Peace River Wildlife Center Reviews

Enjoyed the wildlife - mainly birds and knowledgeable staff. Great place to visit on cloudy days. Expect to spend about an hour. Donation admission.

This is a rehab center that displays the animals that cannot be released back to the wild. Very clean and well run by volunteers.

Went with a buddy and his kid. Lots of beautiful birds and a lot of the staff are intimate with some of the birds and give great back stories. Nice afternoon to spend walking around as you bake. Good stuff.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Peace River Wildlife Center. It was small, but the staff were warm, friendly and informative. We enjoyed learning about the various species of birds and fowl there as well as seeing the wild birds the center attracts. I would highly recommend this center for all ages, but especially parents with children. There is no mandatory entrance fee, so the visit can be very affordable.

Can see it in an hour. Longer if you are lucky enough to catch feeding time (2pm) Many species of birds and beautiful area

Interesting animal rescue centre that charges a voluntary entrance fee. Good selection of local wildlife.

A great charity that cares for injured wildlife.

Not huge, but we were able to see a wide variety of birds and animals, including an owl an possum

Small beach along side with public grills, shelter etc

An enjoyable visit to this rescue center. Enjoyed the close up view of the animals/birds. We had the pleasure of a very knowledgeable man (sorry I didn't get your name) who shared very interesting info on the birds.

A wonderful place to visit! The sanctuary itself looks lovingly cared for. There was a variety of birds there that couldn’t survive in the wild, due to injuries. Then there is the super cute, white mini owl Luna, who happened to be born white and would probably not survive long unprotected. Lots of pelicans, a flamingo, owls, some familiar bird species and a few I had never heard of.
There is a gift store. The sanctuary is at the edge of a beautiful park with picnic tables, some trees and even a white beach - a spectacular setting.

We discovered the Peace River Wildlife Center 10 years ago when we came to vacation to this area. it was such a thrill to see the numerous birds of Southwest Florida up close. We were amazed and hooked, the fact that we can go there any time of day to visit the birds and often talk to staff and volunteers.

We go there every year many times to see anyone who is new (the birds, not volunteers or staff because they are loyal and continue to work there, year after year)! Its an amazing organization, people will answer questions repeatedly and endlessly! They will also pose for photos of you with owls such as Luna the little white Screech Owl who will often 'trill' while posing.

This free (donations encouraged) little nature center is a cute place worth checking out. Takes maybe 20 minutes to get through all of it. The volunteers are wonderful, friendly, and quite knowledgable. Pretty good variety of birds, and well taken care of.

Be sure to walk around Ponce de Leon park and the short boardwalk through the mangroves off of the park (see pictures).

The Peace River Wildlife Center is a wonderful place to visit in Punta Gorda. There are many different types of birds and small mammals on display that cannot be released because they have permanent injuries or were imprinted on humans. They also rehabilitate and release injured birds and mammals that are brought to the Center for care. It is a beautiful setting, right on the harbor, and has amazing sunset celebrations once a month. The environment and the inhabitants are clean and well cared for. There is no entrance fee, however, donations are requested because they rely on donations to care for the injured animals that are brought in, as well as the residents. It is a wonderful place to visit in Punta Gorda and I would highly recommend it!

This is a wonderful little wildlife rescue center right near the beach, where they rescue and rehabilitate Florida wildlife (mostly birds) and work to release them back into the wild. There's a collection of permanent residents to admire, including a variety of birds of prey (eagles, hawks, owls), songbirds, and sea birds.

The volunteers are very knowledgeable, with lots of fun facts about the animals and information about Florida ecology.

Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

Took my niece and her husband and 2 yr old. Loved it the birds are amazing look for the little white owl. If you can help it try not to park close to the front door. Lots of birds hang out in the trees

Very knowledgeable staff & volunteers ,, this facility allows you to see wildlife up close that are typically not seen or found

Next to Ponce de Leon Park. Great volunteers taking care of injured wildlife. Mostly birds. Was very interesting and informative. Volunteers had a screech owl and barred owl out the day we visited so visitors could see them up close. Only need to leave a small donation. The park next door has a playground, small beach with benches, restrooms, fishing pier and boat ramp.

Wonderful. Birds being healed of various injuries. Devoted group of caretakers. Great place to see eagles, hawks, and other high flying birds close up.

Cute little place adjacent to park, playground, fishing pier, board walk, and boat ramp. Worth 20 minutes of your time if the other things in the immediate area appeal to you. My kids enjoyed it.

This is a beautiful spot on the Harbor for sunsets and a great place to relax. The Wildlife Center takes in all wounded wildlife and then if possible sets them back into the their habitat. You will see close up the wildlife from Charlotte County. Children especially love to see them.

The volunteers there are sooo friendly and knowledgeable! We went with our 6 month old baby and it was a great small adventure. She loved looking at the birds and we loved learning about them! Highly recommend this if you have a young family and are looking for a small activity to do that won’t over heat the babies!

Fun experience supporting a great cause. Friendly staff. Lots of volunteers available with information about the rescues. Don’t forget to leave a donation.

I am a nature lover, so a visit here was great. Lots to look at, and you could actually get close enough to really get to see the animals. I'd like to return here sometime.

Took my boys to visit their grandfather and we went for a morning excursion to this place. Tiny refuge for rescued (mostly) birds. The volunteers passionately talk about the animal residents-- how each was rescued and which animals are being prepped for release into the wild. Bald Eagles, Owls, Vultures, Turtles, and birds that come and goo as they please.
Beautiful animals and appreciation for volunteers that care for the injured ones.
Admission is free, though a per person donation is requested. Please do donate a few dollars per person. This organization is doing a wonderful job caring for these animals.

We visited today and the volunteers genuinely care about the animals and are so knowledgeable. They are so enthusiastic when visitors come and you can tell they enjoy what they do. All the animals are so well cared for. All the animals are so adorable but have to say Luna is my favorite.

A great place to visit. The volunteers who work there are very knowledgeable and so very friendly. We really enjoyed being there.

Very relaxed outing for all ages. A great cause and wonderful way to enjoy some native birds. After walking through the bird sactuary, we hang out at the playground, play frisbee, play in the sand with the littles and enjoy the sunset. Great park we love to frequent.

A nice place to see many different birds recovering from some type accident or injury. Volunteers share stories how bird rescues are performed and most of staff is by volunteers.

Right now Peace River is small.and crowded. During our visit, we were told they will be at a new location which is much larger. This will allow for more rescues.

Most of the injured are birds. Some of which will recover and be released and others that will be worked on, but have to stay. Say hello to Maggie the owl when you go.

Very nice place to visit if your a bird and animal lover. There is no cost to visit. They accept donations to keep running.

So many beautiful birds, very informative. Ran by amazing volunteers. They rehab injured birds turtles. They bring them out and fill guest full of interesting information. I wa amazed at the Owls. This is a have to see in Punta Gorda.

They do a great job of caring for the animals they rescue. So much fun to see the animals up close. My favorite is the pelicans

It always fun to see the wildlife close up that resides here. This includes the visiting birds that flying in for a free meal. This is a rather small place but thee are at times crowding but it moves pretty well until the kids are in front of a Owl who doesn't move. The kids say it's stuffed!
It well worth your time here and there is a small park for a picnic if you want.

It is small and has two owls and other birds in the sanctuary, but it cute to go to for a one-time visit. There is a donation. I think 5-$10.

My kids always request to go here every single time and we continue to love it. Such great work being done here!

After visiting with the owls at Fisherman's Village, we decided to go to their home at the Wildlife Center. What a wonderful experience! The animals are being rehabilitated as much as possible, or if not, this is their permanent home. WE saw mostly birds but also a turtle (tortoise) that they are hoping to get back into the wild at some point. All of the questions I ever have had about these birds were answered-thank you Peace River for hanging in there with my questions! At 2:30 they feed the pelicans and some guests arrive that are not part of the rehabbing group. Not sure how they know what time it is but it is funny to see them arrive in bunches for a free meal! If you are into seeing people helping animals, go here, and support them as much as you can. These people are doing great work!

Very nice rescue habitat for unfortunate birds. Friendly staff, donation only admittance. Nice waterfront & boat landing available.

The refruge is a magical place to visit, watching dedicated volunteers taking care of our feathers friends

Not much to see or do but it is a relaxing place where you can spend 20-30 minutes learning about the sanctuary and their animals.

This was such a nice surprise! There are lots of local birds here, all up close and personal. Admission is by donations.

If your love, love, love animal rescues, this is the place for you. Also, kids love it. Otherwise, I wouldn't drive out to see it. However, combining this with watching the sun set at Ponce de Leon Park makes it worthwhile.

This place is a true local gem...and soon will be expanding and only getting better! With mascots like the owls Luna and Orion plus a whole pack of pelicans, this is a great place to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. They do great work here. We love to donate carrots and eggs to help feed the wounded residents. Admission is free but cash donations are much appreciated. Don't miss the gift shop!

