Tampa Bay Rescues Center

📢 Tampa Bay Rescues: A New Chapter

To our friends, supporters, and community —

Over the years, Tampa Bay Rescues has been known for connecting people with amazing animals through education and care. Every animal in our care was treated like family, and that will never change.

The last few years have tested us in ways we never imagined — a devastating fire, followed by three major hurricanes. Through it all, our mission remained the same: protect, care for, and inspire love for wildlife.

On December 15, 2024, we closed our doors for the last time as an animal care facility. It was a deeply emotional decision, but it was made from love — we could no longer provide live animal care at the high standards we demand for their wellbeing. Every one of our animal residents has been placed in a safe, permanent home where they continue to receive exceptional care.

For those who also knew our sister property, Sunny Green Acres — the animals there are also extremely well cared for. If you’d like to volunteer or help with food costs, you can reach out directly here: Sunny Green Acres page.

Our new focus:
🌿 Wildlife & environmental education
🤝 Conservation partnerships
📚 Storytelling that inspires
🚚 Mobile exhibits that bring the wild to the community

We believe we can rescue more than individual lives — we can rescue the future of our animals, plants, and waterways by inspiring action and awareness.

Thank you for standing with us through every challenge and into this new chapter. The heart of Tampa Bay Rescues hasn’t changed — our love for wildlife and our community is stronger than ever.

📍 Follow along as we roll out new programs, events, and opportunities to get involved.
💙 Together, we’re making an impact that lasts generations.

— The Tampa Bay Rescues Team

🌟✨ A Heartfelt Farewell & Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

As we close this chapter after 13 incredible years at Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center and Tampa Bay Rescues, our hearts are filled with a mix of emotions—heartbroken yet immensely proud of all we have accomplished together.

To our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, generous donors, and unwavering supporters: THANK YOU! Your commitment and love for our mission have made a profound impact on countless lives and the beautiful creatures we’ve cared for. Together, we’ve created memories that will last a lifetime and fostered a deep appreciation for wildlife and conservation.

As we celebrate this joyous Christmas season, I want to extend warm wishes to each and every one of you. May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Though it’s time to say goodbye, the spirit of our journey will live on in every life we’ve touched. We are forever grateful for your support and friendship.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and an even brighter New Year ahead!

With love and gratitude,
Sonny
Signing out for the last time 💚🦎✨

🌟 To Our Cherished Team Members, Past and Present 🌟

As we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared, our hearts are filled with both sorrow and immense gratitude. This past year and a half has brought unimaginable challenges, and many of you faced the heartbreaking loss of beloved animals. The pain of that loss is still etched in our hearts, but your resilience and dedication to our mission have been nothing short of inspiring.

In the last 13 years, I have had the honor of working with an award-winning, five-star team of animal caretakers, cashiers, tour guides, and dedicated professionals. I would love to name names, but that list would be quite long! So, to each and every one of you, you know who you are—give yourselves a big hug and a pat on the back from me. You truly deserve it!

To those who remained steadfast in our commitment to save and protect countless animals, your passion shines bright. I hold the utmost respect for each of you who chose to weather the storm for as long as you could as we rebuilt and honored the legacy of our furry friends. A special thank you to our new team members who were willing to take a chance during this rebuild. Your belief in our mission has brought renewed hope and energy, and it has been an absolute honor to work alongside you.

After 13 unforgettable years, it’s bittersweet to announce that we’re saying goodbye to our beloved animals as they embark on new adventures in amazing homes. Their stories will continue to resonate, fueling our mission of education and conservation.

I know, deep in my heart, that I did everything possible to honor our cause, and I couldn’t have done it without each of you.

As we close this chapter, let’s carry forward the love and lessons we've learned. This is not a farewell, but a heartfelt “see you later, alligator” to our friends. Together, we will continue to inspire change and make a lasting impact.

With all my love and appreciation
Sonny

Iguana Encounters
🦎❄️ Say hello to our beautiful iguanas this holiday season! 🎄 These gentle giants would love to greet you! Your support helps provide for their needs and promotes awareness of reptile care. Visit us and make a new scaly friend! 🐍❤️

Chameleons in the Holiday Spirit
🌈🎉 This holiday, join us in meeting our vibrant chameleons! 🦎✨ Each one is unique and full of holiday spirit! Your visits help support their care and promote wildlife education. Come get to know these magnificent creatures! ❤️

Leopard Gecko Gathering
🐾✨ Meet our charming leopard geckos this holiday season! 🌟 These little guys are full of personality and love the festive vibes. Come visit and see how your support helps us care for these amazing reptiles! 🦎❤️

Bouncing Bunnies
🐰🎄 Hop into the holiday spirit with our adorable rabbits! 🌟 Meet our fluffy friends as they explore their festive setup! Each visit supports our rescue efforts and helps care for all the animals. We can’t wait for you to meet our cuddly companions! 🐇❤️

Bearded Dragon Bliss
🦎🎅 Celebrate the season with our bearded dragons, who are basking in the holiday cheer! 🎄✨ Come meet these mesmerizing reptiles and discover how you can help us provide a safe haven for them and their friends. Your support truly counts! 🐉❤️

Happy Spicy Saturday!! Be extra sweet and come by and see us at our pop-up today until 6:00 in the Pass! We have lots of fun gifts for you and yours! There is also a tree lighting at 6 PM at the Bell Tower!🎄🎁Thanks for supporting our small business!! Cheers!!🎁☕️☕️

Tegu Time!
🌟🐍 Introducing our playful tegu! This holiday season, come and learn about these fascinating reptiles and what makes them so special! Join us for a fun and educational day while supporting their care and conservation. Don’t miss out! 🎉❤️

Dear Friends,

After dedicating 12 years of my life to the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and now leading Tampa Bay Rescues, I find myself reaching out from a place of deep concern and desperation. Since the devastating fire in Johns Pass on July 13, 2023, we’ve faced a series of unforeseen challenges, including two moves—first to a bank and then to our current permanent location.

While I am incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received thus far, the reality is that our new location has not provided the foot traffic we desperately need. The promised signage to help guide visitors to us has yet to materialize, and our situation has grown increasingly urgent. The recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton—two of the worst we have seen in years—have displaced many of our local supporters and discouraged tourists from visiting.

Although our landlord wishes to help us, he too has faced significant losses and is unable to provide the financial support we need. I respect his situation, but the thought of closing our doors for good is unbearable. The animals I care for are not just my responsibility; they are my family. I lost my home and everything in it, but these animals are irreplaceable.

I am reaching out with a heartfelt plea for your support. We need your help now more than ever. Whether through donations or by spreading the word about our plight, your support can make a crucial difference in ensuring we keep our doors open and continue caring for these wonderful animals.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your compassion and support.

❤️🙏
Sonny Flynn
Founder, Tampa Bay Rescues

Donate to Tampa Bay Animals Face Eviction, organized by Sonny Flynn Urgent Call for Help: Tampa Bay Rescues Needs Your Support Dear friends, supporter… Sonny Flynn needs your support for Tampa Bay Animals Face Eviction