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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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4/30/19   7:50 AM