Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd
Kirtland, Ohio 44094
(440) 256-2131 pgwc@lakemetroparks.com
Our goal is to reduce human impact on native Ohio wildlife through education and rehabilitation.
Each year, nearly 2,000 injured or orphaned animals receive first aid and rehabilitation at the Wildlife Center. Patients include backyard wildlife, such as rabbits and songbirds, and endangered species such as the peregrine falcon and bald eagle. Many eventually resume their life in the wild.
The Wildlife Center relieves the stress of human impact on wildlife populations through human education and wildlife rehabilitation.
The Wildlife Center offers quality education programs and operates a Wildlife Helpline to provide information on Ohio's native wildlife. Injured, orphaned, or sick animals are given appropriate care and nurturing so that they may be returned to the wild. Special attention is given to animals whose populations are in decline.
Education / Misc.: Leather welding gloves, ,Photo processing, Camera Binoculars, Video camera, Taxidermy, Aquariums, Staple guns, Nails
College Students Interested in the field of biology, wildlife conservation, or biology related field. Internships are available at the Wildlife Center.
What is the mission of the Wildlife Center?
The Wildlife Center relieves the stress of human impact on wildlife through human education and wildlife rehabilitation.
How many animals are cared for by the Wildlife Care Staff in one year?
Approximately 2,000 injured or orphaned Ohio wildlife are cared for annually.
What is the Center's annual release rate back to the wild?
48%, which is good considering most of our wild animal patients, are severely compromised.
How many educational programs does the Wildlife Education Staff present a year?
Approximate 350 programs per year reaching approximately 125,000 people annually. Most are outreach programs in schools & community events.
How many people do you think will visit the new Center?
Approximately 61,000 people visit Penitentiary Glen Reservation annually.
What are some of the facilities most unique features?
The new classroom will be used to teach about the relationships between humans and wildlife. A state-of-the-art clinic features special air filtration systems for the health and safety of staff and volunteers. A public reception area welcomes all visitors to the Center.
What activities will take place at the Wildlife Center?
Activities include school programs, scout activities, teacher workshops and adult education programs. All will center on wildlife themes.
What days will the Center be open for business?
The Wildlife Center is open seven days a week 9am - 5pm. We are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
How can I help Ohio's Wildlife?
Volunteer! We are always looking for dedicated volunteer help! Join the Adopt-An-Animal program, which provides needed funding for daily animalcare. For more information on any of these please call the Wildlife Center.
How big is the Wildlife Center?
4,315 square feet (3790 main floor, 525 attic)
Is the Wildlife Center handicap accessible?
Yes, the facility complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The wild animals that successfully recuperate at the Wildlife Center are released back to their natural world. Those that have injuries prohibiting independent survival remain as part of our "Education Staff". Hawks, owls, falcons and vultures have become a vital part of Lake Metroparks environmental education programs. These birds act as "ambassadors" for their species allowing us to learn about them.
Your donation will help us care for these animals by helping us provide medical care, food, updated shelter, and exercise.
What you will receive in return for your kindness!
What you will receive in return is the heartfelt knowledge that you are doing something to help make a difference. Plus, you will receive a Fun Pack filled with a certificate of sponsorship with your name or your companies name, the date you adopted your chosen animal, and a picture of your animal. Also included will be a letter thanking you for your adoption, the story of your animal, and fact sheets about the species! Check your mail for you will also receive our tri-quarterly WildTimes Newsletter. In it you will find news about the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center and Lake Metroparks, articles such as instruction on how to attract or discourage Ohio's native wildlife, a kids corner and much more!
$25 and up!
Included in this fun pack will be a bookmark with a picture of your bird and some fun facts!
$50 and up!
Included in this fun pack is a laminated notes board. Put it in a notebook, on the fridge, or up on the wall. Grab your favorite dry erase marker and take some notes! Also your name will be included on our wildlife honor role board located in the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center yard the following year.
$75 and up!
