Located on the Ponce de Leon Park overlooking Charlotte Harbor, the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda is within easy reach of both Fort Myers and Sarasota. The center has two aims: to rescue/rehabilitate animals and to educate humans.
Birds and Wildlife at the Peace River Sanctuary
Most of the 2,000 creatures that pass through the wildlife sanctuary each year are injured birds including hawks, owls, bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, egrets, herons and sandhill cranes.
Photo courtesy Peace River Wildlife Center
Large mammals such as Florida panthers, brown pelicans, Key deer and Florida black bears are also treated at the sanctuary. They may be suffering from illness, injury or may have been a victim of a road traffic accident.
Photo courtesy Peace River Wildlife Center
This local wildlife center has been operating in Southwest Florida for 33 years. You never know quite know what you will see on your visit as the center is a rehab and recovery center for injured wildlife such as opossums, bobcats and screech owls. The ultimate aim is to provide veterinary care and temporary food and shelter before releasing the wildlife back into their native habitat.