JUPITER, FL - One of South Florida's greatest hidden treasures, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, is moving. South Florida's largest wildlife rehabilitation center has purchased nearly 20 acres of land at Rocky Pines Road and Indiantown Road early this year. With almost double the land size, the Sanctuary will be able to care for more animals and have more visitors to educate on environmental conservation at the new state-of-the-art facility. Groundbreaking is scheduled for later this year.
The Sanctuary has seen an enormous increase in the number of wildlife needing care due to environmental changes, the explosion of new development and the massive influx of new residents - all of which contribute to wildlife injury and illness. Last year, the Busch Wildlife treated almost 6,000 animals native to the Americas and vital to preserving our environment; and had more than 150,000 visitors from throughout the U.S. and other countries.
The new facility will include a state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation center, expanded habitats for the wildlife, including bears, panthers, birds; a Discovery Center where visitors, including school classes, get hands-on education regarding environmental preservation and conservation, and trails meandering past five natural wetlands and 504 native trees. The Sanctuary has launched the "Nurture What's Wild" capital campaign to raise the $15 million needed to complete the facility which operates as a nonprofit and is free and open to the public. Currently, the Sanctuary is financed through private donations, and public and private grants.
The plan for the new facility was revealed at a kick-off gathering Friday attended by community leaders, Sanctuary donors, supporters, volunteers and staff. "This move is a huge step for the future of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, and, more importantly, for the growing needs of our wildlife and Florida," said Sanctuary Executive Director Amy Kight. In expressing gratitude for the expansive support of the Sanctuary and the capital campaign, Ms. Kight added, "We are humbled and overwhelmed by the level of support we are receiving. It tells us that the public cares about our wildlife and the future of our environment." The Sanctuary has already received county permits and is training the wildlife residents for the move. Local residents have expressed approval of their new neighbor because it keeps the land open, excluding major development, and as a great family outing location.
About Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida's wildlife and natural resources. Founded in1983, the Sanctuary protects and restores native wildlife for the benefit of its unique animals, environment, and people. Our goal is to inspire and educate the community in leading local conservation and wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts. For more info, visit www.buschwildlife.org.
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