Business Details
11 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Tampa Bay Wildlife Rescue Partner
Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife was founded in 2015 by lifelong animal lover Kris Porter with a mission to protect, rescue, and rehabilitate Florida's native wildlife. As a state and federally permitted 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we operate entirely through volunteer efforts and public donations. Our team of over 200 dedicated volunteers rescues and rehabilitates approximately 2,600 animals annually, including wild birds, mammals, reptiles, and endangered species like gopher tortoises. We prioritize reducing human impact on local ecosystems through hands-on rehabilitation, community education programs, and public outreach initiatives.Our facility serves as both a critical care center and educational hub, offering symbolic adoption programs, wildlife webcams, and community events to foster environmental stewardship. We maintain strict transparency with donors, ensuring 100% of contributions directly support rescue operations, medical care, and habitat conservation efforts. Our emergency response team operates year-round, providing immediate assistance for injured or orphaned wildlife while educating the public about responsible coexistence with native species.
Services
Wildlife Rescue
Animal Rehabilitation
Community Education
Adoption Programs
Public Outreach
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We rescue over 2,600 native Florida animals annually
- 100% volunteer staff with specialized wildlife expertise
- State and federally permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility
- Transparent donation usage with tax-deductible contributions
- Comprehensive community education and outreach programs
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Services
Wildlife Rescue
Emergency response for injured, orphaned, or displaced native Florida wildlife. Our trained volunteers provide immediate care and safe transportation to rehabilitation facilities. Available year-round for critical cases including birds of prey, reptiles, and endangered species.
Animal Rehabilitation
Specialized medical treatment and recovery programs for native species. We provide long-term care for animals requiring surgical intervention, nutritional support, and behavioral conditioning prior to release into natural habitats across West Central Florida.
Community Education
Interactive outreach programs teaching responsible wildlife coexistence. Our volunteers conduct classroom presentations, community events, and digital content creation to promote conservation awareness and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
Symbolic Adoption
Tax-deductible adoption program supporting specific rescued animals. Donors receive educational materials about their adopted species while funds directly contribute to medical care, habitat maintenance, and rehabilitation expenses for native Florida wildlife.
Public Outreach
Community engagement initiatives including wildlife webcams, rescue statistics tracking, and educational videos. We organize fundraising events and partner with local organizations to expand our conservation impact across Tampa Bay region.
Questions
How do I report an injured wild animal?
Call our emergency line at (813) 598-5926 immediately. Leave detailed voicemail with location, animal type, and contact information. Do not attempt direct intervention.
Can you rescue domestic pets?
We specialize in native Florida wildlife only. For domestic animals, contact local animal control or veterinary services for appropriate assistance.
How are donations utilized?
100% of donations fund rescue operations, medical treatments, facility maintenance, and educational programs. We maintain full transparency with donors about fund allocation.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! We have over 200 volunteers assisting with rescues, animal care, events, and educational programs. Visit our website to complete the application process.
What species do you care for?
We treat all native Florida species including birds of prey, reptiles, mammals, and endangered animals like gopher tortoises. This includes owls, eagles, raccoons, snakes, and more.
Can I visit the facility?
Our facility is not open to the public for safety reasons. However, we offer virtual experiences through webcams and participate in community events for public engagement.
Reviews (5)
Rudolph Wise
Jan 07, 2022
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Called early one morning from Hudson after a referral from Natureworld in Homosassa, then sent a text message. Kris responded within 30 minutes, then Elizabeth was at my house within 30 minutes from that. "Paula" the Possum that was initially assumed "not recoverable" by the person that found her, was picked up by Elizabeth, then transferred to Lakeland for treatment. Both Kris and Elizabeth were INCREDIBLY helpful, informative, and even did me the favor of keeping me updated on "Paula"s condition and Kris even sent me pictures of a much healthier, recovering Paula Possum! I'm not sure if this
Jacob Lott
Dec 24, 2021
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Our cat dragged an owl into the house the night before Thanksgiving. They sent someone OUT to pick up the injured owl ON THANKSGIVING. They just texted to schedule his release at our home so our kids can see it again now they have healed it up from the impact trauma (car impact maybe??). We will be donating and encourage others to as well as they are not charging us for picking it up, healing it or releasing it where it came from & donations are needed to keep up this kind of good work.
Chrissy Marie
Nov 13, 2021
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A wonderful group of caring people. I literally felt helpless when I saw one of the cranes that visit my backyard daily with a ring around its beak. You came and removed it accordingly. You all are wonderful and you're appreciated more than you know!!
Gabrielle Sconzo
Nov 04, 2021
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You can truly tell that the owner Kris cares about the animals. I had an injured hawk that they rescued and the volunteer that came was so sweet and informative. God truly works through these people.
Meggie Castro
Nov 02, 2021
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Truly amazing place. If it is a native Florida species, Owl's Nest can help. They go above and beyond to aid our wildlife and reduce human impact through rehabilitation, education, and teamwork. Completely volunteer run - these people really care. As soon as they can get to you, they will.
