FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The South Florida Wildlife Center is asking for public support after a portion of its clinic ceiling collapsed late Sunday afternoon due to termite damage, prompting temporary repairs and operational changes, though officials said all animals, staff and volunteers remain safe.
South Florida Wildlife Center officials confirmed on social media this week that crews are now on-site beginning “critical repairs and preventative maintenance” following the incident.
South Florida Wildlife Center Executive Director Stacey Price wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday that their facility’s team responded quickly after termiite damage was discovered.
“Thanks to the swift response of our team, our animals, staff, and volunteers are safe and currently operating under contingency protocols,” she wrote.
Despite the disruption, the organization said all of its more than 500 current animal patients are continuing to receive uninterrupted care.
Staff and volunteers, officials added, have been “swiftly adapting to the temporary changes” as portions of the clinic remain closed for assessment and repair.
Over the past two days, the organization said it has focused on safety, evaluating the extent of the damage and reconfiguring operations to minimize the impact on ongoing wildlife care. They said an intake of new animals has been temporarily diverted to partner facilities.
Price noted the center has operated from its current location since 1969 and said the incident underscores the challenges of maintaining an aging facility while continuing lifesaving wildlife rehabilitation work. She said plans for a new facility are in development but remain several years away.
“Even during times of disruption, our mission does not pause,” Price wrote, thanking staff, volunteers and partner organizations for their support.
Crews are expected to continue repair work in the coming days as the center maintains modified operations.
A donation page has been launched through SFWC’s Facebook page to help restore critical clinic space and support ongoing care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
Here is a list of other places to take injured animals:
Related link: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on injured and orphaned wildlife
Local 10 digital journalist Andrea Torres contributed to this story.
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