The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Marine Mammal Stranding Center

850.650.1880
406 Mountain Drive
Destin, FL 32541

The mission of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) is education, conservation and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida’s natural fauna.

The ECWR is a not-for-profit organization made up of a caring staff and dedicated volunteers. Its headquarters and refuge are currently located in the heart of Destin, Florida. Over the past 13 years, the ECWR has cared for thousands of animals in need of help – from stranded dolphins to injured eagles to orphaned foxes. The ECWR is mainly supported through the generous donations of local residents and businesses.

To make a donation in support of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge's ongoing programs, click here!

I found an injured/orphaned animal. What do I do!

Wildlife refuge moving to FWB
June 6, 2009 - 6:03 PM

Dusty Ricketts

FORT WALTON BEACH - After operating for 15 years in Destin, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge has found a new home in a new city.

Representatives from the city of Fort Walton Beach and the Wildlife Refuge recently signed a 5-year lease for the refuge to move to the city's Commerce and Technology Park. The lease was approved by the Fort Walton Beach City Council at a special meeting last week.

"What it's going to do to the refuge is change it completely," said Amanda Wilkerson, who has been its executive director since 2001. "We're not going to be in this little building. We're going to have exposure, awareness, people coming out to see us. It's going to change, I think, our entire operation and the way people see us and view us in the community."

Dr. Dyson an avid supporter of the ECWR.

Dr. Dyson moved to the area in May 2000 from Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

She has been practicing for 7 years, but has worked in the veterinary industry for 15 years. Since opening the practice in April 2004, she has formed alliances with Santa Rosa Animal Services and Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge/The Stranding Center, Inc. and volunteers her services regularly.

For Animal Services she gives medical attention to animals in the shelter's care, she helps foster and adopt out animals, and in 2007 they held their first joint Adopt-A-Thon at St. Francis. She is the veterinarian of record for Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. She treats wildlife for any injuries and illnesses, ensures their rehabilitation, and encourages release back into the wild or to another appropriate permanent environment if they are deemed unreleasable. She is married and has two children, four dogs, seven cats, a Quaker parrot, two fish, two turtles and a snail. She enjoys spending time with her family (including the furry, feathered, and slimy) and friends, reading, and --call her crazy-- yard work.

http://www.stfrancisvetcenter.com/

Member Login:

Username:

Password:

E.C. Wildlife Refuge

Quick Links