Short but sweet visit. These volunteers do amazing work. We go especially to see Luna.. the beautiful white owl. Free... but please leave an offering. They need funds to do the work. read more

This place has been an absolute highlight for my son and I during our trip to Punta Gorda. Although this preserve is not massive, the love and care that is put into the facility and the creatures they care for is larger than life. The wildlife that call Peace River Nature Preserve 'home' are all animals that will never learn the skills they need to survive in the wild. Here at PRNS, each animal is looked after and given proper medical attention if necessary. Some of their residents are amputees. Most are very social. Each one looks content, healthy and happy. Honestly, it's very heartwarming. The staff here are genuinely excited to share their knowledge with you and answer any questions. Peace River Nature Preserve is run purely based on donations. Let's help them continue their amazing mission to rehabilitate and care for wildlife in need here in Punta Gorda and beyond!! read more

Peace River Wildlife Center - Animal Shelters Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

See all

Volunteer staff was amazing! Every animal they help to protect has a unique story and they are incredible to hear. The facility is small today but easily fills a couple hours of your day. A much larger center is in the planning and will benefit so many animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Such a wonderful place blessed by amazing people committed to helping creatures that otherwise would not have lived. Please visit...often read more

What a gem! This place is a non-profit sanctuary for animals that have been injured. In chatting with the staff, I learned that 49% of the animals are returned to the wild. Many animals here are birds. They accept donations and also have a gift shop. What a great way to give back to our earth. They also have an amazon smile link where when you shop they donate a percentage of your spending to the organization to help save more animals. I'd highly recommend this non-profit organization. They have fully staffed, knowledgeable volunteers and they thoroughly enjoy what they're doing. It was lovely to be greeted right away. The facility is perfect for kids and adults alike! Highly recommend! read more

Peace River Wildlife Center - Owls feet! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

See all

First off, this place is a rescue center, rather small with not a lot of animals, mostly birds - and mostly owls, which admittedly are not very animated. It's by the beach, so quite a detour off the I-95. Just putting these facts out so people know that and won't spoil this lovely place with a 1 star review because they don't set the right expectation. The stars here are the owls, for sure. The volunteers will take the smaller ones out so you can see them up close. So cute I want to take one back with me on my next semester in Hogswart! There are plenty of volunteers around, and chatting w them will greatly enhance your experience as you learn more about their work and the animals. They also have a roseate spoonbill. I thought it was a flamingo as that's the only pink bird I knew, haha. Thank god they weren't hunt to extinction, so I get to see the beautiful bird here. read more

See all

Nice spot for a quick visit. Kids loved the gift shop. Friendly staff. Fun to see birds up close. read more

See all

I came to see Luna, but unfortunately, we missed the time when Luna was out for photo opportunities. If you ever wanted to see an osprey up close, then you should visit this bird sanctuary. There is also a park nearby with a beach view. We encountered a few royal tern birds. read more

See all

What a Treat!!! Right by the Gulf, very peaceful indeed. Animals all very well cared for housed safely. Very informative and the Gift Shop is a lot of fun. read more

Such an amazing place! It's small, but mighty. Staff was friendlyAnd knowledge. Playground and beach area in same parking lot! read more

See all

This is a must have first dinner when we arrive in Punta Gorda. Smaller portions this visit, but the food didn't disappoint. They always have great service. read more

I went to the Peace River Wildlife Center for the first time yesterday and LOVED it. There were several kinds of owls, including an all-white one that is the only one known in the word, adorable blue birds, frolicking pelicans, and more. The volunteers were very helpful, providing lots of interesting information about the birds. I grew up here and I learned a lot about the birds that I'd never known. I highly recommend it. read more

Peace River Wildlife Center - Animal Shelters Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

Definitely worth a quick stop. Admission is free; donations welcome. Volunteers are passionate about helping local wildlife that couldn't survive in the wild anymore. It is an easy walk - you can do it in 15 minutes (although we took about 30). Outside of the area is a small playground, boat dock, small beach, and boardwalk through some mangroves. Despite being about a mile from civilization - surrounded by natural flora and fauna. read more

