Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital is dedicated to the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, and sick native wildlife
Every year, our hospital provides lifesaving care to thousands of animals across South Florida, helping them
return to the wild where they belong.
The Wildlife Hospital at Sawgrass Nature Center also serves as an important community resource. Our staff
and volunteers field thousands of calls each year, helping residents learn how to safely coexist with local
wildlife and what to do when they encounter an animal in need.
Each year, the Sawgrass Nature Center Wildlife Hospital cares for a wide variety of native Florida wildlife. Our team
provides treatment and rehabilitation for animals ranging from tiny songbirds to large birds of prey.
Common wildlife patients include:
Wildlife arrives at the hospital for many reasons. Many animals are injured due to vehicle strikes, window
collisions, habitat loss, or encounters with pets. Others arrive as orphaned babies during spring and
summer nesting seasons. Our team provides stabilization, medical treatment, nutritional support, and
rehabilitation until the animal is strong enough to return safely to its natural habitat.
Our goal is always the same: rehabilitate and release every animal back into the wild whenever possible.
Red Condinal
Red Condinal
Opossum
Many factors influence our intake numbers such as people traveling, outdoor temperatures, rainy/stormy season, etc. All of these factors determine whether animals are in need and/or if people are willing to bring them in to us. This year we have had more people willing to attempt renestings that were successful. This is a good thing as keeping the animal in the wild is always best
Apalachicola King Snake
You can support the hospital by donating frequently needed items from our Wildlife Wishlist or Amazon Wishlist
Hospital needs include:
Donations can be dropped off at Sawgrass Nature Center Tuesday-Friday from 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-3pm