History of SFWRC
Southern Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was founded in 1989 and continues to be run by Dirk Neugebohrn who is devoted to the safekeeping of these animals. Dirk has made a lifetime commitment to caring for, protecting, and preserving the future of these magnificent Animals.
1981 - The Southern Florida Wildlife Rehab Center started with one cougar that was confiscated from a tool salesman in Ohio. We met Lt. Pat Reynolds who worked many animal abuse cases and the confiscation of several monkeys.
1983 - The SFWRC moved to the Redlands. Many injured animals, birds, and other wild life were brought to us. Most were treated and kept until they were able to return to the wild. These were released as far from populated areas as possible. Others became residents of the center. These were not able to fly or fend for themselves. Again, we relocated to a larger property, one mile west of Florida City.
1989 - The SFWRC established and built a new facility with numerous cages to house the abused and mistreated animals. We built large holding cages for Cougars, Panthers, Leopards, Lions, Monkeys, Pigs, Ferrets, Birds, Parrots, Lizards, and many other types of animals. Two ponds were dug, one with a twenty foot waterfall. A meditation area and memorial was built to remember one of our supporters for help in an effort to provide housing for the abused and mistreated.
1992 - Hurricane Andrew devastated our house and property. We lost every tree on the property. Due to the proper construction of the cages, not one animal was injured. Some cages had minor damage but not one animal escaped. The next four years were the biggest challenge. It took 12 hour days and 7 days a week to rebuild and the work still continues.
1996-2009 - The SFWRC is under siege from financial costs. We receive no federal, state, or county funding. All funds come from private donations.