Peace River Wildlife Center |

The mission of Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

Peace River Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that

receives no local, state, or federal funding. We depend on the generous support of our community and guests to meet this mission.

Peace River Wildlife Center provides the essential service of medical care and wildlife preservation across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.

WHAT’S NEW AT PRWC?

WELCOME HOME! WE CELEBRATE THE LONG-AWAITED RETURN OF OUR RESIDENT PELICANS AND OUR DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

APRIL RESCUE AND REHAB STATS

Admissions: 362

Releases: 42

Transfers: 7

Year-to-date admissions: 845

HOME AT LAST: POST-HURRICANE WILDLIFE RETURN

After a long journey across the state, our relocated wildlife wasted no time getting out of their crates and right back into the pond. We’re thrilled to announce that all of our animals temporarily displaced by the hurricane have safely returned home.

Their return marks the end of a challenging six-month recovery period following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Fla., for their generous support and shelter during this time. Their team provided exceptional care and a safe haven for our animals while we restored their home habitat. Also, a special thanks to the volunteers and staff who made the journey to bring them home.

TRICIA’S TALON TALK

[insert pic here: 05 Tricia with caption:]

TRICIA LAPOINT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Coming May 2026: Peace River Wildlife Center’s New Education Center at 900 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda, Fla.

We’re thrilled to announce that our long-anticipated Education Center will officially open its doors in May 2026! This milestone has been years in the making, and we’re so grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, local residents, and especially you, our supporters, for helping us reach the finish line.

The new facility represents a significant expansion of our mission to educate and inspire the community about Southwest Florida’s native wildlife. From interactive exhibits and educational programming to expanded outreach opportunities, this center will serve as a dynamic resource for visitors of all ages.

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY

There are still opportunities to be part of this historic addition to Punta Gorda and Charlotte County. Whether through naming opportunities or other contributions, your support will leave a lasting impact on generations to come.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow our journey as we prepare to open this exciting new chapter. You’ll find regular updates and behind-the-scenes content on:

• Monthly Newsletters

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• http://www.prwildlife.org

HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

We welcome your interest! If you have any questions about any aspect of our project and the building process, I encourage you to contact me rather than relying on information put out by other sources. I am happy to answer any question and address any concern. Contact me directly:

📧 [email protected]

📞 (941) 637-3830

We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home on Henry Street!

RAVIOLI RESCUE: A LUCKY ESCAPE FOR A CURIOUS RACCOON

This juvenile raccoon recently found itself in a sticky and dangerous situation after being drawn to the lingering scent of ravioli in an empty can. Fortunately, a compassionate passerby spotted the distressed animal and brought it to our facility for help.

Our rehabilitation team carefully freed the raccoon from the can and provided three days of supportive care. Thankfully, it made a full recovery and was successfully released back into the wild.

This incident highlights the critical importance of rinsing food containers before disposal and securing recycling in bins with heavy lids. These simple steps can mean the difference between life and death for wildlife searching for food.

This young raccoon was lucky that a wildlife advocate crossed its path—but not all animals are as fortunate. Let’s all do our part to protect our wild neighbors.