Published May 7, 2021
Meet MetroParks Animal Ambassadors
Heads up! This article was published 3 years ago.
Meet MetroParks Animal Ambassadors
Before the pandemic, you may have seen MetroParks staff and volunteers with animals in classrooms and at events and festivals. These Animal Ambassadors are part of the MetroParks team and help teach the public about the natural world.
These animals live at Germantown MetroPark and are cared for by MetroParks’ wonderful volunteers and staff. Because these folks spend so much time working with these amazing animals, they’re acclimated to meeting people in person.
While you won’t currently see MetroParks’ Animal Ambassadors out and about, you can meet them virtually:
River is an eastern screech owl, a common raptor found in Ohio. These adorable owls are small and have a unique call that you might recognize.
A gray ratsnake, JJ may seem scary to some, but snakes are actually pretty friendly when left alone and play an important role in controlling rodent populations. You may spot snakes like JJ on the ground or even in the trees.
Nakamu is an American kestrel and the most common falcon you will find in North America. Nakamu is named for the Shawnee word “sing,” which you can hear in the video below.
Stay tuned for updates as we meet more of MetroParks’ Animal Ambassadors throughout the season.
Walk on the wild side with intention
It’s always exciting to see wildlife in nature, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so in your MetroParks. A conservation agency, MetroParks takes great care in protecting the habitats that local wildlife call home. Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles in MetroParks by respecting wildlife and sticking to the trails.
Look with your eyes and camera: The best way to observe wildlife for you and our animal friends is to keep a safe distance and be still and observant during your encounter. What is the animal doing? Do you think it’s in its natural habitat? You might even be able to snap a picture of your find so you can identify it later using iNaturalist or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ field guides. Remember to tag MetroParks in your photos – we love to see them!
Keep wild places intact: It might be temping to head off trail to track some muddy animal prints or follow an adorable animal for a closer look. However, stepping off trails damages plant life and habitat surrounding the trail. Stepping off the trail also can widen the trail, which can be detrimental to local flora and fauna.
Leash your pets: As well trained as your best furry friend is, they are still animals that can be stimulated by the sight of a squirrel, bird or bunny. For the safety and enjoyment of local wildlife, staff and other park visitors, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times in MetroParks. Also, dogs are not permitted at Aullwood Garden MetroPark to protect the delicate wildflowers there.
Learn more Leave No Trace principles.