Peace river wildlife sanctuary is a great place to visit. Make sure you stop in while at Ponce deLeon State park. There is no fee to enter but donations are graciously accepted. There are plenty of birds to see including a couple of bald eagles and Luna the albino screech owl who is the mascot of the sanctuary. The caretakers are very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend seeing this place. If you time it right, you can see the daily pelican feeding.

Well staffed with volunteers eager to tell you about the individual birds. Cute gift shop. Not very large so dont plan an entire trip around it.

This is a small Wildlife center with a big job providing necessary rehab for injured native wildlife. While the center primarily cares for injured birds, they do have a variety of other animals. The staff is dedicated, it is free to the public but please don't pass up the donation box ! They are dependent upon the local community to help provide monies to continue what they do. It is in a beautiful setting right at Ponce Park on the water. A very nice way to spend some time on a beautiful day by the water.

My family and I are from Massachusetts and we really enjoyed the wildlife! The volunteers were awesome and knew so much about the wildlife. A very worthwhile!

We visited this wildlife center during our visit to the park. We loved seeing the animals and the staff was very informative! No charge to get in but tips are appreciated. Very nice addition to our trip.

I definitely have no problems donating to enter. This place is a rescue and rehabilitation center, and your donations help support it. There are many bird species here, and guides that will talk about the different birds. There is also a gift shop which helps support their efforts.

I respect the mission of PRWC, but it saddens me that the animals are kept in such small enclosures. Kudos to the ppl who care so much and make it work with so little funding.

Clean, well maintained with great views of the wildlife. Luna the Eastern Screech Owl is a bird you may never see on your own! There were also two beautiful Bald Eagles when we were there.

Wonderful place to visit & bring guests. We have gotten to know most of the permanent residents here & enjoy following the healing process of the temporary guests. Best time to visit is between 2-3 pm. This is the time the volunteers feed the birds. 🙂

The work that is done here to rehabilitate wildlife is amazing. The wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild are on display and the guides can give interesting info about each wildlife resident. Also the 2:30 daily pelican feeding is fun to watch.

This facility houses numerous species of rehabilitated animals, mostly birds. Luna, the white owl, is particularly unique. Entrance is free, although a donation is appreciated.

My 2 year old loved the owls that the handlers held out of the cage for viewing. There is also a playground right next door.

Very nice attraction! Will return next trip to Punta Gorda. Large number of birds/animals that you can see up close.

So many beautiful birds to view. It was a rainy day, so there were no tour guides, but still so beautiful & interesting!

Peace Rive Wildlife Center is a wonderful habitat for the rehabilitation of wildlife. The main objective is to return injured wildlife back to nature once they have been cured of their problems. Should an animal not be able to be returned to nature, peace river will care for the animal for its lifetime. You can see some of these animals there. Having worked in a veterinary facility for many years, we would often refer injured wildlife to them. They do a great job and it is worth a look see.

All of the crew greeted us with smiles. As we pulled out of the harbor Captain Ricky started talking to us, who was fun and engaging. Brenda and Brad are a fantastic crew and kept our 5-year old happy 😃 Top- notch hospitality.
There were only 13 of us aboard the Charlotte Boat which was very spacious and comfortable. You’re free to move about for the majority of the trip ⚓️🛥 At the end they give everyone $1 off a full-day cruise and a chance to win one of their excursions. Our daughter got to navigate!

Our friends took us here to see some of the local wildlife being rehabilitated and close up. They had multiple Bald Eagles, hawks, vultures, owls, pelicans, cranes, herons, and other local wildlife there with a very reasonable donation suggested for entry. They had volunteers available to answer questions and a small store to purchase things. It was a nice place to visit from the hustle and bustle of the area.

There are so many things to do in Florida besides beaches and this is an almost hidden gem. Tucked inside Ponce deLeon Park at the end of Marion St. in Punta Gorda you have the opportunity to see some of our wildlife that are in recovery or have recovered as much as possible from injuries. A loving staff of mostly volunteers cares for everything from Armadillos to American Eagles. There is no charge to visit but donations are always appreciated. A gift shop is located there where you can purchase any number of items from around the world. The hours are 11-4 daily so stop by soon.

This is a small but very nice place ti visit. The staff is comprised of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. It is a quick visit but very enjoyable. This is a rehab center for local wildlife. The animals here a well cared for and those who would be compromised in the wild our well kept residents, Please visit and make a donation. Entry is free, but is supported by benefactors and your donation.

There is a park adjacent to facility and a nice waterfront area.

We have been to Peace River Wildlife Sanctuary many times over the years. Always a relaxing and informative atmosphere, their staff is well trained. I love to go alone or with my grandchildren. It’s a great opportunity to teach young and old how our choices impact wildlife.

My husband and I were in the area and decided to check this center out. We were not disappointed. There was a large selection of birds - both big and small. It is very sad to see how badly some of them are injured, but they seem to be thriving in their environment.

The center is not large and it is outside. Entrance fee is by donation - a suggestion of $5 per adult is quoted. There is a large container to put the monies in.

There is not much parking around the center, especially if it is busy. We had to park on the road and walk back.

The center is close to what I guess would be called a beach - right on the water.

The kids who were at the center the day we attended, would thrilled to see all of the birds. When we were at the center, staff were feeding the pelicans and a few other larger birds.

It is hard to take photos of some of the birds due to the mesh on the cages, but I found that if you zoom in enough, the focus goes on the bird and not the mesh (this is not the case at all times - it depends where the bird is in the cage).

If using your GPS, put in the Ponce de Leon Pkwy address and not the W. Marion Ave. address as it does not work.

There is a small souvenir shop at the center and the prices are not too bad.

It was warm ...but the wildlife was nice. The area was pretty dry . We needed markers where we needed to walk.

Great centre, the staff have so much knowledge on the animals. They rescue them and return to wild when ever they can. We always leave money for them. Hope to see you again next year

What a wonderful place to visit when you need to gain perspective. The people here are providing injured animals with the care and nurturing they need. And educating the public on their plight. Take a tour with some friends and learn what we should and should not be doing to help in their mission. You will see some amazing wildlife in a natural, but controlled, environment. Very interesting and worthwhile stop that is somewhat off the beaten path. Monetary donations are always appreciated and the center accepts aluminum cans for recycling. Stop in and see how the staff is making a difference for Florida's wildlife and how you can too.

Many species of wildlife can be viewed at this small but worthwhile center. An opportunity to see an Eagle, Owls and various other birds.

Parking is plentiful. Close to the beach and saw other birds at the water's edge as well as a dolphin.

Staff was very friendly with the few questions I asked. No admission fee but donations recommended.

Glad I visited this Wildlife Center.

Luna, Bella, Orion and all the rescued animals are worth the close-up experience! Can’t wait to visit again. We support the organization from far away (the Northeastern USA) on Amazon Smile!!

This was fantastic. The volunteers were amazing and truly care about the animals. Highly recommend. Our 3 year old loved looking at all the birds and learning about them.

I always find new animals to observe for my students. They have wonderful volunteer guides. There are picnic Pavillions, nature walks and a nice playground for high energy children

The volunteers here are very knowledgable about the birds here. There are different species of owls. Plus they have a bald eagle. It's located in a park for an added bonus.

Very small but very impactful. Very knowledgeable volunteers. Learned a lot and saw some beautiful birds. Cute little gift shop. Highly recommend this hidden gem if you are into birds or animal rescue.

PRWC rehabilitates injured birds. Those too injured to release back into the wild are kept in their open air facility. All kinds of birds: hawks. Owls, eagles, and assorted beautiful specimens. Not to be missed in the Port Charlotte area. Feeding time is super fun, around 2:30.

This facility has large birds like bald eagles, hawks and various pelicans that have been injured and rehabilitated. Great for all ages to get close up view of these animals.

So cool what they are doing, I can't wait until they move to a larger facility, learning experience. Make sure you make a donation they don't charge to visit.

This bird rescue place is great for seeing pelicans, stork, sand hill cranes, egrets and the like. The volunteers are compassionate and eager to educate and answer questions.

We stopped there after seeing their owls and box turtle at fisherman's village. Nicely kept place with lots of knowledge about the animals they care for. It's free, but if you stop, please leave a donation.

Nice setting, all staffed by volunteers and entry fee is a donation. We were there at feeding time. The birds are obviously well taken care of.

I stopped here out of curiosity, having just bought a house in the area, and wound up signing up as a volunteer. This group takes in injured and orphaned birds, owls, hawks, turtles, possums, and other indigenous wildlife. Some animals are permanent residents and others are rehabilitated and released. The entire operation is funded and staffed by volunteers. It's a small organization making a big impact on local wildlife. Definitely worth a visit. Donations accepted and needed to fund this important wildlife rescue work!

A sanctuary for injured or orphaned wildlife. Volunteer staff are informative and can guide you for a short tour. Donations help with the care and needs of the animals. Small gift shop with nice items for sale also to help with care of the wildlife and make for nice souvineers and some stylish hats and teeshirts. No entry fee but donations are appreciated to help care and provide for the wildlife.

Just did the tour today, June 16, 2023 with my 15 yr old granddaughter. We both loved seeing the variety of birds, owls, and other feathered friends that are being cared for at the Wildlife Center. A wonderful thing to have to protect these birds, bunnies, and turtles that will never be put out in the wild again due to injuries that would prevent them surviving.

