Oatland Island Wildlife Center | Savannah

Overview and Historical Background

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a 100-acre wildlife preserve and environmental education facility located on Oatland Island in Chatham County, Georgia, just east of Savannah. The center was established in 1974 with a mission to promote conservation awareness and environmental education through native wildlife exhibits and natural habitat preservation.

Operated by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), Oatland Island serves as a living classroom and nature sanctuary that showcases the diverse flora and fauna native to the coastal Georgia region. It plays a vital role in connecting the public—especially students and families—to Georgia’s natural environment and wildlife heritage.

The island itself represents a maritime forest ecosystem with tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, and wooded trails, offering a unique natural setting that enhances the educational experience and supports animal welfare.

Wildlife Exhibits and Animal Collection

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is home to over 150 animals across more than 50 native species. The animals are housed in large, naturalistic habitats along well-maintained trails that allow visitors to observe wildlife in environments resembling their natural homes. The center emphasizes native species to educate visitors about the local ecosystem, conservation challenges, and animal behavior.

Key animal exhibits include:

Wolf Wilderness:
This exhibit features a pack of gray wolves and offers views of other animals such as armadillos, flying squirrels, screech owls, and various reptiles. The habitat simulates a wild woodland environment, allowing visitors to observe these often elusive species up close.

Cougar Crossing:
Dedicated to the mountain lion or cougar, this area provides a habitat that mimics the dense forested regions cougars would naturally inhabit. It allows visitors to learn about the species’ behavior, territorial habits, and conservation status.

Georgia Barnyard:
This exhibit features domesticated farm animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and rabbits. It serves an educational purpose by illustrating traditional agricultural life and human-animal relationships in the region.

Birds of Prey:
A collection of raptors including Eastern Screech Owls, Bald Eagles, and other predatory birds, this exhibit educates visitors on the role of birds of prey in maintaining ecosystem balance and highlights conservation efforts for these important species.

Pollination Station:
This garden area is designed to attract native pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It serves as a demonstration of the critical ecological role pollinators play and emphasizes the importance of preserving native plants and habitats.

Heritage Home Sites:
The center features several 19th-century cabins, including the Delk Cabin relocated to the island in 1979. These structures provide historical context about early settlers and rural life, connecting natural history with cultural history.

Marsh Boardwalk and Dock House:
Visitors can explore scenic tidal marshlands via boardwalks that offer opportunities to see wading birds, amphibians, and marsh vegetation. The Dock House provides an interpretive space overlooking the marsh.

Ledbetter Pond:
A six-acre freshwater pond that supports species such as bullfrogs, yellow-bellied slider turtles, egrets, and wood storks. The pond serves as a critical habitat for amphibians and waterfowl and is a popular spot for wildlife observation.

Education and Outreach Programs

Education is central to Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s mission. The center provides numerous programs designed to engage learners of all ages:

School Field Trips:
Many local schools bring students to the center for immersive, hands-on environmental education, guided by naturalists and educators who explain wildlife biology, conservation, and habitat preservation.

Toddler Tuesday:
Special weekly programs aimed at toddlers (ages 1–4), offering age-appropriate activities such as crafts, storytelling, and gentle animal encounters to introduce young children to nature.

Summer Camps:
Week-long camps that provide children with interactive, experiential learning opportunities related to wildlife, ecology, and conservation practices.

Seasonal Festivals and Events:
The center hosts themed events throughout the year, including the Fairy & Gnome Festival, Halloween Hike, and Harvest Festival & Cane Grinding. These events combine education with community fun and celebrate the changing seasons and local traditions.

Workshops and Lectures:
Periodic programs led by naturalists, conservationists, and guest speakers provide deeper insights into specific topics such as native plant gardening, bird watching, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Visitor Facilities and Experience

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is designed to provide a comfortable, informative, and accessible experience for all visitors:

Nature Trails:
Over 1.5 miles of rustic trails wind through maritime forest and marsh habitats, connecting all animal exhibits. The paths are well-marked and offer various vantage points for wildlife viewing.

Tony Cope Education and Visitors Center:
Named after the center’s founder, this facility houses many reptiles and amphibians, offers interactive exhibits, and serves as a hub for educational programming. It includes visitor amenities such as restrooms and a gift shop with nature-themed merchandise.

Accessibility:
Trails and exhibits are designed to accommodate visitors with varying mobility levels, although some natural terrain may require moderate walking ability.

Hours and Admission:
The center is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with grounds accessible until 4:45 PM. It closes on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission fees are modest, making the center an affordable family outing:

Adults (17–64): $5

Children (4–17): $3

Seniors (65+): $3

Military with ID: $3

Children 3 and under: Free

Parking and Access:
Convenient parking is available on site, with clear signage from Savannah. The center is located approximately 5 miles east of downtown Savannah on President Street (Islands Expressway).

Conservation and Community Impact

Beyond education and visitor engagement, Oatland Island Wildlife Center contributes to local conservation efforts by:

Providing a safe sanctuary for native wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild due to injury or captivity.

Raising public awareness about the importance of preserving Georgia’s coastal ecosystems.

Encouraging sustainable practices such as native plant gardening and wildlife-friendly landscaping.

Supporting research and rehabilitation efforts in partnership with conservation organizations.

Summary

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a vital cultural and ecological resource in the Savannah area. Its combination of natural habitats, native wildlife exhibits, and comprehensive educational programs offers visitors an authentic and meaningful encounter with Georgia’s coastal environment.

The center not only preserves important animal species and natural habitats but also fosters environmental stewardship through hands-on learning, community events, and interpretive experiences. It is an ideal destination for families, school groups, nature lovers, and anyone interested in wildlife conservation and outdoor education.

This detailed profile captures the essence and significance of Oatland Island Wildlife Center as a unique and impactful institution dedicated to wildlife preservation, education, and community engagement.