Living in South Florida, there are plenty of things to do outside. My personal favorites are taking nature walks in local parks or going to the beach. However, if you want to do something that gives back to the community, there are many places in Florida to help wildlife. Lately, I have been thinking about ways I can learn more about helping the animals here as that is a new hobby of mine and something that fascinates me. Here are a few animals and places that need your help!
1. The Nature Conversary (Florida Panthers)
The Nature Conversary is a company that takes care of climate change; protects ocean/land /fresh water, and makes water and food sustainable. They also protect many animals, one of them being the Florida panther. They say that right now the habitat is too small and that “ Males defend territories of 200 square miles and a single female will establish a home range of 75 square miles.” They also say that because of their limited habitat, that they are prone to diseases, and have genetic issues, that they are “closer towards extinction.” The Nature Conversary has plenty of ways you can help their cause including encouraging your legislators to support land acquisition programs, and help foster a better understanding of others. For more information, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/florida/stories-in-florida/save-the-florida-panther
2. Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Loggerhead Turtles)
At the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, there are plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer! You can help in animal care, conservation, along with other ways. I really love this website because they even provide numbers to call if you see an injured turtle. They also just have a general list of little things you can do to help sea turtles. To learn more visit https://marinelife.org/seaturtles/rehab/injured/
3. Gumbo Limbo (Turtles)
Similar to Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Gumbo Limbo focuses on the health and safety of turtles. At Gumbo Limbo, you can become a member, help out in beach clean ups, and more! They also give tips on how you can do your part if you don’t want to volunteer. This includes not using single-use plastic products. They have an article on why it is important and how it is wrong for the environment. They say that “Single-use plastic is simply those plastic items that are intended to be used only once before it is thrown away. That includes products such as plastic grocery bags, straws and coffee stirrers, most food packaging, Styrofoam to-go containers, plastic utensils, and much, much more.” For more, go to https://www.gumbolimbo.org.
4. Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (Eagles)
Unlike the ones listed before, this one is not in South Florida but actually is in Central Florida. The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is located in Maitland, which is close to Orlando, Florida. One unique thing here you can do is become an “Eaglewatcher”. What that means is you would help collect data on eagles and nesting. This is a great way to show you care because it helps to “protect our nation’s symbol”. But they don’t just have eagles, they have plenty of more birds there to help rescue as well! For more information, visit https://cbop.audubon.org