SFWC is here to help. If you see any of the following on a wild animal you’ve just encountered, please give us a call at (954) 524-4302, so we can best assist you.
IF AFTER HOURS – REMEMBER:
You can leave the injured, orphaned, or sick wild animal in one of our night cages so we can assess first thing the following morning, or you can keep the animal somewhere safe and contained in your home until you are able to bring it to us the following morning (recommended).
When to leave an animal alone:
It is common to see wild baby animals outside during spring as a new generation makes its way into the world. Wild baby animals might seem like they need our help, but unless the animal is truly orphaned or injured, there is no need to intervene. Give us a call if you are unsure, and we can help guide you.
Animal Drop-Off:
The South Florida Wildlife Center is available to receive injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals Monday-Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. There are no admissions fees though donations are highly encouraged so we can continue our work.
Rescuing a wild animal:
Never handle an adult animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can injure you. Once you’ve contacted someone who can help, describe the animal and his physical condition as accurately as possible.
Unless you are told otherwise, here’s how you can make an animal more comfortable for transport:
You can leave the injured, orphaned, or sick wild animal in one of our night cages so we can assess first thing the following morning, or you can keep the animal somewhere safe and contained in your home until you are able to bring it to us the following morning (recommended).
Unless you are told otherwise, here’s how you can make an animal more comfortable for transport:
If you can contain the bird or turtle, do not remove the hook or fishing line. Bring the animal to us. You may cause more injury removing it, and there may be other internal hooks.
Bring it to us or any other wildlife rehabilitation center if the baby is smaller than 7 inches (typically the length of your middle finger to wrist).
If it is larger than 7 inches and moves well with no wounds, it no longer needs a parent. He/she can be released back into the wild.
NO. Please bring it to your nearest rehabilitation facility. There may be a puncture wound or broken bones.
If the baby is warm, does not have ants, does not have a wound, and was not caught by an animal, it can possibly be reunited with its mother.
Scoop the bird with both hands by placing one hand on each side, covering each wing with your hand. Have the box/carrying container close by, and place the bird on a pillowcase or paper towel.
You can report to FWC or your local police department.
Never offer it food or water Bring the bird in if there is blood, any body part is limp, or it does not start to recover after 15 minutes.
Otherwise:
Yes, we do. You can read about it here.
We are not open for tours due to state regulations per our permit license. If you wish to see wildlife in their natural area, please visit one of our many natural areas or local, state, or national parks.
To view animals in captivity, please visit a local zoo or refuge.
Email us with the same name and phone number that you put on the admissions form you completed when you dropped off the animal.
We are no longer able to pick up wildlife in our community due to a lack of funding. The fastest way to get any animal help is to drive it to us yourself.
If you are not able to drive a contained, injured, or orphaned animal to us, you can:
Order a Lyft or Uber; they will drop the animal off at our door. Make sure to write your name and number on the box.
Ask a friend or neighbor to help.
Contact us. We may have volunteers that can assist with transport.
No, we are a 501©(3) which means we are a charity. Our work is possible by generous donations from the public, community grants, and other forms of donations. To help, consider donating.
No, we do not feed any of our admitted patients to our other patients. All patients are offered food that is donated or explicitly purchased for feeding.
First, keep a visual of the injured animal. Then call the park rangers or other employees for help.
Yes, check out our Volunteer page.