In Wellington Florida-the Folke Peterson Wildlife Center is actively engaged in saving Florida's wildlife. They get called to go to many places all around Florida to pick up injured wild animals, nurse them back to health and then release them back into the wild.
At Discovery Quest at the Gold Coast Christian Camp they have the most awesome nature classes for homeschool families. On one of the days we went to nature class the director had invited the Folke Peterson Wildlife Center to come and give a talk to the children about what to do if you run into an injured wild animal and how to be careful around wildlife.
The staff from Folke Peterson Wildlife center brought in some very interesting animals to show the children. All of the animals they brought with them were ones that had become attached to humans and could not make it out in the wild anymore on their own.
At the wildlife center their goal is for the animals to have as little contact as possible with humans so that they will go back in the wild and not just walk up to humans who could hurt them not realizing they were just used to them. I have some cool videos of the different animals they brought in.
The hawk was not allowed to be touched by anyone except his caretaker. It is against the law to touch a hawk because they are on the endangered species list.
An opposum is a wonderful animal and there is no need to be afraid of them when they come into your backyard. In fact, they are great to have around. The wildlife center suggests that when one crawls into your garbage can or a bucket in your yard to leave him be. They are great nocturnal creatures who eat the rats and other pests. They will not hurt you. They also will not give you rabies and they carry no viruses. This is because their body temporature is cool enough that their systems to not allow any rabies or other viruses to live in their bodies. What a great relief that was to learn this! We get a lot of opposums in our backyard here and there.
The skunk you see in the video was a pet at one time. The skunk got too big and the people just dropped him off at the animal control shelter. Animal control called the Wellington Florida Folke Peterson Wildlife Center to come and take the skunk. So now he lives at the wildlife center.
You can take your children out for a trip to see the Wellington Florida Folke Peterson Wildlife Center.You can also adopt an animal. No, you can't take one home with you. But you can help take care of your animal through a donation to buy him his food. You will receive a Certificate of Adoption with a photo of your animal.
More than even the adoptions they need volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your time please contact the wildlife center at 561-793-2473.
They are located at 10948 Acme Road in Wellington Florida 33414. It takes people around the clock to feed the animals. Some of the animals have to eat every hour around the clock, especially the birds. They have a wish list of items they need donated too. The list surely has something on there that you can buy and bring over to the wildlife center. If you have children, what a great way to teach them to help animal life. Click the video below to watch some of the animals and the hawk talking! This is so cool! Enjoy!