Our History
How We Started
The Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge began in 1986 with one high-school biology teacher, a spare dog kennel, and an injured great horned owl. Mrs. Francis Carter did not anticipate that her act of care would inspire students at Southwestern High School to help lead a raptor rehabilitation club, but interest grew. Being the only wildlife rehabilitation center located on a high-school campus, the Raptor Club became an opportunity for students to take on the responsibility of rehabilitating birds of prey and other animals local to the community.
Our Progress
In 2013, interest in the Raptor Club's Program had outgrown its limited facilities. A 10-year fundraising campaign and pressure from new state laws led to the establishment of the Liberty Nature Center. The organization was able to purchase 27.5 acres and build new wildlife facilities. It was now an independent non-profit program. The organization has kept its emphasis on involving students with wildlife rehabilitation, allowing 7th-12th grade students to become volunteers.
Becoming the Refuge
The Liberty Nature Center was originally named after a bald eagle, who was a permanent resident in the program. But after much confusion with the organization's location with the nearby Liberty County, a name change was needed. Becoming Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge is not just a name change; we hope to recenter our organization within the local community's attention as we continue to grow and expand our efforts in serving the Lake Cumberland region.
What About Animals That Cannot Be Released?
Animal Ambassadors — Our Education Program
While our goal is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals in Kentucky, the reality is not every animal that thrives in our care is able to survive in the wild if released. When this happens, the animal may be transferred into the Animal Ambassador program and becomes a permanent resident on our campus.
Animals in our Animal Ambassador program help us teach the community about local and exotic animals, while living out the rest of their lives as comfortably as possible. Students or adult volunteers at the Refuge get to work closely with these animals to help care for their needs.
Donate Today
We depend on donations to help care for these animals, so that they can live the best life possible while helping educate our community.
Difficulties That Have Plagued The Refuge
Covid-19
Avian Flu
Avian Flu
The Covid-19 shutdown meant the Refuge could not give community presentations, a key source of income for food and other supplies. It also meant there were less donations and volunteers.
Avian Flu
Avian Flu
Avian Flu
We continue to face difficulty with the spread of the Avian Flu. This disease is highly contagious and commonly found in wild birds. We take special care to prevent its spread to birds within our facilities.