How Owl's Nest Began

Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife was founded by Kris Porter: a zoologist, lifelong outdoorswoman, and dedicated conservation leader.

Kris studied Zoology at the University of Florida and has served on the UF Biology Circle of Excellence Board for the past six years. Before launching Owl’s Nest, she spent 12 years running the Busch Gardens Animal Nursery, where she cared for all 327 species housed there. That experience gave her the hands-on knowledge and deep respect for wildlife that continues to guide the sanctuary today.

What started with rescuing owls, hawks, and squirrels quickly expanded into a community-driven sanctuary built on science, compassion, and fieldwork. Owl’s Nest reflects Kris’s belief that every creature plays a vital role in Florida’s ecosystems and that protecting wildlife today ensures a healthier, more balanced environment for tomorrow.

Why Rescue Wildlife?

Florida’s wildlife faces growing challenges every day. Many of our keystone species — the ones our ecosystems depend on to stay in balance — are already endangered. The threats are everywhere:

• Expanding construction and new housing developments
• Busy roadways and speeding drivers
• Attacks from domestic pets
• Poisoning and careless use of chemicals
• Fishing accidents, both commercial and recreational
• Orphaned young left behind by stressed mothers
• Poaching and interference from uneducated tourists
• Careless landscaping practices and lawn crews

These dangers add up quickly, and without intervention, countless animals would never survive. That’s why our volunteers stay up all night feeding baby opossums, rush out on lunch breaks to pick up injured hawks, and answer calls at all hours. We do it because we care, because we want Florida’s wildlife to endure for generations to come.

Who We Are

At Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, who we are is simple: we are everyone.

We are electricians, teachers, students, veterinarians, military veterans, retirees, accountants, writers, web designers, and families. We are people with years of experience and those just beginning to learn. We are volunteers who pay for our own gas, nets, and supplies.

Most importantly, we are people who care enough to give up our nights, weekends, and resources to protect Florida’s wildlife. Together, we form a community united by compassion and a shared belief that every animal deserves a chance to live wild and free.