This rehabilitation center houses birds and animals it cannot integrate back into the wild and serves a very useful educational purpose. It is interesting to see the variety of fauna from the area up close.

Nice to see someone taking care of the injured birds and other small animals. Worth it to give them support for all the good work they do.

Small center right on the Peace River dedicated to rehabilitate rescued birds and critters. While there they had volunteers holding and talking about two different owls. Highly recommend! Got a cute mug in the gift shop...

What's not to like? Free but takes donations. Several Florida bird species in cages or out in the open.Quick and educational.

A great place to view close up the birds of this area. Many have been injured and rescued. Some were born with disabilities and saved from death. We particularly love the owls. The volunteers are well versed in the history of the animals and quick to share stories.

This is a small wildlife center, but they provide excellent care to the animals they have and the employees are very informative. The one gentleman put the little owl by my head so I could take a photo with it.

What a fantastic experience we had peace river, greeted as we entered by the very knowledgeable staff.
Extraordinary birds here you can meet up close.
The keepers answered every question put to them and gave out cool facts about the birds.
Across the parking lot is a picnic area and a small beach. Highly recommend a visit to peace river.

Great place to visit! It was very interesting and informative to see the animals and birds that receive excellent care at this facility! It is located in a park on the water, and you can walk and bike around the area.

We stopped by to support the great work being done by this center to rescue and rehabilitate local birds. It is free but donations are welcome. It is small but with a wide variety of birds--eagles, cranes, owls--as well as smaller interesting birds. The star is Luna, an albino owl that is adorable and not to be missed. But my favorite was the Laughing Gull whose caucus laugh could be heard from afar.

Volunteers clearly care about the wildlife, but there is a lot more that could be done here than exploiting Luna at every opportunity.

This was a small place but they had so many birds. They rehab wildlife.
They had several bald eagles & you can get fairly close to the cages. They had hawks, pelicans & all kinds of shore birds.
They even have a white screech owl!
The staff was friendly & talkative.
They are doing great work here.
Donation of $5 per adult was well worth it!

The nature center is a great choice if you're looking for something to do that will fill an hour or so. Don't get your hopes up too much though. They mainly have birds and a couple small land mammals. This is due to the fact that they take in animals in need of care, and birds seemed to get harmed the most. It's free and the most of the people were friendly.

Peace River Wildlife Center in Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda was definitely worth the visit. The variety of birds, waterfowl and other wildlife was amazing. Tom, one of the staff at the Wildlife Center, was very knowledgeable and informative about the residents of the Center and the care and rehabilitation that takes place. The work they do and the genuine caring for the animals, birds and waterfowl are very evident. Cute little gift shop too.

If you enjoy seeing wildlife and appreciate efforts to rehabilitate them, then PRWC should be at the top of your sites to visit! There are so many animals with background stories told by the very knowledgeable volunteer staff! Some days you may even see a specific animal outside of its cage with its volunteer handler! I’ve been bringing my visitors there since 2004!

We visited the Wildlife Center 10/19/2020 and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! Our guide was super amazing, even though it was her last tour of the day. She took the time to explain each animal and what had brought them to the Center. It was really nice to see how they help our injured wildlife and what dedication it takes to maintain those who can no longer survive on their own.
This is only a small part of the Center, as the animals and birds, which can be rehabilitated and released are kept secluded at another facility. I've lived here all my life and never had a clue that the crested caracara is native to southern Florida and can be seen on many ranches, as close as Arcadia! Love Florida and you'll love this place and people who donate their time taking care of our native friends....don't miss it!

The folks at Peace River Wildlife are truly dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, you have found a worthwhile sanctuary. Luna, the albino screech owl seems to be their signature mascot. The birds are brought out one at a time and a handler gives wonderful explanations and answers the many questions. We enjoyed watching and learning of the feeding of the pelicans. As a casual visitor, I was unaware of their unique living and eating habits.

Bring your cameras and curiosity...you will be pleased.

This place is so informative, they always have people with knowledge about all the birds there. They take such good care of the birds (other animals too, turtles, bunnies) always clean and have food to feed the birds all the time. They only do this on donations therefore they dont charge to go through, but they could use any donations. They have a great little gift shop and they're right on the Charlotte harbor waterfront. Everytime I'm in town I try to visit!!

Staff was awesome and very informative and friendly. Answered all our questions about the animals and birds.

If viewing and interacting with gorgeous wildlife sounds interesting to you, Peace River Wildlife Center is the place to visit. Bring the kids of all ages for close up encounters with some amazing creatures who are lucky enough to have landed here. Some are released back to the wild if they are able, and some find permanent homes. The place is always clean and welcoming. They do good work!

Thanks to the dedicated staff at PRWC, Injured Florida wildlife have an excellent chance for recovery and rehabilitation. This facility located on a lovely property sitting on the harbor offers visitors an opportunity to view and sometimes interact with beautiful and amazing animals. My favorites are the owls, especially Luna who will melt your heart. This place is always tops on the list of places to return from my out-of-town visitors!

I neighbors told us this was a great spot to go and sit and watch the bay. They understated all the good that was happening in the wildlife refuge hospital. The lives they have saved – some allowed to return to the wild and others will spend their last days in confinement due to permanent damage. You can not understate the great work the volunteers do at this facility and in the community. The traveling exhibit was wonderfully presented at both Lashley Park and at fisherman’s Village. There are plans to expand and update this facility which is certainly a worthy social environmental project. Lovely place to go have a picnic and walk around. You can watch the fisherman Pn the pier or going out on their boat. There are great walking paths through the mangroves. I should also say there is a lovely children’s playground there as well

This preserve is a beautiful spot on the Peace River and is interesting to visit. More importantly it has a great place to launch a boat if you have one and if not, the sunset from here is the most beautiful in Punta Gorda.

After living in the area 3 years, just recently visited. So cool to see critters that I recognize close up due to their being re-habbed by the staff. They depend on humans now because they are disabled and they get a high level of care. The volunteers do excellent work and the cages are clean and well-kept. The gift shop is a must-see. Neat stuff at reasonable prices and the profits go to help the wildlife. Visit Soon!!

Was just driving around and stumbled onto this park. Parking is limited on someday's but free. The little wildlife center was awesome. My friend and I were just walking around and followed a rustic path south through the Florida growth. Though no beach per say there was a couple of sandy areas just south of the main park. Also like the path out to the river and a boardwalk. This one the kind that you make out of it. We also did an impromptu picnic.

Rehabilitation for wildlife and education
And awareness.
ALL DONATIONS GO TO THE CARE OF INJURED, ORPHANED AND ILL WILDLIFE.
Nice place to see lots of beautiful birds.

The Wildlife Center ie a very interesting place to visit. There are many varieties of birds and small mammals.It is conveniently located next to Ponce beach so it's a great place for an entire day.Thr staff which is mostly volunteers is very knowledgeable and helpful.

This is a very small animal rescue but well worth the trip $5 donation suggested per adult got to see lots of Owls birds and pelicans.

We loved watching the Pelicans being fed and also the interaction between the birds.
My cousins took lots of pictures.

IF you visit Punta Gorda, make a stop here. See some beautiful animals, talk with the volunteers and support this very worthwhile effort. You will learn allot about the animals, how they got here and how they are thriving. If you are a local , visit often.

The birds were fun to look at and the staff is very knowledgeable. We enjoyed listening to all the bird songs!

Amazing to see so many birds up close and personal, but the little white owl, Luna, is the best. We got to see eagles, pelicans, hawks... over 100 birds live there.

I made a larger donation than “suggested” and made sure I spent money in the gift shop. All profit goes to care for these animals. What a wonderful opportunity for people in this community to be able to donate their time and love. Will be back for sure!

Even though we didn't have a real long time to visit because they were getting ready to close, we loved this little sanctuary! It's beautiful and the animals are obviously well cared for. The park outside is a little gem as well.

The facility here is small but we really enjoyed our visit. Lots of animals here that are getting a much deserved second chance. The volunteers here are knowledgeable and passionate about the service they are providing. Luna the screech owl is a strikingly beautiful creature.

There aren't too many animals on display but it's worth making the trip. Our favorite is the mascot Luna, the little white owl. The caretakers are very knowledgeable and they sometimes bring the animals out to let visitors get a closer look. The gift shop is tiny but cute! The grounds are very pretty for a picnic and there is a small beach and play area nearby too. There isn't much parking, so you may have to walk a while if it's crowded.

This is an outstanding place. It has lots of animals and yet is small enough to enjoy a leisure stroll through. The owl exhibit is so cool with at least 5 different types of owls. The bird sanctuary includes lots of types of birds and the pelican area is really fun to see especially when they feed them. It is very serene there and family friendly. Donations are accepted but not required. The park area outside is lovely as well and encourages more family time.

We came and saw a range of birds. The staff was helpful and were perched at different locations to relate information and allow for more of an up close view of rehab residents such as owls. The park is also really nice. We walked around the boardwalk and picnicked at a nearby table.

