Experience the wonders of native wildlife at
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.
Many of the animals you will see at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center were once wildlife rehabilitation patients. Due to conditions that prevent their survival in the wild, these animals serve as ambassadors for their species on exhibit and in educational programs. Learn more about their stories below.
You can support the care of our animal ambassadors by becoming a Wild Pal. Your Wild Pals donation will include a certificate and animal fact sheet.
American Crows
Loki and Odin
Loki arrived at the Center in 2021 as a juvenile. As a nestling, she was out of the nest for several days which resulted in improper development of her right wing.
Odin arrived at the Center in 2016 as a juvenile. She was cared for by an individual which resulted in imprinting and inability to survive in the wild.
Loki and Odin enjoy interacting with staff and learning new things during training sessions that include new puzzles and toys to keep their curious minds active. They will often cache their treats and food – you may see them tucking food in corners or under logs!
American Kestrel
Darwin
Darwin arrived at the Center in 2023 as a juvenile with a broken wing that did not heal properly.
Darwin’s sharp shrill of excitement can be heard every afternoon during meal time! He lets everyone know when his quail or mouse is being delivered.
Bald Eagle
Icarus
Icarus arrived at the Center in 2013 as an adult. He was unable to properly grow primary feathers which are essential for flight.
Icarus enjoys time in the water. His large pond allows him to cool off and clean his feathers.
Barred Owls
Artemis and Sully
Artemis arrived at the Center in 2013 as an adult. She was found tangled in wiring which resulted in a broken wing. Artemis has met thousands of people during her many programs – her sassy yet sweet attitude and intense eyes captivate us all.
Sully arrived at the Center in 2025 as a nestling with a broken ulna (forearm bone). Due to the location of the fracture, it was determined that Sully was non-releasable. Sully enjoys interacting with his trainers and learning new things daily!
Eastern Screech Owl
Iris
Iris arrived at the Center in 2022 as an adult with a permanent injury in her right eye.
Iris enjoys relaxing in the sunshine. During programs, listen closely and you can often hear her “screechy” noises.
Great Horned Owls
Cooper and Hobbes
Cooper arrived at the Center in 2002 as an adult. She was non-releasable due to neurological symptoms of West Nile Virus.
Hobbes arrived at the Center in 2009 as a juvenile with a severe eye injury that had to be surgically removed.
Notice the difference in size between these two? Cooper is a female and is larger than Hobbes who is a male.
Peregrine Falcon
Nomad
Nomad arrived at the Center in 2014 as a juvenile with a wing injury.
Nomad knows how to beat the heat! He loves when it’s time to feel the sprinkler or play in the hose when staff and volunteers are cleaning his habitat.
Red-tailed Hawk
Sequoia
Sequoia arrived at the Center in 2011 as a juvenile. She has a detached retina in her right eye, most likely caused by dispute with another hawk.
Sequoia is one of our best eaters – there is not much she turns away from. Some of her favorites are squirrel, rabbit and rats.
Turkey Vulture
Buzz
Buzz arrived at the Center in 2009 as a juvenile. She was brought into our facility emaciated but displayed no fear of people. Her imprinted state would not allow her to survive in the wild.
Buzz’s favorite treat is organ meat. Our staff will often reward her during training sessions with some tasty tidbits. She also enjoys interacting with her enrichment items – food is put inside of toys so she can engage in natural behaviors of pulling and tearing.