Since 1998, Forest Animal Rescue (formerly known as Peace River Refuge and Ranch) has ensured that rescued wild animals, in the wild or in captivity have the space and peace that they need to heal and thrive. When education on how to reduce our impact on wild animals fails, we coordinate with state biologists, native wildlife rehabilitators, and true sanctuaries to ensure that wild animals receive the respect they deserve.

At the request of the authorities from Florida and surrounding states, black bear cubs are rehabilitated and, once they have regained their health, are returned to the authorities for release in appropriate locations. 

As a service to other wildlife rehabilitators across Florida, native wild animals are transported for their care and others that have been rehabilitated are also provided with a safe, protected location, owned by the sanctuary, to be released back into their native habitat.

With 25 years of experience in the operation of a wild animal sanctuary for rescued captive animals (ranging from big cats and bears to primates, bats and more) - we offer a wealth of information to the next generation of wild animal sanctuary founders to get started in the right direction.