Wildlife Rehabilitation Programs in the Sarasota & Manatee County Area

Sarasota, in the Tampa Bay Region, is dedicated to nature preservation and wildlife rehabilitation.  There is an abundance of volunteer opportunities for those interested in this most worthwhile cause. 

For example, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is in Sarasota.  They also have another facility in the Florida Keys currently working on coral reef restoration after being provided a $7 million grant.

Presently, an additional state-of-the-art 110,000 square foot educational aquarium and rehabilitation facility ($280 million project) is under construction in the Lakewood Ranch area of Sarasota. 

Here are just a few of the many initiatives helping injured and/or abandoned wildlife:

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - An independent, nonprofit marine research institution comprising world-class marine scientists committed to the belief that the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education.

Originally focused on sharks, their research has expanded to include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of human-made and natural toxic substances on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment.

Their research programs also focus on understanding the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs and on conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems.

Save Our Seabirds is a non-profit organization based in Sarasota, Florida, that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned seabirds. The organization was founded in 1981 and has since become a leader in seabird rescue and conservation.

Save Our Seabirds operates a rescue and rehabilitation center, which is open to the public, and provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned seabirds, such as pelicans, gulls, terns, and other coastal birds. The center is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals who provide medical care, food, and shelter to the birds until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.

The organization also runs an education program that aims to raise awareness about the importance of seabirds and their role in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems. The program includes guided tours of the rescue center, educational talks and presentations, and outreach to schools and community groups.

In addition to its rescue and education programs, Save Our Seabirds also advocates for policies and practices that protect seabirds and their habitats. The organization collaborates with other conservation groups and government agencies to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable development along Florida's coasts.

Overall, Save Our Seabirds plays a critical role in protecting and preserving Florida's coastal wildlife, and serves as a model for seabird conservation efforts worldwide. They respond to over 5,000 calls per year.

RVR Horse Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Riverview, Florida, that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses in need. The organization was founded in 2004 and has since become a leading equine rescue and rehabilitation center in the region.

RVR Horse Rescue provides a safe and nurturing environment for horses that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The organization's team of volunteers and staff work tirelessly to provide medical care, food, shelter, and training to the horses until they are ready for adoption.

The organization also offers educational programs and outreach to the community, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of animal welfare and responsible ownership. The organization has a strong focus on equine education and offers a variety of programs, including riding lessons, horsemanship clinics, and workshops on horse care and training.

RVR Horse Rescue relies heavily on volunteers and donations to carry out its mission. The organization welcomes volunteers of all ages and skill levels to help with everything from feeding and grooming the horses to assisting with fundraising and outreach events.

RVR Horse Rescue is a vital resource for horses in need in the Tampa Bay area and plays an important role in promoting responsible animal ownership and equine welfare.

Peace River Wildlife Rescue Center is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and education center based in Punta Gorda, Florida. The center is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife, and releasing them back into their natural habitats.

Peace River Wildlife Center was founded in 1978 and has since grown to become one of the leading wildlife rehabilitation centers in Southwest Florida. The center has a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who provide medical care, food, and shelter to a wide variety of native Florida wildlife, including birds of prey, reptiles, and mammals.

In addition to its rehabilitation work, Peace River Wildlife Center also offers educational programs to the public, including guided tours of the facility and outreach to schools and community groups. The center's educational programs aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and to promote responsible behavior towards wildlife.

Peace River Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on donations and volunteers to carry out its mission. The center welcomes volunteers of all ages and skill levels, and offers a wide range of opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference in the lives of Florida's wildlife.

The Myakka Elephant Ranch is a wildlife sanctuary and elephant conservation center located in Sarasota County, Florida, United States. The ranch is situated within the Myakka River State Park, which is one of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida.

The ranch provides a safe and natural environment for Asian elephants, which are an endangered species. The elephants at the ranch are retired circus and zoo elephants that have been rescued from various parts of the country.

Visitors to the Myakka Elephant Ranch can take part in guided tours and elephant encounters, which allow them to observe and interact with these gentle giants up close. The tours include opportunities to watch the elephants being fed, bathed, and cared for by their handlers.

In addition to the elephant encounters, visitors to the ranch can also enjoy the natural beauty of the Myakka River State Park, which offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking.

The Myakka Elephant Ranch is a unique and educational destination that provides an unforgettable experience for visitors while also promoting the conservation of one of the world's most beloved and endangered animals.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit organization based in Sarasota, Florida, that is dedicated to providing a safe and permanent home for big cats and other exotic animals that have been rescued from captivity or mistreatment. The sanctuary was founded in 1987 and has since become one of the leading big cat sanctuaries in the United States.

The sanctuary is home to over 150 animals, including lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and other exotic cats, as well as bears, primates, birds, and reptiles. The animals at the sanctuary come from a variety of backgrounds, including circuses, roadside attractions, and private owners, and are provided with spacious enclosures, nutritious food, and medical care.

In addition to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the animals, Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary also offers educational programs and outreach to the community. The sanctuary's educational programs aim to raise awareness about the plight of big cats and other exotic animals in captivity, and to promote conservation and responsible animal ownership.

Visitors to the sanctuary can take guided tours, watch animal shows, and observe the animals in their natural habitats. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for visitors to interact with some of the animals, including holding and feeding baby animals.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a unique and important organization that provides a lifelong home to big cats and other exotic animals in need, while also promoting education and awareness about animal welfare and conservation.

Sarasota Parrot Conservatory is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of parrots and other birds in the Sarasota, Florida area. The organization was founded in 2016 and is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers who work to provide a safe and loving environment for birds in need.

Sarasota Parrot Rescue takes in parrots and other birds that have been surrendered by their owners or have been found as strays. The organization provides medical care, socialization, and training to the birds in its care, with the ultimate goal of finding them permanent, loving homes.

In addition to rescue and adoption services, Sarasota Parrot Rescue also provides education and outreach to the community. The organization offers educational seminars and workshops on parrot care and behavior and works to promote responsible pet ownership and the importance of adoption.

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue is a non-profit animal welfare organization based in Bradenton, Florida. The organization was founded in 2008 and is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats in need.

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue provides a safe and nurturing environment for dogs and cats that have been abandoned, neglected, or surrendered. The organization's team of dedicated volunteers and staff work tirelessly to provide medical care, food, shelter, and training to the animals until they are ready for adoption.

The organization also offers educational programs and outreach to the community, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of animal welfare and responsible ownership. The organization has a strong focus on animal education and offers a variety of programs, including dog obedience training, puppy socialization, and educational workshops on animal care and training.

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue relies heavily on donations and volunteers to carry out its mission. The organization welcomes volunteers of all ages and skill levels to help with everything from walking dogs to assisting with fundraising and outreach events.

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue is a vital resource for dogs and cats in need in the Sarasota-Manatee area and plays an important role in promoting responsible animal ownership and animal welfare.

The Cat Depot is a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue and adoption center located in Sarasota, Florida. The organization was founded in 2003 and is dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, abandoned, and injured cats and kittens in the Sarasota area.

The Cat Depot provides a safe and caring environment for cats and kittens, where they receive necessary medical care, socialization, and love. The organization has a team of dedicated staff members and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that the cats in their care are healthy and happy.

In addition to rescue and adoption services, the Cat Depot also provides a range of programs and services to the community, including low-cost spay and neuter services, trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for feral cats, and educational outreach programs.

The Cat Depot is funded through donations and grants, and the organization relies heavily on the support of volunteers to carry out its mission. If you're in the Sarasota area and are interested in volunteering or adopting a cat, you can visit their website for more information.