This is the Ultimate fun pack! You will receive a calendar that includes pictures of permanent residents and rehabilitated animals of all kinds, plus some interesting facts about them. This calendar will start the month you adopt and will continue until your 1-year adoption is up. Example: If you adopt in March 2003 your calendar will go until March 2005! Also your name will be included on our wildlife honor role board located in the wildlife yard. And, best of all, you will be visited by the animal you adopted for a 45 minute program at your school or meeting place! (For locations out of Lake Co. there is an additional fee)
Although your adopted animal will stay at the Wildlife Center, you may visit any time during open hours 9am - 5pm everyday except Christmas and New Years. Please come and visit us. If you are unable to visit but still wish to help below is a form that you can send in and your packet will be mailed to you.
Lake Metroparks Animal Ambassadors represent a variety of native species of Ohio Wildlife. These residents are under the permanent care of the Wildlife Center staff because their injuries prohibited indepentent survival.
Click here to see our current Wildlife Center Animal Ambassadors.
Student interns are a valuable resource to the Wildlife Center. The students often arrive with a lot of ideas and skills that can benefit our projects, programs and animal care. The students work a predictable, regular schedule and work 6-8 weeks or more. We will spend quite a bit of time mentoring these students, they in turn provide a valuable resource and they are next generation of “wildlife conservationists.” Many are passionate about “spreading the word” to their fellow students and communities.
Objectives for interns:
To teach students the basic procedures and protocols involved with wildlife education and rehabilitation. They will develop and practice skills of animal husbandry/triage, environmental programming, and handling/enrichment for program animals directly from professionals in their field of interest.
At the conclusion of an internship, students will be able to:
Identify the mission of the Center and the role of rehabilitation and education in the community.
Understand the basic tasks involved in operating the education department and the programs offered to the public
Understand the basics of animal first aid, and follow through triage.
Identify at least 3 species of each animal group (mammal, reptile, bird) and know a general history of each.
Carry out husbandry duties for at least 4 species of education animals and how to properly handle those species.
Read, comprehend and record pertinent logs and forms related to daily operations.
Plan and carry out one enrichment/training project for 1-2 species.
Handle 1-2 animals for a public presentation and utilize appropriate interpretive skills to speak to the public on behalf on the Center during a program with staff.
Learn basic habitat and nutritional needs for species rehabilitated.
Identify individual tasks, prioritize than and carry them out.
To accomplish these goals, an intern will be assigned different tasks daily and work with every staff member at the Center. Each staff member will have specific tasks, assignments, and training they are to accomplish with the intern. Interns will work directly under the supervision of the Wildlife Center Managers.
To assist the Wildlife Center staff with the reduction of stress on wildlife populations through human education and wildlife rehabilitation.
Duties and Responsibilites:
Cage cleaning
Diet preparation
Feeding of raptors
Animal Ambassador Training/Enrichment
Orphan care and baby animal feedings
Release of animals back into the wild
Assist with special events, fairs and fund raisers
* With training class held annually can participate in animal rescues
Qualifications
To be an active team member with stamina and enthusiasm in the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife, wildlife education and he cleanliness of the center and wildlife yard. Take the initiative and be innovative.
18 year old minimum
Must be able to work in a fast-paced, chaotic environment
Must be willing to work outside in various weather conditions
Most important – must be willing to have fun!!
Time and Place
Lake Metroparks Wildlife Center. We start new training classes in early spring. All training classes must be completed before starting to volunteer at the Center. Flexible daily hours available throughout a seven day week.
Commitment
There will be a minimum of eight hours per month required. We are flexible with hours and days.
Contact
Lake Metroparks Volunteer Office at 440-256-2150 for more information
Junior Volunteer Program Ages 13-17
Program runs June - August
Come join other area teens to learn more about native wildlife and get a chance to give back to the wildlife community.
Job duties include: orphan care, diet preparation, and cage cleaning. We also need help with our program animal’s care and enrichment. You will get a chance to work with baby bunnies, squirrels, songbirds;
raptors, waterfowl and other Ohio wildlife species.
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Come join other area teens to learn more about native wildlife and get a chance to give back to the wildlife community. 
