Dedicated to Rehabilitating Wildlife
The Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates a wildlife hospital and rehabilitation facility for all native wild birds, mammals, and reptiles, with the exception of marine mammals. Additionally, through various programs, we strive to educate the community on how to successfully co-exist with our wildlife and the importance of it to our environment and ecosystems.
We are state and federally licensed, and because of our permits, the public is not allowed past the entry point for delivering a sick or injured animal.
From Humble Beginings to Our New Upgraded Facility
Our wildlife center started as a backyard project, seeing about 315 animals per year. 2020, brought a record year with over 6,000 animals!
With an ever-growing need for our services, we are in the midst of a much needed expansion. We have moved from the old Wildlife Center of Venice location on Border Road, to our new home at the corner of Border Road and Jackson Road. We have also adopted a new name. One that more accurately reflects our service areas of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties: The Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida.
We are in the process of expanding and upgrading our facility, to support the future of our rehabilitation.
Releasing Animals
We believe wild animals should maintain a healthy fear of humans. Just as they would in the wild as it maximizes their ability to adapt once they’ve been rehabilitated. Once an animal has been rehabilitated, we like to release them back to the area where they were found. Returning them home to the area they came from is often the best option for animals with a territory they are familiar with. From time to time, especially with orphaned babies, they are best released in a new family group at one of our release areas. Every animal's release is considered individually based on individual circumstances. We will always base the decision on the individual animal and what is best for that animal's survival. However, if for any reason the animal cannot be released, we will work within our network to place them in a nature center or zoo to protect them.