I love Peace River Wildlife Center. My dog had an unfortunate run in with a wood pecker that needed their help. They eagerly accepted the patient and was able to nurse him back to health. Of course when I dropped the little guy off I took the time to explore the facility (again). The staff is always so friendly and knowable.

This is one of the best locations to visit when going to Punta Gorda. A variety of animals and birds. The staff is friendly and informative. Great for families. One suggestion is to bring a picnic and make a day of it. PRWC is also a rehabilitation center, so any donations go straight to the rehab of local wildlife. It's a win win for everyone.

This is a great way to see native wildlife. All the animals are rescued and cared for, some for life & some until they can survive in the wild again. This facility has helped me twice with saving animals. They are wonderful.

Great, great place! I will go back. The volunteers are awesome and have so much knowledge on the wildlife that they take care if. I love this place!

Refuge is not real big but they have the cutest little owls there. Several other birds including bald eagles pelicans and many more. Place is very clean and birds are well cared for. Very enjoyable

This is definitely worth the visit. Its like a trip to a mini zoo. Wild life is close up. My 3 yr old grand daughter absolutely loved this place. Did not want to leave. The volunteers are very willing to educate you on the exhibits.

This is located in Ponce de Leon park which is a beautiful setting. Staff was so friendly and knowledgeable and actively mingled among guests giving tidbits of information about the birds. There are many types of birds as well as a rabbit, tortoises/turtles. It’s clear they care about the mission of the organization and the animals they care for. This was free, fun, and definitely worth donating to if you have the chance.

The center is small but well worth the visit. Some amazing birds that can be seen up close and personal. Please support this local wildlife center. They do excellent work there!!

A very interesting wildlife (mostly birds) rescue habitat. Many of the birds here will remain permanently because they would not be able to live in the wild. The main goal of the organization is to rehab and then release the animals. Volunteers are in the aisle ways holding owls and other birds so you can get a nice, close up look. There is no charge but donations are gladly accepted in order to pay for food, medicines and vet services. 2-20-2020

This is great place to visit off the beaten path! 1st time in Punta Gorda too. Ponce De Leone park was nice and quiet on the river, found it exploring! The Wildlife Center is an all privately funded wildlife rehab/refuge center that is free to visit. Mostly birds but others.... Some sad and near death injuries healed and rehabilitated. With a new home. American Bald Eagles, Owls, Spoonbill, Pelicans etc. All the volunteers were very friendly and accommodating and knowledgeable about each animal and their history. A must see for everyone! They handle some of the birds so you can get next to them and personal!

Dedicated volunteers very knowledgeable about the owls they were showing off during our visit as well as the rehabilitation the facility carries on.

Enjoyed seeing all the different types of birds, reptiles, etc. at this Wildlife Center. Would recommend for children.

My wife and I have been here several times. Whenever guest come into town we always take them to view the birds at Peace River Wildlife Center. Very nice facility. It is good for the entire family from small children to adults. It’s not a large facility so it doesn’t take long to go through it but well worth the time. Highly recommend coming here. Please leave a donation when entering to help support this wonderful facility.

We enjoyed seeing the many raptors, even an American eagle. The staff were very informative and you could see they really cared for each animal. We enjoyed just watching the pelicans. We were also happy to see they required face masks and encouraged social distancing. Nice gift shop as well.

You have to go here when visiting Punta Gorda. You can tell these people love the birds and animals here and it is so wonderful to see these wounded animals being taken care of so well. All volunteers are super friendly and glad to answer any questions. No charge but donations requested. Please give generously !!!

The rescue is a great place to visit if you want to see some wildlife up close. The volunteers are friendly and happy to tell you about the animals, especially Luna (their pride and joy). It's not huge, but if you consider that this is a rescue and these are permanent residents that can't be released for one reason or another, that's good. We want them to go back to the wild, right?

The atmosphere is cozy and the animals have ample space. The gift shop has a lot of great things for all ages, and purchases obviously support the rescue! I love coming here every once in a while, and I usually bring any guests we have visiting.

We visited the center just as something to do, it's free! They are a nonprofit so they do encourage a good will donation which we gladly gave! Just to sit and hear the birds sing and watch the Pelicans come flying in and perch was really cool to see. The staff is very knowledgeable and share great stories about each animal that is there for some reason or another as well as some that just come back to visit! Great Find and highly recommended!

Lots of birds to see here. Owls, pelicans, eagles and so many more. We were told they are moving to a bigger/better location and will be excited to see the new location.

Great place to spend an hour. They do great work rehabilitating injured and rescued wildlife. It is kept immaculate. Thank you to all the volunteers!

We go several times a season and always happy to leave a small donation to help them out. Wonderful volunteers

You can really learn from the volunteers who assist the wildlife. They are fed and cared for on the premises until they can be returned to the wild. Those who cannot are given care and refuge.

Very nice place to visit, by far not our 1st time there, and it won't be our last. Very well kept, clean, staff is so knowledgeable. We love it here. Make sure to not miss this place. Hidden gem.

What an amazing place!

Each animal has a story and the staff are happy and eager to share it with you!
Animals are happy and clean. It was a great morning for us.

We went here on a Sunday when the park is closed. There was still some parking, but not ideal. The trails were very wet, standing water. So we walked to the pond to look for gators, but didn’t see any. When the trails dry up this would be a nice walk.

The staff is super friendly and had a ton of good information to share. They had some really cool wildlife and you could even see a couple they had out with a handler. My kids and I really enjoyed it.

this is a great place to visit even just to relax for a bit. So great these birds have a place to live. a donation is requested for entry. Its small and doesn't take to long but a nice variety of birds.

We arrived just before closing but they accommodated us and others already in the sanctuary, never making us feel rushed. The volunteers were very informative. Caught feeding time of the eagles. A very interesting but sorta disgusting display as the large birds pulled the entrails from fresh, but dead mice. Would definitely recommend a stop and consider donating in their “feed” box before departure.

Several injured birds to see as they are taken care of. Some are permanent residents. No fee, but they do ask for donations.

Had some family in town and we went for the afternoon. Incredible information and experience! We purchased some great photos of the featured animals to help support. I hope to do more in the future!!

Great place to learn about wildlife from informative, knowledgeable volunteers who truly care about the animals in their care.

Just before I witnessed a beautiful Florida sunset, I visited the Peace River Wildlife Center. The volunteer who lead our tour explained how the animals were rescued and cared for in this unique facility. This is a non-profit organization and they depend on volunteers and donations. Don’t forget to drop your donation in the jar. A wonderful place to learn more about the animals that inhabit this part of Florida. The facility is small at this time, but they have plans to relocate and expand in the near future.

Small, but they serve many... It's free and wont take up too much of your time, but that is up to you. Lots of interesting species and volunteers are welcoming and full of knowledge.

Very informative staff. Absolutely loved learning about the barred owl. Nice gift shop as well. Small but worth the stop.

If you’re looking for s short & sweet walk about & enjoy birds, this is for you. The docent
/volunteers are happy to talk about the residents. Great for kids.

Stopped here for some sunshine & R & R, great uncrowded stop! Watched a man sailboard, what a blast!

A great place for new people to the area to see some native Florida birds especially their hawks, eagles and owls. The Center provides a much needed service to the community

This is a great rehab facility and interesting place to see a variety of birds. Very well maintained and no admission fee but please donate to keep it running. There is a team around to answer you questions on any of the birds and educational sessions. They also take in injured wildlife for rehabilitation. Highly recommend for anyone!

The Peace River Wildlife center features hundreds of birds that have been injured or somehow rendered unable to survive in the wild. The species range from bald eagles to pelicans to fish crows. Pelican feeding time is really cool. Plan on spending about 1/2 an hour. The center is located in a nice park that borders Charlotte Harbor. It also features a very nice boardwalk through the mangroves. If you're in the Punta Gorda area this is a must visit destination.

If you enjoy wildlife and the care, rehab and release of same, this is the place to visit. The staff is informative as well as caring and protective of their wildlife charges.

There is a bunch of cool wildlife here wish it was bigger 30 min and you've seen everything need longer trails

Really liked this place. It was nice knowing the reason they had the closed caged animals was because they had been rehabilitated and tried to be released into the wild and they couldn't survive. They do everything to help/heal the animals so they can go back into the wild. They do run on volunteers and donations. The staff was very knowledgeable about the birds.

