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                                   The Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Story

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In 1999, a seed of hope was planted in Northeast Florida when Karen Ward-Lynch founded The Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. Driven by a passion for wildlife and a commitment to their welfare, she secured permits, set up nonprofit status, and assembled a team of fourteen dedicated volunteers. Together, they began offering care and rehabilitation to songbirds, seabirds, marsh birds, birds of prey, turtles, tortoises, and small mammals. Wildlife in need often arrived through the doors of The Ark from veterinary hospitals, local parks, emergency responders, and caring individuals in the community.

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St. Augustine, where The Ark is based, offers a unique blend of habitats, except for deserts and mountains, and lies directly along a major migratory flyway stretching from Newfoundland to South America. This location has shaped the organization’s journey, presenting a rich diversity of species requiring assistance and strengthening its purpose over the years.

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A turning point came in 2003, when the City of St. Augustine Beach entrusted The Ark with a piece of land bordering a 15-acre pond and protected wetlands. This property became the foundation of The Ark's wildlife rehabilitation center, evolving into a sanctuary where countless birds, reptiles, and mammals found refuge and a second chance at life. The site not only serves as a rehabilitation facility but also as a release site, ensuring rescued wildlife can safely return to their natural habitats.   

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As time passed, Northeast Florida witnessed increased urban development and deforestation, placing even greater pressure on local wildlife and intensifying the need for The Ark’s services. By 2023, the organization had become a lifeline for avian wildlife in eight counties, caring for over 4,000 birds in a single year. With other bird rescues in the region closing, The Ark expanded its network to collaborate with rehabilitation centers across Florida. This ensures specialized care for raptors and species needing surrogate parenting.

 

What began as a mission focused on St. John’s County has grown into a beacon of hope for orphaned, injured, and ill avian wildlife across the region. The Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation’s story is one of unwavering dedication, adaptation, and compassion—a testament to the difference a community can make when it comes together to protect the natural world.

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