Each spring, the Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park prepares for a large influx of infant wildlife that are abandoned or injured.

On average, the Wildlife Conservation Center cares for more than a 1,000 infant wildlife ranging from bunnies and squirrels to foxes, and raptors like red-tailed hawks and osprey. The average stay for wildlife in our care is 3 months with a cost of $75 per species.

The Friends of Stark Parks has a goal to raise $5,000 in support of these injured and abandoned infants as well as various supplies needed to care for our native wildlife.

Helping injured or orphaned wildlife is our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the delicate balance of nature. Your support can be the lifeline these creatures need to heal, grow, and eventually return to their natural habitats. By contributing to wildlife rehabilitation efforts, you’re not just aiding individual animals – you’re fostering biodiversity and ensuring a healthier planet for us all!

Bring a Gift to the Leap for Life event: FeLeap's 28th birthday celebration at the Exploration Gateway: Room A on April 13th from 10 AM - 12PM Supplies Needed:

Tissues: Used for bird nests and piddling mammals.

Paper towels: Used for bird nests, bottom of small cages, and litter pans.

Non-Auto shut off heat pads: Used to warm infants.

Receiving blankets: Used for infant bedding.

Baby rice cereal: Used for infant weaning.

Unsalted nuts (no peanuts please): Used for infant weaning and diet.

Canned salmon, mackerel, and sardines: Used for juvenile weaning and diet.

Cuttlebones and deer antlers: Important for young mammals to chew for minerals and healthy teeth.

*All supplies currently needed are listed on the Wish Lists

Every Donation Counts!

The Wildlife Conservation Center relies on donations for continued efforts in rehabilitating wildlife. Below are averages of some of the species we commonly see in our care on an annual basis.