Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center

COVID-19 CLOSURE NOTICE

Due to COVID-19 public health protocols, the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center and Yard are closed to the public until further notice. Animals cannot be accepted for care at this time, so please DO NOT attempt to drop off wildlife. Injured and orphaned wildlife are still important to us; please see the information below for reliable guidance.

For updates about Lake Metroparks COVID-19 operations, click here.

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. 
   

About the Center

During the COVID-19 closure, the animals currently under our care have been and continue to be a priority as well. Animal Care staff continues to provide daily husbandry and health care to these animals during the closure.

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 (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). 

“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

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.

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.