So cute this sits on a third of an acre and has saved lots of birds. We were lucky they had the owls perched on their arms. Next fall they are moving on to an acre further in. read more

This is a wonderful rehabilitation center for injured birds. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to the care, preservation and protection of local native wildlife. Most of the animals that are brought in are released back into the wild. They also have a number of animals that are too seriously injured to release so they are permanent residents. They receive no government funding so it is run on donations. They also have a great gift shop filled with reasonable priced gifts. Open 7 days a week from 8 to 5. A real must see in Punta Gorda read more

Peace River Wildlife Center - Entrance - Animal Shelters Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

See all

I gave two stars because I appreciate their mission. As for something to do, it takes about 15 minutes to look at the birds. There are a few owls, pelicans and such. The coolest for us would have been to see the eagle that was in a cage tucked away in the back corner where you need to be authorized to enter. There is not a fee to enter, they accept donations as you enter and of course there is a small gift shop at the exit. We did make a contribution at the entrance, and I bought my granddaughter a $25 stuffed animal at the gift shop. read more

Docents, recovering wild life and birds that return after rehabilitation even though they've been set free. The buzz is that this place is going to have to relocate for buzz I won't propagate. Please visit and enjoy it while you can. Don't forget to leave a donation at the front door. Thank you. KQ read more

See all

Small but lovely wildlife rehabilitation zoo at the entrance to Ponce de Leon park. Great for non-toddler children & families. Very friendly volunteers are super informative about all the animals there. Admission is free but donations are requested. One of the crows living there actually says "hi"! read more

Peace River Wildlife Center - Nesting heron in the parking lot! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

See all

Peace river wildlife is a wonderful little gem of a place in Punta Gorda. Great place to bring some friends and family when they come to visit from out of state. It's a very clean very well-kept wonderful place. They have the cutest little tiny baby white owl that you just have to see!!!I would highly recommend this place , not a very big area to walk around so it's good for a little kids or older folks with a cane. read more

Don't miss this sweet little place to see and support this sanctuary! Entrance fee is by donation and its a smaller place but was satisfied and delighted with the experience. The staff is happy to give information and you can tell they love the birds. My family and our out of town visitors really enjoyed ourselves. read more

Peace River Wildlife Center - Meeting the Owls - Animal Shelters Near Me - Punta Gorda, Florida

See all

We drove all the way from south Naples to see this rehabilitation center. It was totally worth the drive. The volunteers were so helpful. We saw mostly birds, but they did also have a baby possum. There are many birds to see being rehabilitated here. This is an awesome place to spend a little time. After you're done there's a small waterfront park right next to it that belongs to either the county or city to have a picnic or just walk through the boardwalk. read more

Small but very informative. Admission is a monetary donation. Extremely clean. A relaxing spot. Nice place for a short walk. read more

This is a wonderful wildlife rescue center. There are many different types of birds (I lost count of how the number of species) and a few other species (opossum, tortoise). The staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The facility is very clean and well organized. There is a fun gift shop with a large selection of clothing, books, jewelry, mugs, etc. They accept donations, but there is no admission fee. read more

Love this place! They do an excellent job of caring for the animals. Also are extremely helpful and willing to share any and all knowledge they have. Loved seeing the bald eagles and red tail hawks up close and personal. We'll be going back a couple times a year to support them for sure. read more

Spent a wonderful hour here with my family while on spring break. Many varieties of birds to see and the highlight was the owls that were out of their habitats for visitors to see close up. The volunteers were wonderful and told us many of the animals' backstories. They have a cute gift shop and the admission fee is a donation to the center. So glad we stopped--my kids loved watching the pelicans & owls especially. read more

We really enjoyed our recent quick visit here, we got to catch part of a pelican and owl talk. Knowledge staff/volunteers. Great florida wildlife you are able to see pretty close up. Be prepared to give donations. read more

See all

Love this place. The volunteers are very informative and friendly. I enjoy watching the birds. They can be so entertaining.

