Construction is moving forward on Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas’ first permanent facility in Bastrop, marking a major milestone for the nonprofit as it works to expand wildlife rehabilitation services across the region.
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The facility is being developed at 304 Watterson Road on a 2-acre site donated through the Lost Pines Animal Alliance, according to officials with Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas. Once completed, the site will provide centralized space for wildlife care and recovery, replacing the organization’s current model of operating through individual homes.
“The property will house a building for wildlife care, and outdoor enclosures to accommodate wild animals preparing for release back into the wild,” officials said in a statement posted to the Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas website.
The new location is expected to significantly increase the group’s capacity to serve injured and orphaned animals throughout Central Texas, an area that has seen rapid population growth and increased human-wildlife interactions.
Hayley Hudnall, board president of Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas, said the demand for rehabilitation services has continued to rise as development expands across the region.
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“We’re a network of rehabbers working out of our houses right now, so we have a limited amount of animals that we can take in,” she previously told Community Impact. “We're already taking in animals from six or seven other surrounding counties, so the need here is big and we're happy that we can help with it.”
Founded in 2024, Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas installed a prefabricated rehabilitation building shell at the site in November. Since then, crews have continued work on essential infrastructure, including the parking lot, a detention pond, fencing, and multiple prerelease outdoor enclosures designed to prepare animals for return to their natural habitats.
Among the specialized features under construction is a raptor flight cage, which will allow hawks and owls to regain strength and practice flying before being released back into the wild.
As construction progresses, the nonprofit is also seeking community support. Residents can contribute by donating funds, providing gently used towels, crates, and cages, or purchasing supplies through the organization’s Amazon Wish List. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out directly to the organization for additional information.
The facility is scheduled to open by late March, positioning Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas to significantly expand its impact across Bastrop County and surrounding communities.
Originally reported by Joel Valley in Community Impact.
