The new Alaqua Animal Refuge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a very busy place. Since its start in September, the Center has treated 86 patients as of Nov. 22, 2021. Quite a few varieties have come through the doors with 33 different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
“Some of the most interesting cases we have seen is a barred owl with blood parasites that is currently being treated with anti-malaria medication, a double crested cormorant with brevotoxin poisoning, brown pelicans with pouch lacerations, our vet pinned the humerus of a baby eastern gray squirrel that was attacked by a dog, a black vulture and osprey that had pellets from a pellet gun embedded in them, and two orphaned flying squirrel siblings,” said Shelby Proie, Wildlife Director.
We asked Shelby what are some of the biggest challenges since opening. “I would say the biggest challenge is finding transportation for patients to get to us. Many finders are unable/unwilling to catch and/or transport injured wildlife that they come across. Almost everyday I am picking up patients either on my way in or on my way home. My biggest wish is that at some point we gain funding (grant, donation, etc.) to get a wildlife vehicle and be able to employ someone to go out on rescues. We try to get staff out as much as possible, but it is difficult to find time when taking care of our onsite patients and keeping up with other duties. We are training volunteers to do rescues and pick ups but sometimes it is dangerous, and we want to make sure they are comfortable and have proper training and equipment. Also, they are volunteering their time so it’s a lot to ask for them to drive an hour to pick up an animal, bring it to us, then drive home, and we understand that. I think being able to offer a wildlife ambulance service would be so helpful to the community and be a safer alternative for the finders and animals needing intervention,” she said.
As with all of its facilities and services, Alaqua operates solely on funds that are raised through private donations and fundraising. Currently, the non-profit organization does not receive any state or federal funding for these types of community programs and services.
If you are interested becoming a volunteer or learning more call 850-880-6697. Alaqua Animal Refuge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is located at 914 Whitfield Road, Freeport, FL 32439
About Alaqua Animal Refuge
Alaqua Animal Refuge is a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, located in the panhandle of Florida. As the Southeast’s premier 501(c)3 refuge, Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Committed to providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need, this private, non-profit Refuge also offers a full-service adoption center, educational outreach, and community programs that extend far beyond their geographic location. Since its inception in 2007, Alaqua, led by Founder Laurie Hood, has become a recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy. Alaqua is currently in the midst of a relocation and expansion capital campaign to build a one-of-a-kind facility—the first in the United States—on 100 acres. The new facility and sanctuary will allow Alaqua to continue to do the important work of animal rescue and rehabilitation, as well as be an educational and training center for animal welfare advocates as a place that will inspire, empower, and educate others to make change in our society and recreate the model worldwide. To learn more, visit http://www.alaqua.org/