New wildlife rehabilitation hospital opens in Freeport

Panhandle Wildlife Rescue has opened a new wildlife rehabilitation center and hospital in Freeport, expanding its capacity to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife throughout the Florida Panhandle.

• The nonprofit organization announced the grand opening of its full-scale facility on May 14. The center will serve as a critical resource for native wildlife across 11 counties spanning from Navarre to Tallahassee.

“The opening of this facility, thanks to a transformative donation from Ryan Jumonville and Family, marks a major step forward in our commitment to the wildlife of the Emerald Coast,” said Shelby Robinson, founder and executive director of Panhandle Wildlife Rescue.

The new hospital is expected to admit between 1,000 and 2,000 animal patients annually, focusing on medical care, orphan rearing and intensive rehabilitation services.

According to PWR, the Florida Panhandle contains the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystem in the contiguous United States. The organization treats hundreds of different species each year from various habitats ranging from upland pine forests to the Gulf.

The center’s “Respect the Locals” campaign addresses the increasing frequency of human-wildlife interactions in the region. Through educational programs and citizen science initiatives, PWR aims to help residents and visitors coexist with native Florida species.

• “Nothing feeds the soul more than watching a once-broken creature return to the wild,” said Raven Smith, head of PWR development.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Panhandle Wildlife Rescue operates without federal, state or local funding. All services — including rescues, surgeries, critical care and a 24/7 wildlife rescue hotline — are supported entirely through community donations. 

The facility is located at 5951 Highway 20 in Freeport, with an alternate intake facility at 256 Miley Rd. The wildlife rescue hotline can be reached at 850-889-1104.

For more information about Panhandle Wildlife Rescue or to donate, visit here.