Have you been to the Ohio Wildlife Center? Or maybe you’ve heard of them and wanted to learn more. They’re an excellent resource for many things, including helping to teach the girls about our wildlife here in Ohio at their once-a-month wild story time.
Ohio Wildlife Center is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of Ohio’s native wildlife through rehabilitation, education and wildlife health studies.
How do they do that ?
- The state’s largest, donation-supported Wildlife Hospital with on-site veterinary care, treating more than 6,000 patients each year representing more than 150 species from more than 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
- A 20-acre outdoor Education Center with more than 50 Animal Ambassadors that greet visitors during our public events, camps and group programming.
- SCRAM! Wildlife Control, a fee-for-service solution for human-wildlife conflicts to assist central Ohio home and business owners with access to humane wildlife eviction and exclusion services. SCRAM! has operated since 2001.
- Wildlife assistance for the public via social media and phone for step-by-step guidance with wildlife issues and questions.
- Volunteer and internship opportunities – more than 250 volunteers annually participate in volunteer services in animal care, education programming, events and administrative support.
See what I mean? They’re doing amazing things. One way to support their work and teach our little ones about Ohio Wildlife is through their once-a-month wild story time.
During the hour, you read a wildlife-themed book, create a craft and visit with one of their live Animal Ambassadors.
- Geared for children aged 3-6 years-old and their parent or caregiver
- Starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month
- Space is limited, RSVP required
- RSVP HERE
- Cost: $5 per child at the door (must pay by cash or credit card only) or ahead of time online. They will send you a link the day before, as long as you RSVP.
Okay, we KNOW you should NOT have a raccoon as a PET, but this little guy is the BEST! Did I want to snuggle him up? Yes! Did I keep that to myself and make sure to let the girls know raccoons belong in the wild with their families? Also, YES! They do such a good job educating all ages on their animal ambassadors.
After storytime is over, you can explore the outside grounds. They have 20 acres with animal habitats, hiking trails, ponds, wetlands, and more. It is perfect for us to explore, as well as local wildlife.
Another opportunity to visit Ohio Wildlife Center…..
Second Sundays: An informal open house where you can tour the center, meet their Animal Ambassadors in person, hike the trails and participate in activities to expand your appreciation of wildlife and nature.
- Family friendly activities and tours
- Doors are open from 1pm to 3pm
- Enrichment activities with their live animal ambassadors
- Cost: FREE! Donations are greatly appreciated.
They offer wildlife-based summer day camps for campers aged 3 to 16 years-old to get up-close to wildlife and back to nature. You can learn more here.
Location: 6131 Cook Rd Powell, Ohio 43065. They are just five minutes from the zoo!
Parking: Parking lot is located at 9000 Dublin Rd. Powell, OH 43065. Once you park, you will follow path up to the Bonner Barn. They do have handicap parking outside of the barn.
For more ways to support Ohio Wildlife Center, visit their website.
