The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Marine Mammal Stranding Center

850.650.1880
105 Santa Rosa Blvd
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

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 on Okaloosa Island in Ft. Walton Beach, 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!

Oil Spill Gulf of Mexico 2010

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge continues to monitor the oil spill, and expect at minimum to be involved in the rescue of many sea turtles and marine mammals. The impact on birds in our area is as yet unclear, but we are prepared to respond to oiled bird calls as well.

We are working closely with NOAA, USFWS, FFWCC, BP, Okaloosa EOC, and many other agencies and groups to plan our response in order to provide the best care possible to wildlife impacted by the spill.

We want to emphasize that when and if oil reaches our beaches, only those with specific hazmat training will be allowed on the beach. If you would like to receive that training there are several agencies working to provide it. For the most current information on hazmat training contact the BP Community & Volunteer Hotline:1-866-448-5816

More Information click here...

Supplies needed:

BP is required by United States law to pay for ALL cleanup costs, including care of wildlife, related to the Gulf Oil Spill, so donations to directly help these specific efforts are not required or accepted. BP has contracted with Tri-State Bird Rescue handle all oiled bird response during this incident. The ECWR continues in our role as the area response team for stranded (including oiled) marine mammals and sea turtles, our role as an organization in the oiled bird response is being determined, and we have received no funds from BP to this point.

Oil spill wildlife response has placed an added burden on our time and resources, but we ask that your funds and materials be donated to our general fund in order to help us carry out our daily mission of the past 15 years. As always we will be happy to answer any questions you have at 850-650-1880.

Wish List:

Monetary Donations for medical supplies
Gift cards (visa, Lowes, Home Depot, local grocery stores)
Heavy duty trash bags
Baby blankets
Paper Towels
Large Rubbermaid containers with lids
Heating lamps
Rubbermaid troughs (can be purchased at Tractor Supply in Crestview or on-line)
Large backyard portable pools like found at Wal-Mart

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E.C. Wildlife Refuge

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