Conservancy Hosts Wildlife Housewarming 

Conservancy of Southwest Florida invites the public to celebrate the Conservancy’s wildlife ambassadors as they move into their new homes in the newly expanded outdoor wildlife rehabilitation area, now open at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. The wildlife ambassadors are former patients, now permanent residents, unable to be released due to the extent of their injuries. On Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 AM to 3 PM, the Conservancy is hosting a housewarming party to include special wildlife tours, ambassador animal encounters and light refreshments throughout the day. At 2:15 PM, the Wildlife 101 program gives guests more information on the types of injuries that are treated at the Conservancy, and how the public can help protect native wildlife. At 2:45 PM, the new bald eagle ambassador will be introduced, and the animal’s name announced.

Guests are encouraged to make a donation or bring a gift to the housewarming party to support the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. In turn, the Conservancy will offer donors one free admission per group to the Conservancy’s 21-acre Nature Center. Admission is free to Conservancy members, $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for children ages 3-11 years old, and free for children two and younger.

For those who cannot attend or wish to do more to support the care of injured or native wildlife, an Amazon gift registry has been created, with a wish list of much-needed items to help the Conservancy staff and volunteers to care for the more than 3,500 animals treated annually.

“From food bowls to garden carts to cleaning items, there are so many items that we use daily in the care of injured wildlife, and even a small gift makes a difference,” said Joanna Fitzgerald, director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. “The Conservancy took great care to create areas which replicate their natural environment as much as possible. As our wildlife ambassadors are getting comfortable in their new homes, we’d like to show you around. We hope you can join us!”