Something no one should miss while in Florida. Up front with rescue animals and volunteers who give so much to help injured wildlife

While looking for things to do, and searching through books, magazines, and brochures, we discovered an ad for the Peace River Wildlife Center. It was near Fisherman's Village so we decided to make our day trip into Punta Gorda. It was a nice scenic trip down the long and winding road over the many bridges that crossed the pleasure boat canals leading to the river and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. We arrived at our destination at the tip of Punta Gorda, that had a small parking lot for a smaller man made beach and picnic grove. The public bathroom was small, and in need of repair & definitely cleaning. after securing a parking place that was difficult with having to make several rounds through a horse shoe driveway we stretched our legs over to a caged area we found to be the wildlife center. it was free with suggested donations as you enter, and they offered a wealth of literature about Florida wildlife especially birds. The area was canopied with trees making it somewhat dark and difficult to view the various birds in the cages. Most local habitat birds were represented but not in a habitat setting. Eagles were here and easily viewed but only four or five cage areas held birds the most interesting being several owls. Pelicans and some cranes were in a natural open habitat where they could freely come and go. the experience took about twenty minutes to view and that was reading and stopping to over-view everything. Pluses were the volunteer staff who knew a great deal about the local wildlife including several tortoises and turtles in the cages. I'm not saying that this was a wasted trip but it surely is a place on the rise. more expansion needs to be made to truly call it an attraction. its hard to do on volunteer money when their main reason for existence is rescue of endangered animals. I wouldn't take this off your bucket list but I would ensure that I had grouped other attractions or visits to make the trip to Punta Gorda worth it. I am sure the plan is to expand this venue, at least I hope it is. It was interesting just small.

Spent about 45 minutes walking around this small Wildlife Center. Very interesting, lots of different animals that were rescued for some reason or another and then rehabilitated and brought back to their original domain. Cute Gift Shop, very nice beach 2 minutes away. Would recommend

Small and manageable, and Peace Wildlife Center is located in a beautiful setting. Perfect place for a picnic either before or after seeing the birds and animals. Impressive variety of local wildlife. Volunteers were knowledgeable and engaged.

This was the best part of our trip.The people here were so kind and full of knowledge.
The wildlife and birds were gorgeous and well kept.
It's clear they get a lot of love at this place.The older gentleman at the get was the absolute sweetest man and so very helpful.I'd go back in a heartbeat.

We came to the Center with our kids. It is an amazing place. When you have the chance to speak with the volunteers as we did that explain the different animals, you will learn so much about how the Center operates as well as the animals.

There is no set price for admission as it is all done by donation.

It’s a great place for kids of all ages, as well as adults. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Small non-profit animal refuge. Home to many rescued birds that cannot be returned to the wild for various reasons. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers who demonstrate their genuine concern and love for these amazing, beautiful creatures. They also rehabilitate other wildlife and return them to their homes. The center is very small and no fee is charged, but donations are welcome. It is located in the Ponce de Leon park. We went on Christmas Day and hours were same as usual, 11-5. There is a gift shop, but it was closed, due to the holiday. Bring a picnic lunch. There is a pavilion, picnic tables, bathrooms and playground for kids in the park. Beautiful view overlooking the water. We will definitely be going back. It was a nice, peaceful and relaxing day. We loved being able to observe the different birds up close.

While we didn't find the fountain of youth...we were pleasantly surprised at how nice it was..benches under shade trees to watch the boats come in...vender selling hot dogs, beach very clean.

A donation of only $5.00 per adult provides a great opportunity to see many birds being very well cared for, birds who can’t be released into the wild due to various past injuries. We saw bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, barred owls, white and brown pelicans, osprey and many other birds in well maintained and comfortable enclosures which give visitors an up-close look at these beautiful creatures. The volunteers were very helpful and answered all my questions. 82 per cent of all birds brought to the refuge are eventually released back into nature and those who can’t be released serve as refuge ambassadors for their species to help educate young and old alike. The gift shop is awesome; all proceeds go to help care for the birds. We loved this refuge and highly recommend a visit when in Punta Gorda.

The staff are amazing. A great visit for friends and family while in town. Very informative as well.

I love the Peace River Wildlife Center. All the dedicated staff and volunteers are working to rehabilitate and sustain various types of animals, particularly birds, giving them a second chance in a safe environment. Many have been injured at the hands of humans, vehicles, boats etc and the Wildlife center provides a sanctuary for birds unable to be returned to the wild. Thank you for all you do!

Smallish place, lots of local birds. Volunteer guides around and very helpful and informative. Only negative was the mesh was not conducive to photos. Entry is by donation.

Great way to spend and afternoon. The birds are beautiful!
The volunteers are very knowledgeable and passionate about their work.

A great collection of mostly birds form the local area. Very educational and heartwarming to see the injured birds that are being cared for at the center. The staff is very knowledgeable and there is a small gift shop. No charge to enter, but the center is funded by donations, so a nice contribution is in order during your visit. The center is staffed with volunteers and the hours are limited, so check the schedule before visiting.

Have been four times in the last year, each time taking a new visitor. Everyone loves the birds and we make a point of being on site for the 2:30 daily feeding which draws a huge crowd of beach seagulls. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and you can learn a lot. My favor is still Luna the white owl who lives on site.

My friends and I visited the Center last week. What a lovely spot to see birds that can no longer sustain themselves in the wild! All the volunteers were friendly and interesting and really enjoyed talking about the birds and their histories and how they arrived at the center. It is a beautiful commitment to protect these creatures.

The Wildlife Center, although moderate in size, is a very interesting stop and acts as a rescue and rehab center for injured birds and other small mammals. Lots of Bird and Owl exhibits. You can see the whole thing in 30 minutes. Recommend.

Any time there is a center to view wildlife and one in which rescue and rehab is involved, it makes it a valuable lesson. The center is small (perhaps a 30-minute visit), but packed with wildlife. There is a guide on site who gave information on the owl with which she was holding, and she’s available to answer any questions about all the animals there.

The center is situated in a small park area, so it would be wise to pack a lunch to enjoy the bayview on one of the picnic tables.

We stopped for a visit and stayed for 2 hours. The volunteer was very informative and explained how each animal came to the sanctuary. We met the infamous Luna, the albino eastern screech owl. Loved to see how they care for the injured animals and then set them free or care for them.

The center has a variety of beautiful birds and small animals. The volunteer staff gave a very interesting talk about a number of the birds there. The nearby beach is also beautiful and a wonderful place to watch the sunset.

This small enclave located in Ponce de Leon Park, is a rescue shelter for injured birds mostly. It does ones' heart good to be in a place that is so caring for our wildlife. Children love it, but moms and dads will too when they open their hearts.

This is a nice rescue operation that needs support. Stop by and visit all the birds and other wildlife in rehab. and make a donation.

Rehab center for mostly birds. Friendly and dedicated staff. Amazing birds. Small venue dependent on donations to rehab their animals. No government assistance is given. These folks do good work caring for these animals and educating the public. Check them out and be sure to donate as they do not charge a fee to tour their facility.

Check out the cutie patootie white Eastern screech owl, Luna. It’s worth seeing!

Great little facility with very friendly and knowledgeable docents. We enjoyed it immensely.It is a tiny place doing extraordinary good things. A must stop when in Punta Gorda

This place accepts donations for the entrance fee. They take in injured animals and rehabs them and then let then go if possible. Many are lifetime residents as they are not able to survive in the wild anymore. The mainly have birds, lots of owls and pelicans. Great to see them up close and personal!

A nice little place with knowledgeable helpers. We enjoyed the sand hill cranes and the many owls. The park is very well kept and peaceful.

The animals are well cared for and the staff is very knowledgeable. There is also a park and beautiful sun set at this location. This is also a 501C3 wildlife center. Entrance fees are donations.

What a wonderful facility! The work these people do for our precious wildlife is incredible. Educational and entertaining. We loved it and intend to visit again soon. Please donate generously!!

First time river swamping, the boat was fun didn't see a whole lot of gators
It's more like a boat ride then looking for gators
I just wished he would have stopped more so we could have taken more photos

This is a wonderful wildlife center run by volunteers! High recommend--beautiful owls to see and such kind and caring staffers!

This is a non-profit wild animal rescue. The volunteers are so knowledgeable and can tell you so much about each animal. It’s free, but they accept donations so bring some $$$. You can also help them out through Amazon Smile.

Beautiful surrounds, beach area, playgrounds. boat ramps, walk and bicycle trails. Bathroom facilities.

A small rescue with mostly birds. It was immediately apparent that the employees care deeply for these animals. It is a very small area and does not take much time to visit.

This is one of those heart warming places I enjoy visiting. They rehabilitate animals and they stay or go. They have a lot of animals that cannot be released into the wild, which is really their goal.
The present location is near the ocean and is being replaced by a bigger and better location. They said that they only have around 30% of the animals on display. Some of these animals have been here for years, which (to me) is commendation of how well they take care of their charges
Love this place and can’t wait for the newer better place to open.

A place to just enjoy the rescued Southwest Florida wildlife that has been either saved from demise due to injury or sickness and then to be put back in the wild or to have a forever home. Combined with the beautiful Charlotte Harbor seascape one can just breath in the deliciousness sights of Ponce de Leon Park

This wildlife center cares for birds that can not live out in the wild due to disabilities. The admission price to the Center itself is based on any donation you can give to help care for the birds. It is located within the Ponce DeLeon Park which has a man-made beach that often finds folks bringing out chairs, tables, and some wine to enjoy what is often a great sunset over Charlotte Harbor. There are fishing docks, and a boat ramp, as well as a canal that leads to numerous other canals withing Punta Gorda. For those who have small children, there is a play area and a lot of space to just be a kid.

We stopped for a quick visit because our 10 year is an animal enthusiast. It is a nice little place. It is free to enter but accept donations. All proceeds from the donations and gift shop goes to keep the center open and help out these amazing creatures. Stop in if your in the area and support a great cause!

