Have you ever watched a Disney princess movie and wished you could interact with wild animals so effortlessly? Well, if you live near Cleveland, Ohio, I've got some great news for you. Down in Mansfield, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is open to visitors, and it's the best way to get up close and personal with beautiful native species. Taking a road trip out here is a treat like no other, and you can even book a bed and breakfast in the area if you're looking to extend your visit. Surrounded by nature and removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, this section of Northeast Ohio is a true treat to visit.
Out in Mansfield hides a secret spot that's so worth a road trip.
This fascinating boardwalk is part of the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, a little-known destination in Northeast Ohio that's home to a very special mission. Since 1988, this nonprofit has helped rehabilitate injured and orphaned birds, and they serve an important educational purpose in society to this day.
Led by a team of passionate staff and volunteers, interacting with the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is one of the best ways to learn about native wildlife.
The sanctuary provides a number of educational services to Northeast Ohio, including on-site programs that allow you to see fascinating species up close. With the guidance of one of these experts, you'll get closer than ever before to majestic birds of prey.
Of course, I also think there's a lot of educational value in going off and exploring the sanctuary's trails yourself.
This incredible facility is open to the public, and your entrance fee ($5 for adults, $3 for children, or $3 for military and individuals from assisted care centers) helps support their mission. On their trails, you'll see over 30 different species going about their business in the living museum.
Animals that are permanent residents at the sanctuary can no longer survive in the wild, so they're now educational ambassadors.
Some injuries, unfortunately, make these birds ill-suited to return to the wild. They've got a good gig at the sanctuary, though! They're absolutely pampered, and they're gorgeous to admire.
The rehabbed birds, of course, are returned to the wild when they're ready.
This is a working facility, of course, but you likely won't see these recovering critters. For their health and safety, they're housed away from the public. Ask about them during your visit, though... the staff loves to share their mission, and you'll find yourself in the visitor's center anyway.
While the mission of the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is critical, most people come for an opportunity to get up close and personal with songbirds.
The songbird aviary is the biggest draw for visitors, as you're able to walk through a 40-by-80-foot birdcage where friendly birds live and thrive. You'll be amazed by how close they get to you!
For a single quarter, you can get a container of food to share with friendly species like blue jays and doves.
The special food is available for purchase inside the visitor's center. As they do have a special diet, no outside food is permitted. They probably wouldn't want it anyway... the food provided by the sanctuary is so delicious that these birds will always flock to you for a taste.
There are a few ground rules you'll need to keep in mind during your time in the aviary.
One of the double doors must be closed at all times to ensure that no birds get out. Children should be supervised at all times, and though it's tempting, please do not attempt to pet these animals. Respect that you're in their home, and be sure to avoid running or making loud noises so you don't stress them out.
From the walking trails to the live bird displays, you'll love everything that the Ohio Bird Sanctuary offers.
Want to keep this unique Northeast Ohio animal encounter on your radar? Connect with the Ohio Bird Sanctuary on Facebook. They're open year round, and following the page will fill your newsfeed with the coolest seasonal content ever.
You're going to love visiting the Ohio Bird Sanctuary in Mansfield.
You'll find it at 3774 Orweiler Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903.
Visiting the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is such a unique experience, and it's an incredible photo opportunity in each and every season. They serve a critical mission in rehabilitating birds and educating the public, so visiting and supporting their mission is an endeavor you'll feel good about.
If you're looking for more to do in the area, consider adding Malabar Farm State Park to your road trip itinerary. It's about thirty minutes away, but considering that it's an hour and a half from Cleveland, it's worth starting your journey there from Mansfield.
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