June 18, 2015
Blog by Michelle Leighty
Manager of Wildlife Resources
A porcupine "driving" a car? A bullfrog hopping on a piano? A Bald Eagle perched on a playground? These are just a sample of the unique things you can see during your visit to the Museum and
Perkins Wildlife Center & Woods Garden.
All of the animals under the Museum's care were injured or abandoned in such a way that they are unable to survive in the wild. Because our animals will remain in captivity, we do everything we can to make their lives as fun and interesting as possible. Enrichment activities and items improve captive animals' mental—and often times physical—health. The activities and items encourage our live native Ohio animal ambassadors to use their natural skills and provide an opportunity for mental and physical stimulation.
The exhibit enclosures in Perkins Wildlife Center & Woods Garden are designed to fit each particular animal's needs. We strive to create habitats that mirror the environment in which each animal would live in the wild by incorporating natural elements such as native plants, boulders and/or water. Natural enrichment items, such as tree branches, wood chips and bird calls, are changed daily. This type of environmental enrichment provides our animal residents the opportunity to maintain their natural behaviors.
In addition to naturalistic enrichment, we have embraced the idea that toys and structures designed to encourage play and motor skills in human children can do the same for animals. Playground equipment on which kids learn to climb and balance can do the same for an opossum or a raccoon. Brightly colored objects that are novel and intriguing to a toddler can also be novel and intriguing to a turtle. A puzzle that can mentally stimulate a developing human can do the same for a curious American Crow. A wading pool that provides splashing fun for babies can provide the same for a hot coyote. A jungle gym designed for humans to climb and maneuver can be also be enjoyed by a snake. While a wild snowshoe hare or river otter might never relax in a toy automobile, it's a common occurrence here at the Museum. Our animals greatly benefit from these not exactly natural objects, and look pretty cute using them too!
The Wildlife Resources Division is always in need of new items. If you would like to donate toys or other items, contact Manager of Wildlife Resources Michelle Leighty at
[email protected] or
216-231-4600 x3289.
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