The Ohio Wildlife Center

 "...committed to fostering awareness and appreciation of Ohio's wildlife."

 The Ohio Wildlife Center is a non-profit educational organization that promotes increased appreciation and understanding of the natural environment, with particular emphasis on wildlife. OWC is supported by individuals from all walks of life who wish to improve their own understanding of native wild species and local wildlife issues.

 Goals and Values

• to generate a naturalistic interest in the local environment, and native Ohio wildlife
• to provide biologically accurate information about wild animals and their needs
• to give the best veterinary and humane assistance possible to injured, orphaned, diseased and displaced wild animals
• to help persons with wildlife problems control wild animals legally, effectively and humanely
• to provide information to persons who wish to maintain or encourage wildlife species on their private property
• to encourage pursuit of wildlife interests as a worthwhile recreational and educational activity
• to develop a community of persons committed to helping wild animals in Ohio.

REHABILITATION - OWC operates in a veterinary hospital and has an excellent reputation for medical treatment of injured, sick, displaced and orphaned wildlife with the goal of returning a healthy individual back to the wild for independence. Founded by local veterinarian Donald L. Burton, OWC is the only hospital of its kind in the region and admits and treats nearly 4,000 native animals each year.

EDUCATION - OWC has many exciting programs, events and displays that help to increase education and awareness of native wildlife. These programs are tailored to fit any school, civic or church group interested in local and regional wildlife issues.

HOTLINE - OWC operates a 24-hour hotline, 793-WILD. This line is available as a local community service if an injured or diseased animal is found and is in need of care. On a national level, the hotline serves as a resource for any caller seeking sound wildlife management and conservation information.

RESEARCH - OWC collects and maintains data on all animal admissions, physical exams, laboratory tests and dispositions. OWC provides data to wildlife agencies and local universities involved in collaborative research projects.

Volunteering
Ohio Wildlife Center always needs volunteers. Consider volunteering in any area of OWC, whether it is to answer our hotline, raise orphaned animals, work in our clinic, help with fund-raising, or coordinate administrative affairs. Your efforts will be rewarded by your heightened awareness and understanding of natural environment in which you life.   You will also meet many other people who share your interests in wildlife and natural history.  

Membership
Ohio Wildlife Center members provide much needed financial support for OWC's efforts.   Quarterly newsletters keep members informed about the latest local wildlife issues and OWC's latest events.   

Educational Programs
We hope to change attitudes and misconceptions by instilling awareness and an appreciation for wildlife in others. It is also our goal to promote increased  understanding of the natural environment, with particular emphasis on wildlife

The wildlife of Ohio face many dangers and injuries at the hands of humans and our own domestic pets. The continuing loss of habitat brings wildlife in contact with people now more than ever before.  It is imperative that people learn about the importance of conserving habitat for wildlife.

The Ohio Wildlife Center has a variety of non-releasable education animals  Although these animals are permanently handicapped, they are ambassadors for their species. These are very special animals; their presence at programs impacts everyone who sees them.  

Types of Education Programs
We always have many exciting stories and helpful tips because of our real-life adventures with local wild animals.  Programs vary to suit the age of the audience and can be developed for schools, scouts, campground talks, civic groups, public booths and street fairs.

Research
Wild animals often provide early warning signals about the quality of Ohio's environment. Through the data that Ohio Wildlife Center accumulates from admission cases and physical examinations, environmental stresses and disease outbreaks are monitored.   

Ohio Wildlife Center also provides data to wildlife agencies and local universities that are involved in research regarding native species and health issues.