- Attraction: Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Location: 711 Sandtown Rd, Savannah, GA 31410
- Industry: Wildlife Center
- Website: https://oatland.sccpss.com/
Escape the bustling squares of downtown Savannah for a completely different kind of adventure where rescued gray wolves roam through spacious enclosures and native Georgia wildlife calls a stunning 100-acre island home.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center houses over 150 animals representing more than 40 species native to the Georgia coast, all set within maritime forests, salt marshes, and wetlands that make this educational preserve feel like stepping into an undisturbed corner of the wild.
Originally part of a cotton plantation, the island once held a retirement center for railroad workers and later served as a hospital and laboratory for the U.S. Public Health Service before transforming into the nature sanctuary it is today.
Founded in 1974 and operated by the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, this unique destination combines wildlife rehabilitation with environmental education in a setting that feels worlds away from typical zoo experiences.
Wildlife Encounters You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Wolf Wilderness: The crown jewel of Oatland Island has to be the Wolf Wilderness exhibit, where you can observe magnificent gray wolves in one of the most naturalistic habitats you’ll find anywhere.
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Keep Exploring →The exhibit features gray wolves, armadillos, flying squirrels, creating an ecosystem that showcases how these species might interact in the wild. You’ll find yourself mesmerized watching these powerful predators navigate their spacious territory while learning about wolf behavior and conservation efforts.
Predators of Georgia: The center features exhibits like Predators of Georgia with cougars, bobcats, red foxes that give you an up-close look at some of the state’s most elusive hunters.
The cougar named Shanti has become a visitor favorite, known for her playful personality and love of water features that help keep her cool during Georgia’s hot summers. The bobcats, Odie and Teal, showcase the smaller but equally impressive feline predators that roam Georgia’s forests.
Birds of Prey: The site includes several owls, a bald eagle, and hawks that are native to Georgia but were not bred in captivity. These magnificent raptors found their way to Oatland Island after suffering injuries in the wild that prevent them from returning to their natural habitats. Each bird has its own rescue story, making every encounter both educational and deeply moving.
Heritage Farm Animals: The center recreates a piece of Georgia’s agricultural history with two 1800’s homestead cabins that were donated and reconstructed on the property. Here you’ll meet farm animals that represent the livestock breeds that would have been common on Georgia plantations and homesteads, providing a tangible connection to the region’s past.
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Discover MoreAlligator Wetlands: Though currently under renovation, the center’s wetland areas showcase native reptiles and amphibians in environments that mirror the natural salt marshes surrounding the island. These exhibits help visitors understand the crucial role wetlands play in Georgia’s coastal ecosystem.
Natural Beauty & Scenic Trails
Maritime Forest Trails: The wildlife center has a two-mile trail loop which takes visitors by the animal exhibitions, heritage home site, maritime forest, and wetlands. The main trail includes asphalt, boardwalk, and packed-dirt surfaces that are wheelchair-friendly and stroller-accessible, making it easy for families with young children or visitors with mobility needs to explore the entire preserve.
Marsh Boardwalks: You’ll discover breathtaking marsh views from the elevated boardwalk, where you can experience the same salt marshes that have surrounded this barrier island for centuries. The elevated walkways provide stunning vistas while protecting the delicate ecosystem below, offering perfect photo opportunities and peaceful moments surrounded by nature.
Historic Architecture: The stately Greek Revival building overlooks the marshes of Richardson Creek and the Wilmington River, creating a dramatic backdrop that has even caught Hollywood’s attention. The large temple-fronted brick building with towering white iconic columns has appeared in several films, including Creature from the Black Lagoon, The General’s Daughter, and The Poison Rose.
Educational Signage: You’ll find comprehensive informative displays throughout the grounds, with kid-friendly graphics and colors, ensuring that every stop along the trail becomes a learning opportunity. The interpretive materials help visitors understand not just what they’re seeing, but why conservation efforts matter for Georgia’s native wildlife.
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Keep Exploring →Practical Considerations
Affordable Family Fun: Admission is assessed at $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children aged 4-17, with military and senior citizen discounts for $3.00 admission. Parking is free and admission is reasonably priced, making this an accessible destination for families looking for educational entertainment that won’t break the budget.
Perfect Timing: The center is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and you’ll get the best experience arriving early in the morning when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler. Most people spend about two hours exploring, though you can take as much or as little time as you want to observe the wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Weather Preparedness: Oatland Island Wildlife Center is open rain or shine, with rare exceptions for extreme weather. You’ll want to bring bug spray and comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors exploring natural habitats where insects are part of the ecosystem.
Special Programs: The center offers unique experiences like Toddler Tuesday programs designed specifically for young children, special programs for young guests that begin at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. every Tuesday, that even involve animal encounters. They also host seasonal events like Halloween Hikes and Heritage Festival celebrations that add extra magic to any visit.
Easy Access: The center is approximately 16 miles from I-95 and takes about 20-25 minutes to drive from the intersection of I-95 and I-16, making it an easy day trip addition to any Savannah itinerary. The center is located 5 miles east of Historic Downtown Savannah on President Street (Islands Expressway).
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Discover MoreOatland Island Wildlife Center
📍 711 Sandtown Rd, Savannah, GA 31410
