When Wildlife Needs You: How to Help Injured Animals and Support Orlando’s Lifesaving Refuge

You never forget the moment: a hawk on the roadside with a crumpled wing, a raccoon limping across a Windermere sidewalk, or a turtle flipped near a retention pond in Dr. Phillips. In a place as ecologically rich as Central Florida, our neighborhoods are more than just suburban enclaves—they’re shared habitats. And when wildlife gets hurt, knowing what to do can make all the difference.

First, resist the instinct to swoop in. Injured wild animals are often frightened and in pain, and well-meaning intervention can cause more harm than good. Instead, observe from a distance and take note of the animal’s location, behavior, and visible injuries. Keep pets and children away, and never attempt to feed or treat the animal yourself. The safest and most effective next step is to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator—like Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge.

Located just a short drive from Orlando’s best neighborhoods, Back to Nature has been a quiet force in conservation for over 30 years. What started as a one-woman operation has blossomed into a regional lifeline for injured and orphaned wildlife. Each year, the refuge takes in thousands of animals—everything from owls and bobcats to foxes and turtles—working to rehabilitate and release as many as possible back into their native Florida habitats.

This summer marks a major milestone for the refuge. On Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Back to Nature will host a grand reopening celebration, unveiling its newly expanded facility. Thanks to a partnership with Orange County Government, the remodeled space includes upgraded enclosures, expanded rehab areas, and an enhanced visitor experience—all designed to better serve both wildlife and the people who care about them.

And that’s the heart of it: people. Wildlife rescue isn’t funded by ticket sales or corporate profits. It survives on community support. Every time someone makes a donation, sponsors an enclosure, or becomes a member, they’re directly helping animals in distress. With the continued growth of the Orlando area, especially in places like Dr. Phillips and Windermere, calls to the refuge are increasing. More roads mean more collisions. More construction means more habitat loss. And more need means more financial strain on the very places working to protect what makes Florida wild.

If you’ve ever searched for Orlando property investment or browsed Orlando real estate listings, you already know this is a region where growth is booming. But alongside every new driveway or condo, there’s wildlife adjusting—and sometimes struggling—to survive. Back to Nature is the only full-service wildlife refuge in the region committed to both healing animals and educating humans. They don’t just fix what’s broken—they teach us how to be better neighbors.

So whether you’re a long-time resident or new to one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, make it part of your life to support the wildlife that shares this land. Visit the refuge, bring your kids, learn what to do if you find an injured animal, and donate if you’re able. Even small gifts help provide food, vet care, and safe shelter for animals in crisis.

On July 12, when Back to Nature cuts the ribbon on its next chapter, it’s not just a celebration for the animals—it’s a moment for the whole community. A chance to reconnect with the natural world that still thrives just beyond our backyards. A reminder that compassion doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it chirps. Sometimes, it limps. And sometimes, it needs a hand.

Visit btnwildlife.org to learn more, plan your visit, or make a donation that truly makes a difference.