Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas, established in Bastrop in 2024, is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife back into their natural habitats.

Now, the nonprofit organization is working toward constructing its first facility at 304 Watterson Road in Bastrop on two acres of land, donated through the Lost Pines Animal Alliance, after receiving a final development permit from Bastrop County in late June, according to Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas officials.

“The property will house a building for wildlife care, and outdoor enclosures to accommodate wild animals preparing for release back into the wild,” officials said in a statement posted to the Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas website.

What we know


As of publication time, the Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas board and volunteers were removing debris from the site in preparation for crews to flag the property for a building pad, parking lot and detention pond.

Board President Hayley Hudnall has worked in the wildlife rehabilitation field for 15 years and said she is eager to open a new facility in the ever-growing Central Texas region.

“We’re a network of rehabbers working out of our houses right now, so we have a limited amount of animals that we can take in,” she told Community Impact. “We're already taking in animals from six or seven other surrounding counties, so the need here is big and we're happy that we can help with it.”

Also of note


Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas plans to apply for state and federal wildlife rehabilitation permits before opening a facility to the public. Although there is not currently a timeline for opening, Hudnall said she hopes to do so this fall or winter.

In the meantime, the nonprofit organization listed several ways that area residents can lend a helping hand.Prospective volunteers are asked to email [email protected] for further information.