Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center
Jan. 2025--Avian Influenza H5N1 has been reported in Ohio. In an abundance of caution to the high possibility of Avian Influenza being in active in Stark County, we are not accepting Raptors, Crows, Waterfowl, or Shoreline birds at this time. If one of these species is in need of help and showing signs, we will recommend humane euthanasia. If a bird is in need of help and not showing signs like a wing fracture we will recommend other facilities. Please call first before you touch any animal, so that we can guide you on how to handle these cases.
Visitation to Wildlife Conservation Center
Several wildlife ambassadors who live at the center permanently will not be on outdoor public display at this time. Ambassador animals will not be permitted to leave the center for requested or public programs until further notice. Trail access behind the building will be closed until further notice. Please enter through the front door of the Wildlife Conservation Center and step in the foot bath before visiting outdoor enclosure area.
This flu is a low concern for humans. More information can be found on the CDC website. Avian deaths can be reported to the Division of Wildlife using this form or calling 1-800-Wildlife.
Sippo Lake Park-West
800 Genoa Ave NW (west side of Sippo Lake Park)
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: 330.477.0448
Operating Hours:
Open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wildlife Enclosure Viewing: Open during regular operating hours. Please enter through the building and use the foot bath water mat to help prevent the spread of Avian Influenza.
About the Wildlife Conservation Center
A new facility opened in June 2018 inside the west entrance of Sippo Lake Park, off of Genoa Ave. NW. The center is dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation services and a licensed Category 2 facility.
State and federal permits allow our experienced staff to care for nearly 1,500 injured and orphaned native wild animals each year. With assistance from local veterinarians who volunteer their services, the staff releases over 66% of the animals they care for. In accordance with state regulations, all wild animals accepted for rehabilitation become the property of the State of Ohio.
The Wildlife Conservation Center was designed to maximize education and conservation of local wildlife. It allows Stark Parks to provide better care for native wildlife in a more technologically-advanced clinic and exam room. Live animal exhibits are open for public viewing and showcase how native animals live in the wild.
Your support is needed to continue to provide quality wildlife education and outdoor experiences. The educational programs provided, along with the animal rehabilitation, will help safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come.
The Friends of Stark Parks has an endowment fund at the Stark Community Foundation to help support the Wildlife Conservation Center building. Anyone interested in supporting the Wildlife Conservation Center Fund may donate to this endowment or directly to Friends of Stark Parks. Your gift to this endowment will provide for the rehabilitation and conservation center and the perpetual care of the animals by the dedicated staff and volunteers. A planned gift will create a living legacy for you and your family.
The Center also houses non-releasable live wildlife used as educational program ambassadors. These animal ambassadors are used in programs at park locations, area schools, libraries, community events, and distance learning.
Visitation
The indoor atrium features displays and exhibits. Outdoor enclosures house non-releasable wildlife ambassadors that permanently live at the center and are used at wildlife programs, area schools, libraries, community events, and distance learning. Both areas are open to visitors with free admission during regular hours.
A multi-purpose trail connects the center to the Exploration Gateway and Sippo Lake Marina and several natural surface trails.
Ways to Give
The Friends of Stark Parks have an endowment fund to help support the Wildlife Conservation Center. Donations can be made to the The Friends of Stark Parks Wildlife Building/Maintenance Fund at the Stark Community Foundation or directly to Friends of Stark Parks. Your gift will provide for the development of the center and the perpetual care of wildlife patients. A planned gift will create a living legacy for you and your family.
To learn more about contributing to the endowment or to the building fund, please contact Friends of Stark Parks at 330-477-3552.
Volunteer
The Wildlife Conservation Center also needs volunteers to help with animal care, office duties, and facility maintenance. We are also seeking committed volunteers who are interested in obtaining the necessary training and sub-permit to care for wildlife in their own home.
If you are ready to join the Stark Parks volunteer team please create an account and submit a Volunteer Application using the Apply Now button below. After that, we'll be in touch with a short phone interview to talk about your interests and the volunteer program. Then, a background check is completed and you attend the next volunteer orientation class.
Volunteer your property as a release site for wildlife returning to the wild. Complete the short application and we'll be in touch.
