Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Northeast Ohio residents flock to the Museum to visit its one-of-a-kind, outdoor living gallery housed in the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank. The humble beginnings of the Perkins Wildlife Center in 1970 sparked a community-wide interest in Ohio’s native wildlife. Over the decades, Perkins has grown from a small menagerie with an important educational mission to something that is a truly unique, world-

The Perkins Wildlife Center underwent its most recent, large-scale transformation in 2016, four years in advance of the Museum’s centennial. In this stunning space, visitors can explore soaring walkways that wind through a wild forest, soak in stunning views of wildlife, and enjoy immersive experiences that put them closer to Ohio nature than ever before. But, what’s more, they delight in uncommon encounters with Ohio’s native wildlife.

The Museum currently cares for a variety of animals representing 45 species of Ohio-native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. These animals are typically sourced from wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers, and have been determined to be non-releasable. Each animal brings its own story, providing an enriching and interactive way for Museum guests to connect to nature.