Conservancy of Southwest Florida raises funds for wildlife hospital
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s annual Wildlife Baby Shower inspired overwhelming community support for the organization’s von Arx Wildlife Hospital, raising more than $37,800 through cash and in-kind donations to help care for Southwest Florida’s injured and orphaned native wildlife.
Supporters contributed $22,087 in cash donations and purchased 656 items from the hospital’s Amazon Wish List, valued at $15,777, providing critical supplies for the hundreds of baby animals admitted each spring.
The donated items include specialized nutrition, medical supplies, syringes, heat lamps, rehabilitation equipment, cleaning supplies, and other essential materials used daily by the wildlife hospital’s veterinary staff and trained volunteers. The boxes used to ship Amazon donations are also reused by the hospital to safely transport patients back into the wild for release.
The generosity of the community helps meet the demand for wildlife rehabilitation. In 2025, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital cared for nearly 3,500 native wild animal patients, including songbirds, raptors, gopher tortoises, bobcats, and other native wildlife.
“Every donation, whether it’s a bottle of formula, a medical supply, or a financial gift, directly supports the care of injured and orphaned wildlife,” said Lauren Barkley, associate director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “The Wildlife Baby Shower is a wonderful reminder that our community shares a commitment to giving these vulnerable animals a second chance.”
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s event. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on Southwest Florida’s wildlife and the future of our shared environment. To view the wildlife hospital’s current wish list or make a donation, visit Conservancy.org/Our-Work/Wildlife-Rehabilitation.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land, and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the Conservancy is home to Collier County’s only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. Currently open to visitors, the Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering-the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s quality of life.