Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Walk through over 100 maritime forest acres located halfway between Savannah and Tybee Island. Enjoy this amazing experience which offers more than 150 animals, over 63 species of mammals, avians, reptiles, and amphibians. Walk the rustic trail as it winds through marshlands and forests that lead you to the fantastic natural habitat enclosures of such animals as cougars, bobcats, wolfs, armadillos, flying squirrels, and many more.

American Bison at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Grey Wolf at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Cougar at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Exploring The Oatland Island Wildlife Center Grounds

After gathering your things for the day, such as sunscreen, cold water, bug spray, good walking shoes, and a hat, explore the 11 current habitats on the wildlife center grounds. The nature trail walking loop is about 2 miles long, with additional walking to/from the main path to the five main exhibit areas. The exhibits and trails are self-guided and provide great facts and information as you go along.

Welcome Center

Start at the beautifully restored home that was initially built in 1927 for the Order of Railway Conductors as a retirement home. Here they house many of their reptile and amphibian species.

Wolf Wilderness

Considered one of the center's most popular exhibits, you can see a gray wolf pack up close. You also can meet North America's largest native snake along with other mammals and reptiles.

Cougar Crossing

The main exhibit on the predators of Georgia trail loop, where you can get an up-close view through the large window of the resident cougars playing, napping, or grooming themselves.

Georgia Barnyard

See, hear & smell over a dozen animals that are a part of our daily lives. This exhibit gives a fun opportunity to learn more about domesticated animals and their role in agriculture.

Pollination Station

Take in all the natural sights and sounds in this garden. There is a ton of variety in what comes to the garden every day, from bees to butterflies, frogs, and flora.

Heritage Home Site

Walk through history at the heritage home which was built in 1837 in Liberty County, then relocated to the island in 1979. The home is periodically open during visitation times.

Birds Of Prey

The Oatland Island Wildlife Center aviaries are home to some of Georgia's most prevalent raptors, Eastern Screech Owls & even Bald Eagles! Discover what makes each of these birds unique.

Dock House

Damaged by Hurricane Matthew in 2016 but rebuilt and opened to the public in 2019, this is a great place for views of the tidal marsh and space for events and programs.

Ledbetter Pond

Bullfrogs and yellow-bellied slider turtles are just two of the different species you will see in this 6-acre freshwater pond. Use the binoculars to see egrets, wood storks, and more that come to the pond.

Marsh Board Walk

A truly fantastic place to observe the beauty of the tidal creek and marshes. Depending on the time of day and tides, you can see fiddler crabs, schools of fish, and maybe a dolphin.

Nature Trails

The trails are over a mile and a half that link all of the amazing exhibits. There are cuts through a maritime forest, and fantastic covered areas to rest and enjoy your surroundings.

Events & Programs

Throughout the year, the Oatland Island Wildlife Center puts on numerous fun events that are great for the whole family. They have multiple programs, from week-long summer camps to fantastic toddler Tuesdays. These programs are great for kids and their caregivers. Specifically, Toddler Tuesday is a great program for 1 to 4-year-old children as they focus on animals or relevant nature themes. This program includes singing, finger play, a story, and a possible encounter with one of the many mammals, birds, or reptiles in the park. These sessions are offered twice daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. & again from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You do not need to register prior, but it is encouraged. You can call 912-395-1517 or register online by clicking the theme to go to that specific Tuesday's registration form.

Hours & Admission

The Oatland Island Wildlife Center is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving Day, December 24th, December 25th, and January 1st. They also stay open rain or shine except for extreme weather. If you are unsure, you can check out their homepage or their Facebook.

Admissions:

Adults (age 17 to 64) - $5.00
Children (ages 4 to 17) - $3.00
Seniors (age 65+) - $3.00
Military (w/ID) - $3.00
Children 3 and under - FREE