Wildlife Inc. rescue and rehabilitation is still picking up the pieces from 2024 hurricanes while the work of saving animals continues.
Rescue operator Gail Straight told The Islander on May 14 that the Bradenton Beach-based nonprofit had taken in more than 300 animals in the past two months.
Gail and her husband, Ed Straight, have operated the rescue from their home at 2207 Avenue B since 1987 with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Their home was severely impacted by storm surge from Hurricane Helene last September and then got hit with Hurricane Milton’s winds last October.
Repairs are ongoing.
“We’re managing,” Gail Straight said.
Animals are being housed indoors and outdoors while construction continues.
“We’re just about finished in the house,” she said. “By the end of this week, they’ll be really starting outside (on animal enclosures).”
Upgrades include new electrical work and lighting but the air conditioning still hasn’t been installed in the animal care areas.
“It’s starting to be 95 degrees out there,” she said. “I’m hoping we can get that in fairly soon.”
The rescue currently is caring for a wide variety of wildlife, including opossums, raccoons, rabbits, ducks, a swallowtail kite, red-shouldered hawks and owls.
“It’s possum season and they keep getting hit by cars, so we end up with the babies,” Straight explained.
She also pointed to a recurring issue around Easter:
“People still buy ducks and rabbits for kids, even though we tell them to make sure to only get the chocolate kind. Then we end up taking them in,” Straight said.
Poisoning continues to be a serious concern for birds of prey.
“One great horned owl lost an eye and suffered brain damage after eating a poisoned rat,” Straight said. “It killed the whole family. Only the one survived. People just don’t think.”
Straight said overdevelopment on the island and surrounding areas also is contributing to an influx of injured and displaced wildlife.
“There’s no place for half these animals to go anymore,” she said. “They keep allowing all this property to be developed. Especially on the island. It’s totally ridiculous.”
Despite the challenges, Straight said community support has been strong.
“People call and ask, people donate. We’ve gotten small grants — even some from people in Sarasota. We’ve been on TV a lot,” she said.
Construction is expected to be near completion by late June.
Call for volunteers
Wildlife Inc. put out a call for new volunteers.
Many longtime rescue helpers are focused on rebuilding their property after the 2024 storms, leaving a gap in the rescue workforce.
“We need people. Not everyone has to feed and clean. Some can just pick up lettuce donations or transport baby animals,” Gail Straight said.
“They can talk to us about what we need and what they’re capable of doing.”
Those interested in helping can apply online at wildlifeInc.org or call 941-704-6843.