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Hope Rescue to Build Wildlife Sanctuary in Ormond Beach

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. to-build-wildlife-sanctuary-in-ormond-beach.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 20:31 GMT by WESH
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - February 18, 2026 - Hope Rescue, a vital non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of Florida's wildlife, is embarking on an ambitious project to construct a permanent sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals. Currently operating from a leased facility, the organization faces significant limitations in providing the comprehensive care needed by the hundreds of animals it receives annually. This new sanctuary promises to dramatically expand Hope Rescue's capabilities, offering specialized treatment, expanded rehabilitation facilities, and crucial educational opportunities for the public.

Founded with a passion for animal welfare, Hope Rescue has become a cornerstone of wildlife rehabilitation in the Ormond Beach area. Each year, the organization welcomes a diverse range of animals, including native birds, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and even foxes, all requiring varying degrees of care due to injury, illness, or displacement. The limitations of the current rented space severely hamper their ability to fully meet the needs of these vulnerable creatures.

"We're incredibly grateful for the space we have, but it's just not enough," explains Laura Smith, founder of Hope Rescue. "Being in a rented facility means we're constantly constrained by space. It impacts everything from the size and specialization of enclosures, to the ability to create dedicated spaces for specialized care, and frankly, it hinders our long-term planning."

The planned sanctuary represents a significant step forward. The $500,000 project envisions a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically to address the unique requirements of Florida's wildlife. Key features include specialized enclosures tailored to the needs of different species, ensuring optimal comfort and recovery. A dedicated rehabilitation center, equipped with modern veterinary equipment and treatment areas, will allow Hope Rescue to provide more advanced medical care. Moreover, the sanctuary will incorporate educational spaces designed to engage the public and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation.

"Education is a huge part of what we want to achieve," Smith emphasizes. "We want people to understand the vital role these animals play in our ecosystem and the threats they face. By opening up the sanctuary to the public, we can demonstrate our work firsthand and inspire others to become advocates for wildlife protection."

The need for wildlife rehabilitation centers is increasingly acute in Florida. Habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and encounters with domestic animals contribute to a constant influx of injured and orphaned wildlife. Organizations like Hope Rescue provide a critical lifeline, offering medical attention, nourishment, and specialized care to these animals with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. However, these efforts are increasingly strained by limited resources and inadequate facilities.

Beyond the immediate benefits to the animals themselves, a permanent sanctuary will also provide economic benefits to the local community. Increased tourism, volunteer opportunities, and potential partnerships with local schools and universities are all positive outcomes anticipated from the project. Furthermore, a robust wildlife population contributes to a healthier ecosystem, benefiting the entire region.

Hope Rescue is actively seeking support from the community to bring this vision to life. Donations of any size are welcomed and will be used directly to fund the construction of the sanctuary. The organization is also appealing for volunteers with a variety of skills, from construction and landscaping to animal care and administrative support. Individuals interested in contributing can find more information and make a donation or volunteer application on the Hope Rescue website: [ https://www.hoperescueflorida.org/ ].

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations to Hope Rescue are tax-deductible, providing an added incentive for individuals and businesses to support this important cause. The sanctuary is not just a building; it's an investment in the future of Florida's wildlife and the health of the environment for generations to come. The organization hopes to break ground on the new facility in late 2026, with a projected completion date in early 2027.