Lion Country Safari has been a licensed wildlife rehabilitator since it opened in 1967.
Permanently injured, non-releasable native birds, such as brown pelicans and great horned owl, are housed here and serve as ambassadors for their species, helping to educate the public about conservation of native wildlife, and how they can help protect marine animals by not releasing fishing line into the ocean. Lion Country’s veterinary staff members have donated their time and expertise to assist other wildlife rehabilitation facilities, such as Okeeheelee Nature Center, Loxahatchee Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and Venice Nature Center.
Lion Country Safari works cooperatively with a number of local conservation organizations to help to protect and rehabilitate species. Some of these include:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
- Florida Avian Group (FLAG)
- Audubon Society of the Everglades
- Stow It, Don’t Throw It