Everyone should visit and donate to keep this place going. It is so peaceful and help rescue wild life in need.

Absolutely love this place. Came up from Naples for a day trip and thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. Everyone was so pleasant and we learned so many things! Loved Luna the little white owl! Can’t wait to go again.

Nice place to take family and friends when they visit. Only takes a few minutes to walk through, but can she lots of birds. Does not cost to go through but donations do help and I always leave a little something to help. Love the birds.

What really made this experience special was the interpreters who told the story behind each animal who had been rescued and information about the species. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. I am so happy to see the community supporting this effort! We also did the short boardwalk trail across the parking lot and highly recommend it!

This is a rehabilitation center for mainly injured birds. Knowledgeable staff, lots of birds( unfortunately), also many “visitors” looking for handouts or visiting friends! There was a Yellow Crowned Night Heron which sat on top of one the enclosures and posed for pictures! Check for feeding times, and times when the owls are being carried around to meet and greet.

This is a neat, all volunteer run, wildlife rehabilitation center. The staff do a wonderful job discussing all of the animals and their habitats. Great place to bring the kids!

I love birds Nd this is old place to see pelicans and other birds that they are rehabbing. We or frre punta gorda tourist bikes and rode here. It was a fun trek.

My husband and I wanted to take our baby to do something different get out of the house for a little bit. He found this gem. It's run off of donations, so for someone that can't afford it, you can still do something with your littles. The aviaries were clean and well kept, the birds and animals looked healthy, clean, and happy. It was a really nice educational place, and I'm glad we came! We will definitely be returning as our baby gets older.

We enjoyed this visit to this small and well kept wildlife center. Most of the wildlife is injured and they have a beautiful life in this little center. They ask for a donation and you will want to make sure you donate after you see the wonderful treatment of the wildlife. Very informative and there are volunteers to answer questions. Many types of birds with broken wings, legs and an owl without an eye. Beautiful injured eagles. Watching these birds (mostly birds and fowl of all sizes) having a comfortable life made me smile a lot! Gift shop is perfect end to this visit. Children around us loved this center.

Always a hit with the grandchildren. They had two owls out so we could see up close. Recommended donation is a little steep for what you get to see.

Volunteers were great, wonderful experience. Knowledgeable staffers/ volunteers who were enthusiastic about helping wildlife. Donations accepted and after we attended added additional donation.

Visiting from Maine and noticed the volunteers and bird ambassadors at the Fishermen’s Village. Had no idea what to expect but wanted to support their mission. I was asking questions of a volunteer when they offered to walk the Center and explain the different birds, why they couldn’t be released and the traits of each bird. It was so informative that everyone, no matter the age, will learn something. It was time well spent and I highly recommend it for everyone.

A hidden gem located in Ponce de Leon park. They do amazing work for local wildlife and give visitors a chance to see them up-close. 110% Must Do!

We were happy to visit and support this wonderful animal sanctuary with our grandkids. It is clean and neat. There were a few animals being displayed by handlers outside of their enclosures and everyone was very friendly. The only caveat here is that it is extremely small. It took us much longer to drive there from Ft. Myers than the time we spend there. That being said, outside the sanctuary is a beautiful park right along the river with benches, grassy areas and a small playground.

We had arrived too late to visit on our last trip to Punta Gorda so made a bee line directly to the Peace River Wildlife Center to spend the afternoon there on this visit. The volunteers/docents are amazing in their knowledge and care of the beautiful creatures temporarily visiting to recover from an injury or those that now call this center home. With no federal funding, this 501-C3 charity does amazing work. They recycle cans brought to the center for funds and survive on donations from visitors. If you plan on going make sure you do not miss the 2:30 p.m. feeding of the pelicans, egrets and herons. So many of the sea birds have lost a wing in water accidents with boats or fishing lines. It doesn't stop them a bit as they belly up to their caregivers to get some of the fish. The center even has their own freeloaders, pelicans who routinely fly in to catch a fish or two from the volunteers. My new favorite place in Punta Gorda.

My husband and I enjoy a trip to the Wildlife Center to see the birds of Florida up close and the good works provided.

Any time of the day is advised, although we try to get there in time to see the birds, we love going to the small beach for the sunset.

Guests are always taken to enjoy both and they do.

Such a unique little collection of animals. We visit here at least 4-5 times a year and always enjoy the animals. You can buy little items from the gift shop too. Be sure to donate!

This was well worth to time. It is free and the people that are there are all very helpful. Parking is a little bit of a walk but worth it

If you love birds or animals in general, the Peace River Wildlife Center is a great stop (easily accessible, stop in for a bit or stay longer). The volunteers that are onsite are very friendly and knowledgeable about the different animals in their care. The walkways are narrow and can get crowded inside (especially if they're doing a demonstration and are handling a bird), but I love visiting here whenever we're in the area.

We had a wonderful time here. We just needed to kill a little time before a flight, so we were looking for closer, cheap (this is free) options and ended up here. So glad we did! The staff was incredible and so informative, and getting to see all the rescued animals was really fun. It's not a big place at all, but it's still a great place to visit. Plus the park / beach right outside has a beautiful view.

Free parking and admission for an intimate view of rescued birds.
Educated staff to answer your questions about Bald Eagles, Hawks, Owls 🦉and more.
Very clean and well kept center for wildlife that now requires a helping hand to survive.
Donations accepted but aren't required.
Well worth the trip.

These people do a really nice job with a small space. The enclosures are very close to the path so you can really see the birds well. Volunteers are extremely friendly and willing to tell about each bird's history. If you get there by about 2 pm you may see them feed the resident pelicans.

This is small though, so it's not a several hour activity. I would think it would be a sweet place to come in the morning before there were lot of visitors. My favorites - the owls!

There is a beach too!

We enjoyed our time at the Peace River Wildlife Center. There were friendly volunteers available to talk to us about the birds, which was really nice. It was fun to identify the native birds and we sure do appreciate the work they do rehabilitating injured birds. The adjacent park area offers a nice place to enjoy the waterfront and relax.
Very nice visit!

Small wildlife sanctuary that mainly has a variety of rescued. birds.
Staff is friendly and very knowledgeable and love their jobs.

Overall a great experience. The volunteers really took the time to address questions and provided a great experience for my children and me. Would recommend to anyone looking for an inexpensive immersion into Floridian birds!

A great and interesting place. The staff were very knowledgeable and were quick to offer information. This would be an excellent place to take your kids/grandkids

Our recent visit to the Peace River Wildlife Center was enjoyable from beginning to end. Knowledgeable volunteer staff provide information on all the birds and animals. Many varieties of birds available for viewing. All cages were well-maintained and appropriately labelled with birds' names and history. Up-close viewing of Great Horned Owl "Bella" made this a memorable experience.

Set in a beautiful area at the end of a breathtaking area of pretty homes. There is a picnic area for you to enjoy after you visit these pretty birds that are very lucky to be in such loving hands. A donation is much appreciated. Afterwards watch the sunset nearby.

It’s heartwarming to see the wildlife in distress being brought back to good health My grandkids love going and ask to go back every time they visit A donation is appreciated

When we have guests from out of town, we like to take them to the Peace River Wildlife Center. The staff memembers are very informative and they do an excellent presentation on how many of the animals are recused and rehabbed. Much of the wildlife birds are returned to their environment and other that can’t be rehabbed are on hand to educate other about the animals living styles.
A very clean, nice smelling and well organized.
I highly recommend a visit to the Peace River Wildlife Center especially for the young
member in your family.
The sunsets from the Peace River Wildlife Center, quick is co-located with a Ponce Inlet Park are wonderful. Many local folks just visit the park for the sunset.

We have taken all of our out of town guests to this little gem. They love visiting the wildlife up close. The volunteers are very friendly and shared a great deal of information about the inhabitants. We love seeing the owls out of their habitat visiting with guests. We always visit the gift shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. There are many beautiful items made by local artists.

This place provides a much needed service helping our wild feathered friends when they need immediate medical attention. A cool place to see these birds and learn what they do to help them.

I volunteered in the gift shop at the wildlife center years ago. Nice quality items that benefit the care and feeding of the animals. Very educational for people of all ages. The staff can't be beat. I first visited the center when a mother duck and her ducklings jumped off the dock behind our house. I told my husband to get the one that we thought had drowned with the pool skimmer. It's head just flopped around. I turned it upside down and gently rubbed the towel it was in. Surprisingly it came around. It followed me around but not knowing how to feed it, I called the center. They took it and after it got big enough they had a pond where they were going to place it with other ducks. Great to have people that know what to do for all these animals. Take your aluminum cans to them to help with costs.

Arrived in time to watch the Pelican feeding at 2:30 ... I love to watch them feed on the Gulf Shore, but it was way cool to be that close to these amazing birds! Spent about an hour and a half viewing mostly birds as mammals tend to be in and out and released quickly. The hawks and eagles were amazing. The staff was very pleasant and informative ... thanks to all the volunteers for what they do!

Several animals mainly birds. Volunteers have short talks. Takes approx. 30 min.

