A wildlife refuge center in Orange County is getting a brand new facility.

  • Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in east Orange County
  • Facility takes care of injured, abandoned wildlife
  • Getting new facility thanks to Orange County 

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is a non-profit organization which specializes in providing care to wounded or abandoned native Florida animals.

This week the Orange County Commission agreed to move forward with plans to build a new building on their property. It would work as an education center and a clinic for the wounded animals they treat.

Right now the refuge operates out of portables, every one filled with cages for animals under care.

District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson has allocated $3.5 million of INVEST funds to be allocated to the project.

The construction now means the refuge will be able to expand their education program, and help more animals.

"We've worked so hard for so long to get where we are at. It doesn't happen overnight. We just kept believing there was a possibility that this could happen, and it can," said Debbie Helsel, the executive director of Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge.

New construction will be on the same property that Back to Nature currently is located.

The county explained they hope to have a design team working on the project by May of this year. Construction is tentatively set to begin in December of 2018 and be completed by September of 2019.

You can visit the refuge at 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road in southeast Orange County. The refuge is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

There is a $5 donation that is suggested for entry. 

If you find a wild animal that needs help, call the refuge at 407-568-5138, or email at info@btnwildlife.org.