Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic

INJURED ANIMAL DROPOFF REMAINS OPEN THROUGHOUT NATURE CENTER CONSTRUCTION. THE WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA IS CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW VON ARX WIDLIFE REHABILITAION CLINIC. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW DETAILS OF THE NEW VON ARX WILDLIFE CLINIC.

Providing medical care to injured wildlife has been a priority of the Conservancy since 1979. Caring citizens rescue bobcats, deer, pelicans, herons, gopher tortoises and many other species of native animals and drop them off at the Conservancy for treatment. Clinic staff and volunteers provide supportive care with the goal of releasing as many “patients” as possible back to their natural habitats.

Originally built to handle 500 injured and orphaned animals, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic now cares for over 2,400 animals per year at an annual cost in excess of $250,000. The facility includes an intensive care clinic, 28 specially designed outside recovery enclosures, and wading bird pool.

Most injured wild animals are first admitted to the intensive care unit, where WRC staff diagnose and determine the proper course of treatment. For advanced medical care, several area veterinarians volunteer their time and talent. After initial treatment, most animals are moved to special outdoor enclosures away from continual human contact. There are a few animals that were  severely injured and are unable to survive in the wild, so they have become permanent residents.

If you find injured or orphaned native wildlife, contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic at 239-262-CARE (2273) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Eastern Time seven days a week.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic receives no government funding to support operating expenses. It is supported almost entirely by individuals who care.  If you wish to contribute to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, please click to DONATE.