What Happens After a Wild Animal Arrives?

One of the most common questions we hear from the public is,"What happens after I bring an animal to you?

"Whether it's an injured hawk, an orphaned squirrel, or tiny songbirds during baby season, every patient that arrives at our wildlife hospital begins a carefully managed journey focused on one goal: returning healthy wildlife to the wild whenever possible.

Intake and Examination

When an animal arrives, our team gathers information about where it was found, what happened, and any symptoms that have been observed. This information helps us determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

The patient then receives a physical examination. Depending on its condition, the animal may require emergency stabilization, pain management, fluid therapy, wound treatment, medications, diagnostic imaging, or surgery.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Once an animal is medically stable, rehabilitation begins.

Wildlife rehabilitation is about much more than healing injuries. Animals must also be able to perform the behaviors necessary to survive in the wild. Birds must be able to fly effectively. Mammals must be able to forage, climb, hunt, or evade predators. Reptiles must be able to move, feed, and function normally in their environment.Throughout rehabilitation, we work to restore physical health while minimizing human interactions so animals retain their natural behaviors.

Ongoing Quality of Life Assessments

As wildlife professionals, we continually evaluate each patient’s quality of life and potential for release.We ask important questions:

• Can the animal survive independently?
• Can it find food and water?
• Can it avoid predators?
• Can it move normally?
• Can it live free from chronic pain and distress?

Our goal is not simply to keep an animal alive. Our goal is to ensure it has the opportunity for a life worth living.

"Can You Just Keep It?"

This is one of the questions we hear most frequently. Our primary purpose is rehabilitation and release.

Sometimes members of the public tell us:
“If it can't be released, can you just keep it?”
Unfortunately, it is rarely that simple.

Not every injured animal can have a good quality of life in captivity. A bird that cannot fly, a mammal that cannot move normally, or an animal living with chronic pain may survive, but survival alone does not equal welfare.

In addition, space for non-releasable wildlife is extremely limited. Educational facilities, nature centers, zoos, and sanctuaries have strict permit requirements and only a small number of openings available each year.

Can I Keep It If You Can’t Fix It?

Another question we often hear is:
“If you can't fix it, can I keep it?”
In Florida, the answer is generally no.

Native wildlife is protected by state and federal laws. In Florida, individuals may not keep sick, injured, orphaned, or otherwise impaired wildlife beyond the time necessary to transport it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitation requires permits issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Sometimes people say, “Then I’ll take it somewhere else.” We understand this comes from a place of caring. However, changing facilities does not change the animal’s injuries, prognosis, or quality of life. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are required to follow the same regulations and make decisions based on the welfare of the animal.

When Release Isn't Possible

The outcome we celebrate most is release back into the wild. Unfortunately, not every animal can reach that goal.

When an animal suffers injuries that prevent it from flying, finding food, avoiding predators, or otherwise living as a wild animal, we must carefully consider what comes next.

If an appropriate educational placement is available and the animal can maintain a good quality of life in captivity, placement may be considered. However, suitable homes are limited, and not every non-releasable animal qualifies.

When an animal cannot be released and cannot be humanely maintained in captivity, euthanasia may be the most compassionate option. These decisions are never made because an animal is common, inconvenient, or expensive to treat. They are based on medical condition, prognosis, welfare, and quality of life.

Our Commitment

Every animal that enters our care receives compassionate treatment, professional medical attention, and thoughtful evaluation.

Whether the outcome is release, placement in a permitted educational home, or humane euthanasia to prevent suffering, every decision is guided by one principle:

What is in the best interest of the animal?

When you bring an injured or orphaned wild animal to our hospital, you are giving that animal its best possible chance. Thank you for helping us provide care, hope, and second chances to the wildlife that share our community.

Found a Wild Animal That Needs Help?
If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal, please contact PRWC before attempting care on your own. Our team can help you determine the next best step.

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PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER(PRWC) IS A 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT WILDLIFE REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION CENTER. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." REGISTRATION #: CH33393

Peace River Wildlife Center

Cassie Tessier, CWR

Wildlife Rescue & Education