No admission fee but donations are appreciated.

There is a small playground with benches out front.and restroom facilities. You can walk to the edge of Charlotte Harbor . It is a peaceful place suitable for children and adults. Also has tiny gift shop. 🦤

Nice little wildlife sanctuary. We loved getting our picture made with Luna. We bought some things in the gift shop to support the cause.

Nice spot to feel good about helping wildlife to rehab & survive in their home habitats. PRWC is like a small zoo, but all of the birds and other animals here have been rescued. FREE, but a small donation is nice as they receive no funding from tax dollars. Very nice tiny gift shop with a combo of homemade and commercial souvenirs , guidebooks, etc. Also can visit the small beach & Ponce de Leon Park. Play equipment. Birds are fed about 2:30 p.m. - a raucous adventure!

This was our second trip to this area and second visit to the center.
Couldn't be a better place to see wildlife up close and learn what each one is...this place is a jewel and deserves so much support! The volunteers there are so knowledgeable and helpful too. Don't forget to visit outside this Center--there are trails and a beach nearby that are interesting and fun too!

Worth the stop. Volunteer run facility that cares for the county’s injured wildlife. Run solely on donations! Beautiful animals. A nice up close and personal look at the animals.

This is a nice free place to visit to see local birds who have been rescued. Donations are always welcome. While you are there stay to watch the sunset on the inlet.
It’s beautiful.

An amazing animal rescue operation that helps with more than 2,500 animal rescues a year. The knowledge able volunteers provide interesting information and insights. All for a suggested entry fee of only $10.

We enjoyed this preserve so much!
Good variety of wildlife and staff is very knowledgeable.
The facility is clean and the environment seems appropriate for the birds,
We enjoyed our day

We have been there several times this visit to Punta Gorda. It is the most wonderful center for birds, turtles, many who are ill and or injured. Many of the workers are volunteers and work so beautifully with the various animals. I met a lovely volunteer on Thursday who was out with a turtle who had a upper respiratory infection. She had the turtle out for a walk and some sun. She was delightful to chat with and I could tell she loves volunteering at Peace River Wildlife Center. Make sure you take the time to visit the feeding at 2:30 of the pelicans, and other furry friends. They also have fantastic T-shirt’s. A beautiful place!

It is not huge, but very interesting, the volunteer staff are eager to explain and educate. I have been to the area many time, but first time to Punta Gorda. Worth the stop, Volunteer donations for admission. We took some time to just relax in the small park. Nice change from the bustle of neighboring tourist areas...

My wife and I have lived in SWFL for almost 2 years and we finally made it to the Peace River. The Wildlife Center is definitely worth visiting, whether you're a tourist or a local. Loved seeing the bald eagles, hawks, pelicans, and rabbit, especially. Great location and free!

Florida is a great place to view wild birds. They are everywhere, both in the wild and in the cities. Unfortunately, many get injured during their encounters with man and his machines. This is where the Peace River Wildlife Sanctuary comes into play, providing a natural habitat and natural foods for injured birds during their recovery. Those that can, return to their life in the wild; those that can’t live out their days under the watchful eyes of the volunteers at the sanctuary. This provides an opportunity to see the birds up close in their natural state.

It's sad when our birdlife and animals get injured but so comforting to know places such as Peace River Wildlife Center exists to offer their help. Brought my granddaughter here and she loved seeing the various wildlife up close. There was a volunteer guide telling us interesting information and history about the various tenants which made the experience so much more enjoyable. Thank you to the staff here who try their best to heal and protect our injured wildlife. Entrance is by donation, so give generously to make sure this place continues to do good.

The special of the day is what was caught that day. We eat here for the 🦐 usually. It the best around. If you come here and don't like seafood you can eat a burger. The have been serving Blue Crab for 2 months but thats all gone for the all you can eat! Hammers provided. The place is small so you might need to share your picnic table. Outside. Come early this place is popular. Beer and wine only.

PRWC is amazing. Everyone there loves what they do and it is obvious to their guest. Their ambassadors who are all these amazing owls are out of their habitats so visitors can up close to take photos.
A must both adults
And kids

A quick little stop in Punta Gorda. We stayed about an hour. The staff members were wonderful, explaining each of the rescued birds. It was very informal. The minimum suggested entrance fee for an adult was $5 which was simply dropped in a large glass jug at the entrance/exit.
The ambassador bird while we were there, was Odie, an eastern screech owl. A very worthwhile, interesting visit.

Witness all the birds that have been injured in the wild that are recovering from the excellent veterinary care provided them at this avian sanctuary. Pause at the eagle cage and ponder their magnificence, and note the size, shape, and coloration of all the other feathered guests looked after here and you will be spellbound over nature's beauty. Children will especially delight in the profusion of God's handiwork all around them, for what they behold is an education in itself.

Stopped by to see the Peace River Wildlife Center, it was a great refuge. The staff were nice and showcased several birds. I enjoyed the bald eagles, hawks and especially the owls. The gift shop is full of cute gifts/souvenirs.

This place is special and awesome again and again. They have THE ONLY white screech owl in the world...yes, in the world. His name is Luna and he is 5 years old (a little old man in screech owl years), so go see him SOON! They have other ambassador birds, like Bella the great horned owl, two bald eagles, a pair of huge white pelicans (with nine foot wing spans), lots of brown pelicans, an armadillo, marsh rabbit, gopher tortoise, box turtle, lots of back yard birds, and lots of visiting birds flying in especially at feeding time at 2:30 PM every day. Look for the mascot golden crowned night heron named “Mooch” who often greets visitors. You will love it and all donations go toward feeding these rehabilitated animals! Their primary job is to rehabilitate and release injured animals back into the wild. They receive an average of 7-10 injured wild animals every day of the year...almost 2500 animals last year. Most were rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Bottom line, it is a one of a kind place in this area and very, very special. They have over 50 volunteers and I volunteer there as often as possible. All local residents and seasonal residents are welcome to apply to volunteer, even if only once in a while. Great gift shop too. They also participate in Amazonsmile for donations. Please go and see what wonderful work they do!!

If you love animals, this is the place to visit. The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. It’s free but donations are welcome. Luna, their mascot, is one cool bird.

This small animal attraction is fantastic. free ranging (albeit a cage) wildlife mixed together in their community. lots of readable info on all of the animals that you will see. the volunteers know their stuff and like the questions. very friendly people. Ponce De Leon Park is a habitat of its own to explore through the mangroves.

We come here yearly and always enjoy our time here, especially Luna the white owl who is the ambassador for the centre.

In spite of its modest size, there were plenty of birds to see, and the staff was very friendly; happy to answer any and all questions about the birds they brought out for close-up viewing. It's a wonderful service they provide, rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds. Many cannot be returned to the wild, so your free will donation is their lifeblood.

The wildlife center is a sweet center that has many animals that have issues and can’t be released into the wild. All of the volunteers there are incredibly full of knowledge. You get to see some animals up close and personal. It’s not very large but you could spend an hour there talking about the animals with the volunteers. There is a gift shop and you can also sponsor animals with a donation. It is right near a beach and the Ponce de Leon park so you can have lunch if you’d like.

a beautiful place to see where the caretakers rescue injured animals mostly birds and small mammals . it's a non profit establishment and donations are greatly appreciated.

Very informative tour with an extremely knowledgeable guide. It's a lovely place with birds that are mending thanks to all the volunteer efforts. Visit and donate to such a heartwarming cause.

Enjoyed walking around seeing the wildlife. Very nice gift shop. Get there early because the boat ride sells out. Nice trail. Glad that I took the time to go there.

Definitely say yes if a volunteer offers you a tour. They have a wealth of knowledge and can tell you why each of the birds are there. The owls are especially adorable.

This wildlife center rescues and nurtures injured animals for rehabilitation. It is run by volunteers so please drop a small donation so they can continue to survive. It's a great place to see and learn about local wildlife.

Great place to visit. The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable about the workings of the Wildlife Center. They have quite a few animals in this small Wildlife Center for you to see. There is a quaint little park with water view outside of the center. I will be returning next year for a visit. Highly recommend a visit to the Peace River Wildlife Center

Have visited several times. This is a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center primarily for birds.
The staff is wonderful and caring and the birds are well cared for. We and the animals are lucky to have such a facility in the area. Please go visit and contribute to their cause, if you can.

The information guide was helpful and friendly, explaining the operation. It is an area of lots of different birds to view. It only takes about 15-30 minutes to go through. It runs off of donations with the suggested donation of $5. It is worth it if you are in the area.

We visited, admission is by donation. Were able talk to staff about the various birds at the center. They also had an opossum and armadillo. Some of these visit area senior living areas for an informative exhibit. These wildlife come to this center after rehab and have been determined to be unable to care for themselves in the wild. They are in the process of raising funds for a larger facility due to outgrowing this one.

The wildlife centre is worth a visit and a great learning experience for all ages. Injured birds who can’t return to the wild are taken care of here . As well this is a great place to take a picnic and watch the fabulous sunsets. A place you can always return to and find something new.

It is a small place on a beautiful site...two reasons to visit. The local birds are wonderful to see.

