We are a Rehabilitation & Intensive Care Facility. Much of what is done at the PRWC takes place "behind the scenes" in our intensive care area.

Animals (mammals, birds and reptiles) that have been orphaned, displaced or injured are brought to the center. Presently, our annual admission's tally is roughly 2,000; this number has steadily increased every year. Most of our "patients" are rehabilitated and later released back to their natural habitat. For those animals whose injuries are too extensive, the PRWC becomes their permanent home. At present, we have approximately 125 residents. We do not receive any government funding.

Here, animals that have been injured are brought in, medically evaluated and treated. Their successful rehabilitation depends, in part, on solitude and quiet. Hence, this area is off limits to the public.

Tours

We are open to the public and Tours are offered from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7 days a week and are provided at no cost to visitors. We depend upon private donations for our existence. Whether you're visiting for the first, second or tenth time, there's always something new to behold in the grace of the animals who now reside permanently at the center. If you'd like a guided tour, they're given regularly throughout the day. If you would prefer to walk through at your leisure, a volunteer will get you started and remain accessible to answer questions you may have. We also provide School, Camp, and Church group tours, please call the office for an appointment (so a tour guide can be specifically assigned to the large group.) Although We are open year round including holidays, please call us in advance on holidays, since we sometimes will close early.

Incoming Wildlife Patients

Wildlife needing attention is received seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday to receive injured, orphaned or ill wildlife. Located by the front gate is a secured receptacle for an after-hour's drop-off. We prefer you to only use this box as a last resort, young animals left can get cold very quickly. Handling wildlife can be dangerous to the animal as well as yourself, please use caution and call Animal Control at (941) 833-5690 for further assistance.

PRWC Gift Shop

The gift shop at the Peace River Wildlife Center is a hidden treasure. A vital part of the Centers' fund-raising drive, our gift shop offers many fine items. Please be sure to stop in and see us before exiting the center.

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You can make a difference for as little as $10 per month or $120 annually in helping the Peace River Wildlife Center feed the Permanently Disabled Wildlife Residents.

Food expenses alone are over $75,000 per year to feed our many Permanently Disabled Wildlife Residents and you can help feed them by Adopting one for the Month or Sponsor one for the Year. Many different varieties of food are needed daily to provide for the many different species on display at the Peace River Wildlife Center. Frozen Fish, Seafood, Rodents, Meat, Worms, Crickets, Eggs, Dog and Cat food, Fruits and Vegetables are just some of the daily nutitional needs. Your Monthly Adoption or Annual Sponsorship will play an important role in providing the daily food our animals need to be properly cared for on a daily basis. Simply click on an image below to learn more about our residents and you can choose to adopt or sponsor one from their pages.

Tropical Party for Animals written by Robin Jenkins, D.V.M.

What happens when a moose and a parrot get together to save a tortoise? Find out Saturday, May 18. (Why does that date sound vaguely familiar?) Charlotte Harbor Parrothead Club is sponsoring Tropical Party 4 Animals at Moose Lodge 2121 at 3462 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte. The proceeds will benefit Peace River Wildlife Center and Suncoast Humane Society and the public is invited. This Trop Rock Fest will feature Captain Josh from 2-4, Paul Roush from 4-6, and Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band from 7-10. There will be door prizes, live and silent auctions, and fun galore. If you have never partied with the Parrots, put this one on your bucket list. If you have partied with the Parrots, you know where the bucket goes—on top of your head after the beer is gone! For tickets or information, go to www.chphc.com or call PRWC at 941-637-3830.

But why does May 18th ring an albeit somewhat distant bell? Oh, that’s right. It’s my wedding anniversary. 22 years and I still always forget. But the worst part is that my husband always remembers. Makes me look bad. I think that’s why he does it, given the fact that he can’t even seem to remember where dirty socks go. (Hint: it’s not the bedroom floor.) In my defense, it was a second marriage for both of us. We were also married the previous December. Yes, to each other. Long story. And no, I never remember the date on that one either. So, while he’s not getting those tickets to the Killers’ concert he was hoping for, he will be surprised to get tickets to Tropical Party 4 Animals since it will be the first anniversary gift he’s ever gotten that wasn’t late.

PRWC truly appreciates the Parrothead Club, whose motto is Party with a Purpose. Not only do they provide financial support to our organization, they put the FUN in fundraiser and support many local charities. It is always nice when an organization or business gives back to the community, but when they keep it local; it makes an even bigger impact. When Punta Gorda Sweetbay closed its doors, PRWC’s budget took a huge hit. They used to give us outdated produce, eggs, meats, seafood, and ripped bags of dog food, etc. Feeding our patients and residents costs us hundreds of dollars a day, so any usable donations are welcome. When we lost Sweetbay’s support, we asked all the local grocery stores in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte if they could take over supplying us with their outdated groceries. The only store that agreed to do it one day a week was Publix at Punta Gorda Crossing on the corner of 41 and Airport Road. So, while it is a bit out of my way, I will be doing my shopping there from now on. As a community we have to support those businesses that support us. By the way, they have a lovely selection of anniversary cards there. So shop there and tell them PRWC sent you.

And don’t forget to support PRWC by attending Tropical Party 4 Animals. Rumor has it that WaterLine’s Tommy Von Voigt may grace us with an appearance if he has sufficiently recovered from the rigors of his recent Snipe Hunt. Capt. Josh is working on the lyrics to Tommy’s favorite song, Muskrat Love. I just hope he shows up before midnight or I may be asleep by the keg. Again.

You can read more of Dr. Robins Articles by clicking here

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