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Rescuing Ocala Wildlife - ROW

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Rescuing Ocala Wildlife - ROW

Rescuing Ocala Wildlife (ROW) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Central FL. We aim to save injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife and are 100% volunteer-run.
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We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Ocala, FL, serving Marion, Citrus, Sumter, and Lake Counties. If you are able to make a donation to help us continue our work, please visit www.rowildlife.org/donate

06/22/2024

It’s the weekend! Let’s have some fun.

06/21/2024

A simple thank you goes a long way in our world.

06/21/2024

We drove nearly 4,000 miles in May, while our volunteers drove hundreds more miles. We spend about $400 a month in gas to get wildlife from where they are found to licensed rehabbers and veterinarians. If you can donate even $5 please consider helping.

We also take donations of gas cards, or you can donate through PayPal, Venmo or Cashapp, or credit card from our website https://www.rowildlife.org/donate

06/20/2024

Get your very own 4" vinyl ROW sticker with any donation over $30! Just email us your shipping info to [email protected] and donate via Facebook or our website!

All donations are tax-deductible and will go towards the construction of our new wildlife hospital.

Send a message to learn more

06/19/2024

Celebrating freedom and love this Juneteenth.

Happy Juneteenth Day!

06/18/2024

Ok…these are our favorite birds but that doesn’t mean we want to keep getting them in injured!! This beautiful Swallow Tailed Kite came in after hours with head trauma and dehydrated. Today one of our volunteers will be taking him down to The Avian Reconditioning Center for Birds of Prey for rehab. Let’s all cross our fingers that these guys stay in the sky from here on out!

06/15/2024

We are CLOSED today for an early Father’s Day celebration. We will be open tomorrow. Thank you for understanding and have a fantastic weekend!

06/14/2024

1 sauce long

We get frequent calls for itty bitty turtles found by citizens concerned that they’re too small to be alone. However, from the time turtles/tortoises are hatched, they’re equipped with everything they need to survive! They do not spend time with their mothers or siblings, and “take off” (at a given speed) into the world 🐢

06/14/2024

The ONLY shirts we sell are found at https://www.bonfire.com/store/rescuing-ocala-wildlife-row/ 👚🛒

Don’t fall for the scammers in the comments‼️

06/14/2024

For those of you who have been asking for an update….thanks to the amazing Swamp Girl Adventures Reptile Rehabilitation for saving this gorgeous snake. And thank you to her finder for caring!

06/13/2024

It’s the time of year where we are starting to see young adult birds (referred to as “first year birds) who are failing to thrive. A high percentage of birds of prey fail in their first year in the wild. We have had a handful of red shoulder hawks come in this week who were overheated, emaciated, and dehydrated—but ultimately uninjured and showing no symptoms of illness. If you find adult wildlife letting you approach, this is a huge red flag. The best thing you can do is to call for help immediately, do not give food or force water, and contain it if safe to do so. This is now the 4th young hawk to come in like this, but we are hopeful it will make a full recovery.

06/13/2024

Thank you Ocala-News.com for this article! We are so proud to serve this community and are grateful beyond words for your support ♥️

A nonprofit organization that has rescued hundreds of animals over its short existence just closed on a 10.6-acre property where it plans to build a public wildlife hospital.

06/12/2024

Work on our new home/hospital is underway! We are currently “clearing” for enclosure space! (while leaving as many trees as possible….the pink tagged trees are to make SURE they stay!) Thanks High Maintenance tree service for doing a great job and checking for birds and squirrels 🪺🐿️ along the way!

Another thank you to Ocala Junk Removal & Dumpster Rental for providing us with a dumpster!

06/12/2024

🌿🐦 Happy Blue Jay Wednesday! 🐦🌿

Today, let's celebrate the vibrant and charismatic blue jays that grace our skies and gardens with their presence. With their striking blue feathers and distinctive calls, blue jays bring joy to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

These intelligent birds play a vital role in their ecosystems, dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various habitats, from woodlands to urban areas.

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and grace of blue jays and the important role they play in maintaining the balance of nature. Let's work together to protect their habitats and ensure a bright future for these beloved feathered friends. 🌍🐦

06/11/2024

We are out in the rain today! This juvenile red shoulder hawk was found with a spinal cord injury 2-3 days ago, but after trying multiple rehabbers, no one returned their calls. Thankfully, his finders were persistent and determined to get it help, and found our number online. This poor thing is now out of the weather and on its way to rehab.

