The Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge is the official support organization created to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the National wildlife system and the Florida Panther Refuge in particular.
Our mission is to be an active advocate of the of the refuge and support its program, to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the endangered Florida panther and how the existence of this animal can enrich our lives, and to strive to support and improve the status of the approximately 100 Florida panthers in the wild.
How does the organization directly affect the population of Florida panthers?
In a number of ways. For example, we purchase radio collars and digital cameras that are used to track their movements so that we can better understand their behavioral patterns. We maintain the Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge in its optimum natural habitat so that it is safe and comfortable for the panthers and the prey that sustains them.
We constantly monitor development that degrades their habitat and lobby county, state and local officials to mitigate any proposed loss of habitat. We have an educational program that partners with the Wings of Hope Program at Florida Gulf Coast University to reach out to 4th grade students in 33 southwest Florida elementary schools each year. We also educate adults on the plight of the Florida panthers through power point presentations, traveling displays, and exhibits at a large number of events each year. We also provide money to the Florida panther capture and rescue team that put radio collars on panthers and treats injured panthers at the University Of Florida School Of Veterinary Medicine.
We educate local people living in panther habitat as to how to coexist with the Florida Panthers to prevent injuries to live stock as well as to the panthers.
Through this website, and our other publications, we draw international attention to the risks the panthers face. We have successfully promoted the construction of an underpass on a heavily traveled road in panther habitat. Similar underpasses have significantly decreased road deaths in nearby areas. In short, the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge is a hands on volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of this highly endangered animal and the promotion of the wonders of the refuge and all of the animals and beautiful native plants that inhabit it.
We invite you to join us in the enjoyment of the refuge and our cause to preserve the Florida Panthers. When you become a member of the Friends of the Florida Panther refuge, the following benefits will be available to you.
The Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
