Tricia’s Talon Talk | October 2026
A Message From Tricia LaPointe
CEO/Executive Director, Peace River Wildlife Center
Published October 1, 2026
A New Chapter Is Taking Shape
There is something exciting about watching a vision slowly become a reality—and that is exactly what is happening at Peace River Wildlife Center.
Construction at our new Education Center on West Henry Street is moving forward, and each week brings another visible milestone. Inside the Education Building, walls and finishes are nearing completion and the building is almost ready for paint. The roof installation is beginning this week, bringing us another step closer to having a secure, beautiful space where our community can connect with Florida’s native wildlife.
Outside, framing for the habitats is now complete. It is becoming much easier to imagine the finished site: permanent resident animals in thoughtfully designed habitats, visitors learning about Florida wildlife and conservation, students discovering the importance of protecting our natural world, and families creating memories together.
While we are building for the future, the work of caring for wildlife never stops.
At the Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, our team has been incredibly busy. We have already welcomed a record 2,492 wildlife patients, representing an increase of 23.8% over this time last year. Every intake represents an animal that needed help—and a member of our team who answered the call.
From birds injured by collisions and storms to mammals orphaned or displaced, our rehabilitation team continues to provide specialized care around the clock. Some animals will return to the wild, while others may require transfer to another licensed facility or become permanent residents when they cannot safely survive on their own.
These two projects, the new Education Center and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, represent different parts of the same mission: to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation and education.
The new Education Center will give us the opportunity to reach more people, provide better educational experiences and create a permanent home for the animals that serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. At the same time, our Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital remains the heart of our rescue and rehabilitation work, caring for thousands of animals each year.
We are building something special at Peace River Wildlife Center, and we are grateful to everyone who is helping make it possible.
There is still much work ahead before we open the doors at our new Education Center, but with every wall completed, every habitat framed and every wildlife patient returned to the wild, we are reminded of why this work matters.
The future of wildlife conservation in our community is taking shape and we are so glad you are part of it.
Learn More About the New Center
If you would like more information on how you can be a part of our – your new Education Center, please email me at prwc.ed@prwildlife.org or call me at 941.637.3830.