06/10/2024

The more people that find us, the more animals we can help! Please take a second and leave us at a five star review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://g.co/kgs/bFwKCoC

06/10/2024

Our 2023 Annual Report is out now! Read here: https://www.rowildlife.org/2023-annual-report

06/10/2024

Please help us fundraise by getting your reusable bag for $2.99 at Winn Dixie (Marion Oaks location) all June long! Please share with your friends!

We are honored to be chosen for Winn-Dixie's Community Bag Program for the month of June!!
Visit the Marion Oaks Winn Dixie (184 Marion Oaks Blvd, Ocala 34473) and buy a bag for $2.99-- and $1 per bag will be given back to us!

Send us a picture of you and your new bag for a chance to be featured on our social media!

06/09/2024

Shout out to our new volunteer Amanda for her first solo rescues today! This is a juvenile red shoulder which was lethargic and overheated after being on the ground unable to fly. It is expected to make a full recovery with our rehab partners.

06/08/2024

Happy Gotcha Day to our educational ambassador Corn Snake, Cleo! We are so lucky to have her as part of our outreach crew and thankful for her sweet disposition in educating the public about snakes!

06/07/2024

Wayward wanderers

Can I pet that dog? Two things – 1. Not a dog. 2. Definitely a no - we always recommend giving bears as much space as possible! But heads up - this time of year, you might spot bears in unexpected places as yearling bears between the ages of 1 ½- 2 ½ years old start venturing away from their mothers’ home ranges to find their own way in the world. As these juvenile bears travel widely in their search for new habitat, they can sometimes find themselves in places where people don’t expect to see them (and they didn’t intend to be), such as a city park, densely populated neighborhood, or even the beach! What to do if you see or hear of one in your area?

• Always give bears plenty of space – keep your distance and never approach them. Typically, bears will move along on their own if given space. Spot a bear in a tree? Same thing – give them space and they’ll typically come down and leave the area once they feel there is no threat (i.e. – people and dogs are not present in the area).

• Remove any food attractants that could encourage hungry bears to stick around (like unsecured trash cans, uncleaned grills, outside pet food and bird feeders – yep, bears like bird seed).

• Keep actual dogs safe and avoid interactions between pets and bears by walking dogs on a short leash. When letting pets outside, bang on the door and flash outside lights first to encourage bears and other wildlife to leave your yard.

Learn more ways to avoid conflicts with bears: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/living/ & https://bit.ly/3X8E2ir

If you spot an injured, orphaned or dead bear, feel threatened by a bear, or to report someone harming or intentionally feeding bears, call our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Having conflicts with bears? Contact the FWC Regional Office near you for more guidance: https://myfwc.com/contact/fwc-office/regional-offices/.

News release: https://bit.ly/4c7Q3ZJ
View our Social Media Policy: https://bit.ly/3qsncNb

06/06/2024

Any Eagle Scouts looking for projects?

Please share!

06/06/2024

Release days are the best days! Volunteer Amanda returned this gopher tortoise to its home territory this morning after it spent some time with Swamp Girl Adventures Reptile Rehabilitation getting back to 100%. Thank you Amanda and Kim! Safe travels little one 🐢

06/05/2024

Thank you all for 1k likes ❤️ we couldn’t grow without the support of the community 🏡

06/05/2024

We were tagged several times in the post about this Yellow Rat Snake who swallowed something he shouldn’t have! Thankfully, his finder followed instructions to keep him in a quiet dark place and then got him to us as soon as possible. Today our friends at Wildlife Works LLC are taking him to Swamp Girl Adventures Reptile Rehabilitation so she can work on clearing the obstruction….leave us a comment guessing what’s in there!

Edit: if you guessed golf ball you’re right!

06/03/2024

We are beyond excited to share our big news with you all! Today we closed on a 10.6 acre property in South Ocala with plans to build a public wildlife hospital. Our goal is to have non-releasable animals to share with the public, while continuing our mission of rescue and rehab in Marion and surrounding areas. We need the help of our supporters now more than ever…if you can donate toward the construction of enclosures we are offering personal and corporate sponsorships at https://www.rowildlife.org/take-action
We will also have even more volunteer opportunities for things like animal care and maintenance.

