Wildlife, Inc. Reopens After Yearlong Recovery from Hurricane Damage

After more than a year of restoration and repairs, Manatee County’s largest wildlife rescue facility — Wildlife, Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton Beach — has fully reopened its doors to the public.

The center sustained significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, forcing it to close for over a year while continuing limited rescue operations. Now, with repairs complete, phone lines restored, and new enclosures built, the center is once again fully operational.

Founded and operated by Gail Straight, Wildlife, Inc. has long served as a vital resource for injured and orphaned wildlife throughout Manatee County and beyond. The reopening marks a significant milestone for the organization and its dedicated team of volunteers.

Volunteer Jill St. John, who has been part of the organization for eight years, said she is thrilled to see the facility return to full function. The center has already assisted more than a thousand rescued animals this year, including birds, mammals, and reptiles affected by storms, illness, or human impact.

Much of the past year’s effort was focused on rebuilding infrastructure — including new cages, shelving, and housing for recovering animals — after floodwaters and wind damage from the hurricanes destroyed a significant portion of the facility.

With operations back to normal, calls for rescues are once again pouring in on a daily basis. Volunteers and staff are now focused on continuing their mission of rehabilitation and education, ensuring that hundreds of wild animals can safely return to their natural habitats.