Though this is a fairly small place it is packed with quite an assortment of unique and lovely birds (and a couple of mammals, one marsupial). Staffed with very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and loved the beautiful owls and other neat birds. Each had their own unique story. No fee to enter but donations are welcomed as this is run entirely by volunteers and through donations. Worth the visit

Peace River Wildlife Center is a simple but unique rehabilitation center for SW Florida's wildlife. Many of the "residents" can't be released back into the wild so they are able to live in this sanctuary with conditions as true to their natural habitat as is possible. The beauty is that we get to view them and learn from knowledgable staff as education is the key! The center also rehabs many birds and animals back to health so that they can return to the outdoors. I have personally brought injured birds and wildlife there for help and the center never asks for money. They work on donations. The place is a gem in Punta Gorda for all ages to enjoy.

There are a variety of birds and other animals here that the public can view. It is interesting to see the various animals that dwell in Florida.

Parking was plentiful.
No admission charge but donations are solicited.
Animals here are all rescued animals and are of a good cross section of what you find in the area.
The all volunteer work force were very knowledgeable and friendly.
Been coming here once a year for a few years and always enjoy visiting.
This place is small and underwhelming but I enjoy it.

Nice wild life center! They do shows with the pelicans and some education. It can get a little cramped in there if it is busy. My son liked it as well. There is a nice park and walking trails right in the same area too.

Very nice place with animals that can not go back to the wild. Mostly birds. Small but I think they are moving to a larger place. Staff are very helpful and informative. Very easy to see the exhibits though the camouflaged birds do take time to see at first. No charge but they request a $10 donation. Worth it. Handicapped accessible and takes about an hour to look around. No snack bar but a hot dog truck is usually in the park. Has a small gift shop.

This was a unique experience. Small, but enough to see. Lots of birds, a gopher tortoise. Owls were cool. A handler came out and was very knowledgeable about the owl.

this is an interesting rescue facility with a number of local bird species. There are also other mammals and amphibians. There is no entry charge but there is a donation request. The docents are very knowledgeable, and eager to explain.

Annual visit to this wonderful place. The people here are doing great work and it is my favorite activity each year when in PG. See photos below, always something new to see and always nice to see the usual resident animals doing well.

I & a friend visited this facility on a Sunday in late October. This small, immaculately clean sanctuary---for a variety of " permanently housed birds & mammals"---is a MUST SEE, when visiting Punta Gorda. Of course, this count does not reflect what the public brings in, on a daily basis, for rehabilitation & hopefully a future release. Their approximate daily food costs are around $200.00!!!
We got to observe every detail of Ambassador Bella, the Great-Horned Owl, as she perched on her handler's arm. And, the beautiful, colorless (not Albino), RARE type of Eastern Screech Owl---Ambassador Luna (meaning moon). Luna may be the only "living, leucistic bird of its kind" IN THE WORLD!!!!! Luna is 6 years old---TWICE the "life expectancy" of a Screech Owl. Luna would have died "in the wild" with "no camouflage" to protect it from predators.
During your visit, don't forget to stop in the PRWC Shop & make some purchases, benefiting the wildlife center. And, I also purchased a "4 OCEAN" bracelet, to benefit the "removal of plastic waste" from our oceans. The entrepreneurs that "started this endeavor" are from Marco Island!
DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR DONATION!!! I, too, just went on the website's Amazon "wish list" & ordered items, that will be MAILED DIRECTLY TO PRWC!!!! Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!!!

Beautiful area, beautiful rehabilitated animals and the staff is so wonderful. We love seeing Luna and the Bald Eagles. We ALWAYS to the Peace River Wildlife Center when we visit family in Punta Gorda.

This is located near to my home. Whenever I have visitors, I take them here. And every time, it's as if I've never been there before as the wildlife constantly changes (the animals are rehabbed and released to the wild with some exceptions of those not able to be released). You can also view "feeding time" - but it's not for the squeamish, lol.

Not a very large place but no charge to attend. All outside venue with many birds and other critters. Cute shop! They take donations for the animal care.

Good people doing great work. They are definitely on the road to sainthood. The entire area is my go to place to chill out.

Volunteers do an excellent job sharing information about the animals there! A lot to see in such a confined area.

The Peace River Wildlife Center performs some amazing things. They rescue and nurse back to health over 200 birds or animals per month. On exhibit at the Center are birds that are too handicapped to be placed back in the wild. They are loved and taken care of by the staff that make this such a special place. No trip to Punta Gorda is complete without walking through this facility. By the way, toss a buck or two in the donation jar! That money will perform some amazing things!

We enjoy visiting facilities such as PRWC for two reasons: we get to contribute money directly to a foundation that is working to heal and care for wounded animals and we get to see, in this case birds, up close and in detail. The birds that we saw were animals that have been injured and would not survive if not for the medical staff and volunteers who work there. Great people there

Take the walk along the river through the mangroves. Talk to the fishermen and waive at boaters. Then visit the birds and turtles in the rescue area. Feeding time for the pelicans is 2 pm. The staff is kind and dedicated to all the birds. They are knowledgeable and quick to share information.

We often times take our visitors here. It is a great place to see some of the fascinating local wildlife that can be difficult to see in the wild. The animals are released back into the wild if it is believed that they will survive back in the wild. The small gift shop has toy birds made by Audubon that have authentic songs.

2nd time here. Not only are the wildlife "residents" in good hands, they appear healthy and content (they're all rescue animals). Had a very informative chat-lesson with one of the staff; friendly and committed to their work there. Free admission but donations are requested (to fund the upkeep). Center is right next to the water so picnic, etc. is part of the experience. This is a terrific attraction!

Best place to see lots of birds and some others animals. Nicely kept easy to navigate enjoyable afternoon

There is the cutest little white owl there who really is an ambassador for the place. Sometimes he's out visiting elsewhere, though.

Well worth an hour or two to spend time with the injured birds this center rescues. Lots of interesting birds and the dedicated folks who care for them is inspiring. Very nice setting on the bank of the river.

My wife and I had the most wonderful pleasure to visit the Peace River Wildlife Center last week. They do a wonderful job of educating the public and caring for hurt birds. This place is well worth the time to visit. The donation to enter is put to very good use feeding and caring for the birds. When we were there they had hawks and owls on display, it was a wonderful opportunity for photography. If you are in Punta Gorda don’t miss this unique very pleasurable experience.

A wonderful place to see. I go every year to see the wonderful birds. It is clean. The staff is friendly and well informed. Definitely worth the trip.

The PRWC does a great job caring for injured animals and birds. While rehab and release is their goal, they provide care for the animals that can no longer provide for themselves. Visitors can see many kinds of birds and other animals at the center. Luna, a tiny white owl, is a special resident that everyone enjoys.

I brought my group here for my quarterly client appreciation outing and was not disappointed. What a beautiful spot, very clean, and lots of varieties of birds. They also have a wonderful gift shop, and a great little beach. I would come here again.

There is no place better to see all three:
1.) A huge variety of Florida's unique and abundant creatures; eagles, owls, herons and many of our local smaller critters, too.
2.) A delightful example of how we humans can be kind and healing when animals need our protection and veterinary help.
3.) A thriving nonprofit with a grand capacity to attract both funds and friends.
Admission fee is voluntary, so go for free... or drop your donation in the bucket.

We spent Christmas Day here and what an experience. The volunteer staff was great, super friendly and extremely informative on all the birds and critters they have. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and learned a few cool facts too!

It is free to visit, friendly volunteers tell you about the animals and how they got to be there. Parking is free.

Great place for adults or kids to learn about the sanctuary. The volunteers are always available to answer questions.

The staff members were wonderful, explaining each of the rescued birds. I love the owl Nice gift shop as well.

We came to Punta Gorda on Wednesday the twenty sixth for a site visit for one of our conferences. On Thursday Jerry Jones who the board of directors President took us to visit here. It was very impressive what is being done for all these wild life animals who have been injured and cannot survive on there own any longer. It was an awesome experience getting to see all these beautiful creatures but sad in a way too. If you are ever over that way be sure to stop by and visit. They can use your donations to help these poor animals.

Great place to pop into! I especially like their "Sunset Celebration" and have been to two of them. They serve food and drinks at these (free!!) and have some of the animals out to see more up close. They also have had music at these and then you can walk right over to the beach at Ponce De Leon Park to see the sunset. Just go, check it out, and donate to this worthy cause!

This is the best little sanctuary for birds and other wildlife that have been injured. They collect aluminum cans and other donations and are right on a little beach that has the most beautiful sunsets.... even when it's cloudy.

Brought family visiting to see the wildlife and the good work the doctors and staff do. A donation jar is near the entrance. My teenage grandchildren enjoyed seeing all the large birds and other wildlife. Different species here than where they live. After seeing the exhibits we went into the gift shop. Nice selection of items. This is a very nice place to visit and bring guests. It’s located at Ponce DeLeon Park on Charlotte Harbor, so we also walked around the park too. Great visit.

Every time I have company we go there and they always say at the end of their visit that it was their favorite place to visit.

We had a very good and informative time . I would say if you like to see animals and a great view, I would go