Construction of the final cages and fencing for a Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas facility is wrapping up ahead of applying for wildlife rehabilitation permits. The nonprofit expects to open it later this year. (Courtesy Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas)
Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas is inching closer to opening its first permanent Bastrop facility later this year—a milestone board President Hayley Hudnall said cannot come soon enough as demand climbs.
A Swainson’s hawk was rescued after suffering head trauma and an eye injury from being struck by a vehicle. (Courtesy Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas)
A growing need
The nonprofit’s home-based rehabilitators have taken in over 200 injured or orphaned wild animals this year, surpassing the roughly 150 animals taken in annually since the organization opened in 2024.
“There’s been a huge need out this way for a while now,” Hudnall said, noting that the closest rescue facility currently open is in Austin.
A cottontail receives care from Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas rehabilitators. (Courtesy Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas)
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The group fields 10-20 daily inquiries from residents seeking advice about wildlife in their yards and homes.
A raccoon is among the injured and orphaned wild animals cared for by Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas rehabilitators. (Courtesy Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas)
Until the facility opens, rehabilitators will continue accepting animals from their homes, nursing injured wildlife and helping reunite young animals with their mothers.
Rescuers found this skunk covered in fly eggs and fleas after it went four days without its mother. (Courtesy Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas)
