Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center

Notice: Due to the detection of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in Ohio, the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center is unable to accept birds of any species, even by appointment, until further notice. Residents are encouraged to report any sick or dead birds with suspected avian flu to https://wildohio.gov/ or call 800-wildlife. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Wildlife Hotline at 440-256-1404.

The Wildlife Center Yard is closed until further notice to protect permanent bird residents from HPAI. HPAI is highly contagious in birds and has a high mortality rate. The virus also has the potential to be spread through contaminated clothing, boots, and equipment. For more information, click here. 

In January 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5) in several states. Positive HPAI cases involved wild free-ranging birds (ducks, geese, gulls, swans), backyard flocks and commercial flocks (chicken, quail, turkey). Avian flu is contagious to other species of birds and is believed to be spread by wild migrating birds. Click here for more information. 

The Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center is accepting animals by appointment ONLY, between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you have an injured and/or orphaned animal, you must first call the Wildlife Hotline at 440-256-1404 x2131 to discuss your concerns and determine if an appointment is necessary. Only animals booked with an appointment can be accepted and cared for.

Please follow our new animal acceptance protocols:

1. You must call the Wildlife Hotline at 440-256-1404 x2131 to make an appointment to bring an animal to the center.
2. The animal must be in a secure container.
3. Arrive to appointment on time (do not come early). 
4. Be aware you will be asked to wait outside while the animal is being assessed.

Your safety is our concern!

Please use caution when handling wild animals. The only time that humans should interfere is if the animal is injured, sick or truly orphaned.

• If you have an injured animal, click here for helpful tips and what to do next.
• If you find an “orphaned” animal, click here to assess if the animal is truly orphaned.
• If you are experiencing issues with uninvited or nuisance wildlife guests in your home, work or yard, click here. 
• There are many permitted wildlife rehabilitation centers throughout Ohio. Click here for a list of wildlife rehabilitators that may be able to help assist you. 

 

Wildlife Enrichment

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.

Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center Amazon Wish List

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.

About the Center

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.

What types of animals are cared for at the Wildlife Center?

Our focus is the rehabilitation of native Ohio wildlife species.

Notice: Due to the detection of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in Ohio, the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center is unable to accept birds of any species, even by appointment, 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). 

“Wild & Free – Let it Be!”

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:

• Check for nests before cutting down a tree or clearing brush.
• Place caps on chimneys, vents and window wells to prevent wildlife from entering or nesting there.
• Keep your pets under control so that small wildlife is not attacked or injured.
• Baby bunnies: tips, tricks and myths (click here for video).
• Demonstrate respect for wildlife and their homes. Teach children not to catch or harass wildlife.
• Exercise caution when driving and watch the roadsides for wild animals, especially at dawn and dusk.

Injured & Orphaned

Click here for more information.

If an animal is found with any of the following, it is in need of assistance:

• Bleeding
• Can’t walk, fly or move, falling over or circling
• Broken bone
• Impact with a vehicle
• Cold and lethargic
• Disoriented due to an impact or collision
• Covered in a foreign substance
• Covered in maggots and/or flies

Some rehabilitation centers are still accepting birds. 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.

How you can help prevent wildlife from becoming orphans:

• Check for nests before cutting down a tree or clearing brush. Click here for baby bunny video.
• Place caps on chimneys so animals don’t build nests inside.
• Check brush piles and tall grass for nests before cutting and/or weed whacking.
• Watch pets while outside for digging in possible nests.