Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda reopened at Ponce de Leon Park after being closed since hurricanes Helene and Milton flooded the center and its hospital that treats injured wildlife.
Staff, volunteers, supporters and the public celebrated the latest reopening Feb. 7 when a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception heralded its fourth comeback over the past several years. While the center officially reopened Jan. 27, the hospital on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard reopened Nov. 7, said Beth Marcino, director of development for the center.
The nonprofit, founded in the 1980s by veterinarian Dr. Jerry Gingerich, is facing a funding crisis.
The center’s gift shop and visitor donations provided a steady stream of income, but numerous shutdowns from storms and the COVID-19 pandemic cut off those funding sources.
Meanwhile, PRWC is in the midst of building a new facility, as a part of the parcel of land leased from the city of Punta Gorda for many years was found to be privately owned. PRWC was given time to find a new location, and the city offered land on Henry Street for lease.
A new education center and hospital will be located on the land, but due to various factors, such as supply-chain woes and increasing construction costs, the construction price tag increased.
The original cost estimate rose from $5 million to an approximate $6 million to $7 million, Marcino said. While the official amount still needed is $3 million, she set a goal of $4 million.
PRWC is one of the leading tourist attractions in Charlotte County. Its resident animals, mostly birds, are injured animals who cannot be returned to the wild. Enclosed in large structures, some include owls, eagles, wading birds, pelicans and hawks.
Some of the injured, treated by Dr. Robin Jenkins, are released once they are healed.
Last year, Great American Cruises began to drop anchor in Charlotte Harbor and offered tour excursions in Charlotte County, including PRWC.
Several of the education center’s birds are ambassadors with their handlers bringing them to various events and fundraisers.
One of the handlers, Robert Warren, who is in charge of a great horned owl named Bella, was honored at the ribbon cutting by PRWC Executive Director Tricia LaPointe for his many years of service.
“Between the two locations, estimated damages are $250,000 to $300,000,” LaPointe said. “We do not have flood insurance. The previous board did not feel it was needed.”
The birds and wildlife were evacuated ahead of the storms, and most were saved except for four birds lost due to trauma suffered during Hurricane Helene. Center ambassadors, such as Luna the Owl, remain at the original center, but other residents were placed elsewhere temporarily until they could return last month.
Local businesses reached out to PRWC, offering their help. Marcino said both the Coastal Isles Wine Bar and Punta Gorda Mercantile began offering PRWC goods for sale at PRWC pop-up shops, which remain in operation. Gift shop merchandise also is offered for sale on PRWC’s website.
