Lakeside is a wildlife rescue facility in Kansas City. It’s run by volunteers who rescue and care for animals that are either injured or orphaned. Their mission is to provide a home for the animals until they can be released back into the wild. Many people don’t know about this place, but it’s a hidden gem for anyone interested in nature, rescue or animals. Check out my experience at Lakeside Nature Center! It is located at 4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132, More about Kansas City, MO.
What is Lakeside Nature Center?
Lakeside Nature Center is a wildlife rehabilitation facility that is located in Kansas City, Missouri. The facility is focused on wild and injured wildlife, and they do not house any domestic animals. Lakeside has been open since 1984, and they are one of the oldest wildlife rehabilitation centers in the state. The center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They are run entirely by volunteers, and they do not receive government or organization funding. They focus entirely on wildlife.
What animals can you see at the Lakeside Nature Center?
There are over 100 animals at the Lakeside Nature Center, including: Bobcats, raccoons, foxes, ocelots, coyotes, red foxes, wolves, hawks, owls, wild turkeys, and many more. Lakeside is home to a few endangered species, including the Mexican gray wolf and the endangered Mexican fer-de-lance pit viper. You can also find hawks, owls, eagles, and many other birds. Bears, mountain lions, and other large cats are rare, and you’re unlikely to come across any. There are also many exotic and uncommon animals, like the leopard cat, bat-eared fox, and sand boa constrictor. Don’t be surprised if you come across a couple of goats, sheep, or llamas, too! There is a llama pen, and some animals are allowed to live on the property, so you may even see a few of those.
How to volunteer at Lakeside Nature Center
The first thing to know is that Lakeside does not accept people for visits. This is because they are focused on the care, treatment, and release of the wild animals they have. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can work at the Visitor Center. This is a small building that is open during the week and on weekends. The center is open to the public on weekends, and they have guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays. During the week, you can volunteer there or at the Education Center. To volunteer, you can sign up at the Visitor Center or the Education Center. You will need to fill out a volunteer form, which will ask you some basic information, like your age and citizenship. You will also need to fill out a liability form, which makes sure that you are not doing anything that could cause harm to the animals.
Things to do in Kansas City
The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts – Museum of Science & Industry – Liberty Memorial – The Crossroads Arts District Downtown – The Nelson-MerrillBotanical Gardens – The Kansas City Zoo
Conclusion
Lakeside Nature Center is a perfect place to visit in Kansas City. It is a great place to learn about wild animals and get close to some of these exotic and endangered species. You can also volunteer at the center, learn about their programs, and meet some of the amazing animals that live there. This is a great place for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors, Browse next article!
