48 | VIPPensacola.com
J
ust in the heart of the city of Pensacola lies a small refuge
for every sort of regional wildlife creature. The Wildlife
Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, located at 105 North S
Street, opened its doors in 1982 providing care for injured or
orphaned indigenous wildlife and is now celebrating its 37th
year as a non-profi t 501C3 organization. They provide medical
care and fostering during recovery, rehabilitate, and release
wildlife when possible. Working in cooperation with local, state,
and federal wildlife agencies, the Sanctuary takes in over 3,000
injured and orphaned animals each year, the smallest of such
include hummingbirds and baby fl ying squirrels to the largest
like bald eagles, black bear, white-tailed deer, pelicans, and much,
much more. The Sanctuary also provides educational outreach and
conducts educational programs.
The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is one of only nine
in the state of Florida permitted for eagle rehabilitation and display.
The Sanctuary has four permanent bald eagle residents and two
that are currently in rehabilitation getting ready for release. They
also network across the state with other facilities for the care of
bobcats and eagles as well as other species indigenous to Florida.
The facility has successfully networked with the American Eagle
Foundation in Tennessee for over 20 years for the care and release of
eagles.
Some new additions and recent upgrades to the facility the
public will enjoy seeing were provided by Eagle Scouts this past
year. The public observation deck by the pelicans was rebuilt,
new signage and informational areas providing details about the
bald eagle development was installed, QR codes on the wing span
cut outs telling about
each raptor was made
available, and two new
photo opportunity signs
of an eagle and a pelican
were installed. There is
also a brand new fl oating
pelican platform and two
owl baby nurseries for
visitors to enjoy. Also
built by the Eagle Scouts
were some picnic tables
in the front, perfect for
groups or for families
to take a break before or
after their visit in this
serene environment.
story by
Greg Alexander
|
photos provided by
Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
SANCTUARY
WILDLIFE
of Northwest Florida
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