Please share our big news and tag your friends as well! We cannot build our dream hospital without you all. Be sure to follow along our journey to our “forever home” 🏡 🦉

06/03/2024

Thanks to our Treasurer, Sam, for getting this injured juvenile Osprey from all the way out in Cedar Key today! Her finder did a great job of containing her and getting her help. Unfortunately she is extremely emaciated and was probably on the beach for a while. She has a leg injury and will be transferred to Featherland tomorrow for X-ray and further care.

06/02/2024

Please help us fundraise by getting your reusable bag at Winn Dixie (Marion Oaks location) all month! Share and tag a friend!

06/02/2024

Miss Mango, our education ambassador Box Turtle, wants to say a big thanks to everyone who donated this week to help buy food for all the wildlife! She is enjoying omnivore pellets in this video.

Address

Ocala, FL
34473

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 8pm
Tuesday	8am - 8pm
Wednesday	8am - 8pm
Thursday	8am - 8pm
Friday	8am - 8pm
Saturday	8am - 8pm
Sunday	8am - 8pm

Telephone

+13522346098

Website

http://rowildlife.org/

Alerts

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Videos

Thanks from Mango!

Miss Mango, our education ambassador Box Turtle, wants to say a big thanks to everyone who donated this week to help buy food for all the wildlife! She is enjoying omnivore pellets in this video.

What are you crunching on during your 3 day weekend? Our box turtle, Mango, is enjoying a nice salad topped with omnivore food (her favorite), super worms, calcium supplement, and hibiscus 🌺

That’s a wrap on 2023! Since January we have rescued over 550 animals and received over 1,800 phone calls to refer calls to other rescues, educate the public on commonly asked questions, help people connect to the wild world around them, reunite babies with their moms and keep them from entering rehab, and more. Our volunteers drove through 12 counties across Central Florida to pick up and drop off the injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife that needed our help—7 days a week, 12 hours a day. All of this without ever receiving a dime of salary. None of what we do would be possible without your support. We do not get any funding from the government and rely on private donations from people like you. If we’ve impacted you in any way this year, or if you care about local wildlife and understand the value of our never-ending mission, please consider making an end of year tax-deductible donation. We wish all of you a wonderful and safe new year, and will be looking to an even brighter 2024. -The entire ROW team

Cleo sheds her skin

Our education corn snake (also known as red rat snakes), Cleo, finished shedding last night and we caught it on video! Watching a snake “walk” out of their skin is such a cool thing to see— and very satisfying when they shed in one long piece 😂 Usually there is not a big dog bowl in her enclosure, but she was spending extra time soaking this week (and she’s almost 5’ long) so we had to find a bowl big enough to fit her! *video is sped up 2x speed

On 11/30, we rescued an adult Anhinga from the Villages that had a piece of fibrous trash (thinking maybe a ball of carpet or attic insulation, but still not sure…) tangled up on its beak. It was very heavy, especially once in the water, and inhibiting normal eating, drinking, and swimming. Upon arrival, the anhinga flew out into the lake and we were terrified that due to the weight of the carpet ball filled with water, the bird may even drown. Thankfully, after a few minutes in “stealth mode” and waiting for it to come back out of the water, we caught the anhinga and freed it! Just to be safe, we transported it to Featherland for observation and a few good meals because the bird was exhausted after toting around all that extra weight for an unknown amount of time! Today, 12/2, we took it back to the original location for release. The mate was repeatedly checking on it during capture and these are monogamous birds, so hopefully they will find one another soon and be reunited in time for nesting season!

Sandhill Crane Mating Dance

As wildlife transporters, we spend a lot of time on the road and there’s no telling what we may see. Today while picking up some orphaned ducklings, we got to observe two Sandhill Cranes doing a courtship dance! Cranes use body language to communicate and will often dance when feeling territorial, to strengthen their bonds, when happy, or just for the heck of it! It is amazing to watch as they bow their heads and jump in the air, kick their legs and sometimes make loud noises. One of these young cranes was throwing a leaf in the air repeatedly 😂 If you want to read more about courtship dances in Sandhill Cranes, check out this link: http://www.songbirdprotection.com/crane-dancing.html

9/1/22 Barred Owl Release

Today we were able to release a Barred Owl that we rescued on August 24th after it was hit by a car in Ocala and miraculously suffered no broken bones! This owl’s return to the wild would not have been possible without the hard work of Anita of Featherland, a licensed rehab that we work with often that specializes in birds of prey 🦉 Fly safe, sweet owl! It was an honor to be a part of its release and see it fly away 🌳💚