Wildlife Conservation Center

The facility opened in June 2018 inside the west entrance of Sippo Lake Park, off of Genoa Ave. NW.  The Wildlife Conservation Center is dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation services and is 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 to 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.

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.