further notice; animal intake suspended until further notice
For updates about Lake Metroparks COVID-19 operations, click here.
Please use caution when handling wild animals. The only time that humans should interfere is if the animal is injured, sick or truly orphaned.
What is enrichment? It's physical and mental stimulation for the wildlife to try and mimic their natural behaviors. This is done by utilizing all of their different senses (taste, smell, touch, etc.). It keeps the animals in captivity from getting bored, exercises their muscles and stimulates their minds.
The Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center is in need of enrichment items, first aid products and nutritional supplies. Gift cards are greatly appreciated. You can donate items to the Wildlife Center through our Amazon Wish List. Your purchases are shipped with contactless delivery directly to the center.
Click here to view online. Click here for printable PDF.
Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 or 19 • 6 to 10 pm Registration required
Join us on a night-time journey through an enchanted winter forest as you hear the tale of a tiny bird’s quest to unravel a winter mystery. Experience this naturalist-led adventure first-hand and explore all that the story has to tell. Along the pathway, meet animal guests, enjoy luminaries and warm fires, see the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center yard ablaze with twinkle lights, and take home a special keepsake. Participants may bring a gift for the animals to put under a tree.
This unique hour-long program is designed for small groups to provide a comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience for all. Time slots for your hike are selected upon registration. Hour-long strolls leave every ten minutes. Last hike leaves at 8:50 pm. No strollers. Click here for event and registration details.
Each year, nearly 2,500 injured or orphaned animals receive first aid and rehabilitation at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Patients include common backyard wildlife such as rabbits, squirrels and songbirds, and uncommon species such as the peregrine falcon and bobcat. Our goal is to return healthy wildlife back to the wild. Special attention is given to animals whose populations are in decline.
Our focus is the rehabilitation of native Ohio wildlife species (note: not accepting new animals until further notice.)
Under state permits, the Wildlife Center is not permitted to rehabilitate skunks, raccoons, deer, coyote, mute swans and red-eared sliders.
The Wildlife Center does NOT accept domestic (i.e., farm animals, cats), exotic (i.e., ball pythons, parrots), and non-native species (i.e., English house sparrows, European starlings).
Springtime is the best time to watch for nest building and the arrival of young. Backyard wildlife need very little from us, as long as we remember to give them the peace and quiet they need to successfully raise their young.
The most important thing to remember is that wild parents know what’s best for their young. We do not need to get involved! Young animals do not have a scent. If the parents have hidden them in the grass or elsewhere, predators will not be attracted to them.
Here are some suggestions for a wildlife-friendly backyard:
Click here for more information.
If an animal is found with any of the following, it is in need of assistance:
Not all wildlife rehabilitation centers are closed throughout Ohio. Here is a list of permitted wildlife rehabilitators in the state of Ohio or contact your local wildlife officer for your best options.
Watching native wildlife is a treat! Springtime is the best time to watch for nest building and the arrival of young. It is likely that you will encounter a baby animal in your yard at some point. Backyard wildlife needs very little from us—remember to give them the peace and quiet they need to successfully raise their young.
The most important thing to remember is that wild parents know what’s best for their young. Many of them leave their babies alone as they venture off to find nourishment. Parents hanging out around the location of their young only attract predators to its location, but don’t worry, they are usually not far away and keep a watchful eye. We don’t need to get involved! Young animals don’t have a scent. If the parents have hidden them in the grass or elsewhere, predators will not be attracted to them. Keep a safe distance so you don’t attract predators and so you don’t scare the mother away. Wildlife parents are very devoted to raising their young, and it is unlikely for them to abandon them. Click here to determine if a baby animal found alone is truly orphaned.
These baby birds are healthy and vibrant. They are okay to leave alone if found.