Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center at Penitentiary Glen Reservation

04/03/2026

It's springtime, which means our parks and backyards will soon be full of new wildlife. 🐣 While baby animals may look vulnerable, leaving them alone is often the best thing to do! Even with good intentions, stepping in may be harmful so be sure to properly investigate if help is needed and remember these tips:

🐛 Nests and babies are commonly left unattended while parents venture off to find food. This does not necessarily mean a baby has been abandoned or orphaned.

👀 Observe from a safe distance. Hovering can discourage a mother from coming back, and your scent can attract predators.

🚫 Don't touch, feed or move them and do not attempt to rescue it yourself—only licensed rehabilitators can legally care for wildlife, giving the best chance for a successful recovery and release.

📞 If you believe an animal is injured, sick or in distress, please call our Wildlife Hotline at 440-256-1404 (option 2). Our staff can advise if intervention is needed and provide steps for transporting it into our care.

Learn more:

Rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned native Ohio wildlife. Animal intake by appointment only.

03/18/2026

This , we wanted to share more about the intensive care behind our latest rehabilitation success story. 🦅

When this eagle arrived after being hit by a car, he showed signs of a spinal cord injury and was unable to stand or properly use his talons — a life‑threatening challenge for a bird of prey that depends on its feet to hunt. His recovery spanned nearly ten months of steady, carefully monitored progress before he was strong enough to fly again.

Here are some of the therapies that supported his recovery:

💊 Medications to reduce spinal swelling and prevent further damage
🦶 Physiotherapy to rebuild coordination and mobility
🏋️ Strength‑building exercises to help him stand and perch again
💧 Water therapy to support safe, low‑impact movement
🛩️ Flight cage conditioning in partnership with the Ohio Bird Sanctuary

His story is a good reminder that wildlife rehabilitation is skilled, hands‑on work that evolves with every patient. Thank you to everyone who helps us make this level of care possible!

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

A soaring comeback! 🦅✨

After nearly ten months of intensive rehabilitation at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, this male bald eagle officially returned to the wild yesterday.

He came to us after being struck by a vehicle, arriving unable to stand, walk or even use both feet properly due to a significant spinal cord injury. 🩹🩺 With focused medical treatment, physiotherapy and steady strength‑building exercises, our team worked to help him regain mobility and ultimately return to flight.

Big thanks to the Ohio Division of Wildlife for getting him safely into care and to the Ohio Bird Sanctuary for assisting with his flight conditioning. We also appreciate Ohio State Parks and Pymatuning State Park for providing a safe release site in the county where he was found.

Watching him rise back into the sky is a reminder of just how resilient wildlife can be and why this work matters. 🙌

02/28/2026

Work, learn and earn this summer with Lake Metroparks! We have great seasonal opportunities here at Penitentiary Glen Reservation (⬇️) and additional positions available across other park locations and interests.

🩹 Seasonal Wildlife Care Specialist
🐢 Seasonal Wildlife Education Specialist

Apply now, then join us for open interviews on March 21. See open positions and sign up for an interview time here: goto.lakemetroparks.com/summer-jobs

📸: Roger Lokar

02/14/2026

is here 💘 — and some of our Animal Ambassadors are spreading the love!

💌 Share a card with a sweetheart, a bestie, or anyone who deserves a smile today.

01/26/2026

UPDATE: Due to continued inclement weather, Lake Metroparks facilities — including Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center, the Environmental Learning Center, and administrative offices — will be closed Monday, January 26.

As a result of the closure, summer day camp registration will be postponed. Registration will begin Monday, February 2 for Lake County residents, followed by open registration on Thursday, February 5 if space remains.

Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe! ❄️

01/25/2026

NOTICE: Due to inclement weather conditions, Lake Metroparks facilities — including Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center, the Environmental Learning Center, and the Pine Lodge Ski Center — are closed today, January 25. Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe! ❄️

01/15/2026

NOTICE: Due to inclement weather conditions, Lake Metroparks facilities — including Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center, the Environmental Learning Center, and administrative offices — are closed today, January 15. Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe! ❄️

01/13/2026

In honor of , we’re excited to share the newest addition to our park icons sticker series — the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, featuring some of the animal ambassadors who make it so special. 🦊🦅🐢

Each sticker in this set is a little work of art, inspired by places we love. Only a select few parks are currently represented, so snag your favorites from The Nature Store or Farmpark Gift Shop.

🎨 Artwork by Maps by Scott from Tour Lake County OH's illustrated map of local destinations.