CHIPLEY, Fla. — The Seacrest Wolf Preserve is making an urgent public appeal for financial help and emergency support after a court ruling ordered the sanctuary to vacate its property by March 15.
In a notice released to supporters, preserve officials said the court issued its final decision on Feb. 23, ending a lengthy legal battle with the landowner. The ruling requires the preserve to leave the property the animals have called home for years.
Officials said every legal option was exhausted, including efforts to raise funds to relocate the sanctuary. Those efforts fell short, and time has now run out.
According to the preserve, the outcome places many animals at risk. Leadership warned that not all of the wolves and other animals may survive if placement cannot be secured before the deadline.
From now until March 15, the preserve says its sole focus is finding placements for as many animals as possible. Staff and volunteers are actively reaching out to other sanctuaries, wildlife organizations, transport services, and funding sources, urging anyone with connections or resources to step forward immediately.
Preserve officials emphasized that the crisis is not due to a lack of land. They say land has been available throughout the legal process, but the costs associated with fencing, labor, animal transport, and building a new facility require hundreds of thousands of dollars — funding that has not materialized in time.
The preserve also addressed concerns from supporters about its silence in recent months, explaining that legal guidance required them to remain quiet during much of the court process. Only recently, officials said, were they able to speak publicly about the situation.
While legal teams continue exploring any remaining avenues, the preserve stressed that an appeal does not stop the eviction process and that options are rapidly dwindling.
Staff acknowledged the overwhelming outpouring of support from the community, saying phone lines and messages have been flooded with suggestions, offers, and encouragement. Officials said every idea is being considered as time allows.
Without immediate and extraordinary financial assistance, preserve leaders said Seacrest Wolf Preserve will cease to exist after March 15, bringing an end to its mission and leaving the future of its animals uncertain.
Officials urged supporters to share the message widely and continue spreading awareness in hopes that last-minute help can still make a difference.
