by Tammy O’Neil, Wildlife Care Manager
On a blustery winter day in February, a beachgoer spotted an unusual sight—an adult bald eagle hunched in the sand looking tired, weak and very out of place. Disoriented and clearly in trouble, the Lake Metroparks Rangers were called to assess the eagle. The majestic bird was quickly brought to Lake Metroparks’ Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center for help.
The adult male eagle was underweight, sluggish and battling a heavy parasite load. He didn’t have any injuries, but had serious signs of “it’s been a really long, cold, rough winter,” so staff began supportive care. Lots of rest, fluids, nutritious meals (especially fish) and targeted parasite treatments slowly brought him back to his feisty self.
He gained strength, energy and that unmistakable eagle attitude over several weeks. Once his flight muscles were toned up in our spacious flight cage, it was clear—he was ready to return to the wild.
On release day, the fully recovered eagle didn’t hesitate. The moment the crate door opened, he bounded into the winter sky, catching a breeze and gliding effortlessly along the shoreline. With one final glance to staff, he vanished into the open sky.
In 2024 on a quiet road in Jefferson County, a driver spotted something unusual—a tiny bobcat kitten dazed and alone in the middle of the road. The kitten was quickly rescued and made its way to Lake Metroparks’ Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center within hours.
When the kitten arrived, he was a little thin and showed signs of a mild concussion, but he looked good overall. He was quite a fighter and full of spirit, hissing and growling—exactly what we like to see in a young predator.
With expert medical treatment and plenty of supportive care, he healed quickly. From day one, our goal was clear: raise him wild, keep him wary of humans and give him the best possible chance at freedom. Housed in a specialized off-limits enclosure built to mimic natural terrain, he quickly found his footing. His diet included whole prey to build hunting skills and his environment encouraged climbing, stalking and stealth. This young kit grew into a strong solitary hunter—muscular, alert and unmistakably wild!
In spring 2025, the final chapter of his rehabilitation story was written. He was released deep in a protected wilderness area chosen by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in the same county he was found in. As staff opened the door to the transport cage, he stepped out without hesitation, paused briefly to scan his new domain and vanished into the underbrush.
“He was wild from the moment he arrived,” said a Lake Metroparks staff member. “It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye but seeing him return to where he belongs—that’s what makes all the work worth it.”
From roadside rescue to forest freedom, this young bobcat’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience of wildlife—and the difference compassion and expert care can make. Welcome back to the wild, bobcat!