They do a wonderful job taking care of all the birds there. Nice people who are dedicated to helping the animals. There is also a small beach on the harbor. It is nice to sit there, look out over the water, and listen to the birds making lots of different noises. It made me feel like I was relaxing in a far off jungle. They have a walkway through the mangroves too. read more

See all

I was at the park today, had just pulled up in my kayak, then my granddaughter and her dad showed up to help take the kayaks out she is 3 so we walked over to the see the birds and I had no mask, because I had been on the boat all day. So we left no problem I understand, and some very sweet lady chased us down to give us a mask. And we got to enjoy the break birds!! Thank you so much!! read more

I'm in town visiting my brother for the holidays and we were looking for something fun to do with the kids. There's 8 of us so budget friendly is definitely necessary. We started searching around and found the Peace River Wildlife Center. It was a nice afternoon outing. It's located at the entrance of a park which has a playground and access to the water. The Wildlife Center is a rescue facility for birds and mammals. They animals that are critically injured are kept on display while those that can be rehabilitated are released back into the wild. They have several species of birds in natural habitats. It was fun and educational. This is one of the few places where you can actually see a bald eagle! There is no admission fee but donations are accepted as they are not for profit and receive no government funding. It's not a big place so doesn't take long to get through. If you're in the area looking for a family friendly activity, definitely check it out! read more

We loved this little place. There were several different species of bird and other wildlife. Donations are highly encouraged to keep the place going so dont cheap out - it's worth it! Great for kids and adults. read more

If I were an injured bird this is where I would like to go. The personnel that care for these injured or abandoned animals seem to care for them as they would members of their own family. Visitors' donations help support their activities. Fisherman's Village is nearby and would be a good place for shopping or a meal after visiting the center. read more

Nice place with unique birds. Free entry. Money, supplies, and animal food and donations welcome. A little smaller than I expected but they are expanding soon. These people do great work. read more

Located at the entrance of beautiful Ponce De Leon Park. This center provides a much needed service in our community. They offer safety and medical care to sick and injured wildlife. My sister was visiting with her kids so we took a day trip to the park and wildlife center. We spent the day walking through the park and wildlife center, had a picnic and went down to the water. Entrance into the wildlife center is free but a donation is requested and greatly appreciated. If you ever find injured or sick wildlife this is the place you can drop them off for care and rehabilitation. We are very fortunate to have this place in our community as many communities do not have a place to take injured wildlife. read more

What a wonderful place! We stopped by on a whim, needing something to do. No charge for entry, only a donation to continue their refuge work. Owls, pelicans, egrets, hawks - even 2 bald eagles! Cute place and obviously well loved by their volunteers and staff. read more

Wow, what a hidden gem! Be warned it is very small but well worth the visit. Owls, owls and more owls. The staff was beyond polite and knowledgeable that you can tell the birds are well cared for at this facility. Admission is free, but they accept donations (no one hassles you). Great place for all ages, happy we were able to visit. read more

A small baby bird was found on ground under an overpass in PG. It was a construction site . Probably fell out of a nest. Unable to place bird back and unsure which nest he fell out of. Very busy construction site. A worker contacted me and asked me to find a vet. Found PRWC through a local vet and they were very kind and helpful. Told me I could bring it right in. Turns out it isn't any exotic bird, just a pigeon. Never the less, they take in all wildlife that is hurt or orphaned. The bird if fine, just needs to be cared for until can be released back into the wild. I felt so relieved that they took this bird in. They take donations, and so was glad to give one. Now I think I will go back and see the place and animals on my day off. Thank you PCWC. DWilson read more

Educational and awesome. 8 yr old grandson loved it. Very small but VERY WELL done. Admission by donation 5/adult 3/children.

Marvelous small animal rescue facility. Mostly birds, from bald eagles to blue jays. Informed and friendly staff. Very clean. Open to public, no admission, accepted donations. Really enjoyed! read more

Great place tucked away near the water. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. Many species of birds live there including bald eagles, several owls, and Hawks. read more

Wildlife rehabilitation center that provides permanent home for those that cannot be released. See native Florida wildlife up close in a beautiful setting by Charlotte Harbor. read more