Forest Animal Rescue

06/22/2025

Important Update: On May 21, 2025, the FWC voted 4-1 to move forward with a bear trophy hunt. The final vote will be made in August.

It’s not a done deal yet! Please sign this petition to continue the fight to protect Florida’s bears.

https://chng.it/FYmdYJtbk2

STOP THE FLORIDA BLACK BEAR TROPHY HUNT!!!

06/12/2025

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Kurt Stoner, the beloved co-founder of Forest Animal Rescue.

Kurt peacefully passed away on May 31, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. His devoted wife, best friend, and fellow co-founder of F.A.R., Lisa, was by his side during his final moments, as they were on a lifelong dream trip to Africa. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Kurt was a visionary and a compassionate leader whose unwavering dedication to the care and protection of animals inspired countless lives. His passion, integrity, and tireless work laid the foundation of our organization, leaving a lasting legacy for animals and people alike.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kurt’s honor to continue his life’s work at Forest Animal Rescue. Donations may be mailed to the sanctuary at PO Box 514, Silver Springs, FL 34489 or made online at https://ForestAnimalRescue.org

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kurt’s family, friends, and all those inspired by his remarkable journey.

05/09/2025

National parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands in the United States are national treasures, and the backbone of conservation and the outdoor recreation economy. Any large-scale sell-off of these critical landscapes would be devastating and impact future generations.

Send your message to Congress now and tell your elected leaders that you oppose selling off federally owned public conservation lands for non-conservation uses. Speak up to keep these public lands in public hands.

https://preserve.nature.org/page/171039/action/

05/08/2025

WE DID IT!! Thanks to everyone who helped!

Florida State Parks will remain protected for future generations and for the wildlife thrives in the habitat they provide.

Read the whole story…
https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/05/07/desantis-florida-state-parks-bill-golf-hotel-jonathan-dickinson/

05/07/2025

We were holding our breath, but the big fire (and another smaller one that is not in this article) stayed away from our properties in the Ocala National Forest. It missed us by a couple miles.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1APR1Ek6d2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/26/2025

Hysterical! 🤣

04/25/2025

Florida’s black bears are in danger once again

Despite widespread public opposition and no scientific justification, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering a proposal to reinstate a black bear hunt, and we need your help to stop it.

Learn more here:

Despite widespread public opposition and no scientific justification, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering a proposal to reinstate a black bear hunt, and we need your help to stop it.

04/23/2025

ACT NOW! Don’t let them remove habitat protection from the Endangered Species Act!

This would allow development to run wild at the expense of endangered species and protected areas.

In a nutshell: The word HARM needs to be ADDED to the act because habitat modification/destruction is not considered “take” - it is considered HARM.

PLEASE, if you can only comment a few words, state this:

“The word HARM needed to be ADDED to the Endangered Species Act so that habitat protection is continued. Do not simply remove habitat protection to clarify the definition of TAKE. If this is truly just to clarify the definition as you say and not meant to allow development to run rampant, this change should be approved easily.”

Public comments are only accepted until May 19- and they can be posted here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act -comment

see below for full details

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” in our Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of “harm,” which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term “take.” We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.

04/23/2025

Hooray!!

GREAT NEWS JUST IN: WASHINGTON Governor Bob Ferguson HAS SIGNED SB 5065 INTO LAW, officially banning the use of elephants, big cats, non-human primates, bears, and hybrids of these species in traveling acts statewide! Washington is now the seventh US state with such a ban, which takes effect in 90 days.

ADI has worked for many years alongside our WA supporters, providing oral and written testimony in support of the ban, and sends thanks to Sen. Marko Liias, the other bill sponsors, and to EVERYONE who persevered and helped ensure this bill passed.

See comments to support the reintroduction of TEAPSPA, to ban wild animals in circuses nationwide.

04/22/2025

Celebrate Earth Day!

Earth Day serves as a platform to educate the public about environmental problems like pollution, climate change, and deforestation, encouraging individuals to become more environmentally conscious.