About Us
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife since 1988.
Founded in 1988 by Carol Lee, South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (SPWRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Lubbock, Texas. We are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing native wildlife while fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the natural world.
As a licensed wildlife hospital, our facilities are not open to the public. SPWRC is authorized by Texas Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the USDA. We receive no government funding—our work is made possible through the generosity of our community, donors, and volunteers.
We welcome visitors twice a year during our Open House events, held on the first Saturday of May and December. These events offer a behind-the-scenes look at our work and a chance to meet our ambassador animals.
How It All Began
What began as a small, home-based effort by Carol Lee in 1988 has grown into one of the most respected wildlife
What began as a small, home-based effort by Carol Lee in 1988 has grown into one of the most respected wildlife rehabilitation centers in West Texas. Over the decades, SPWRC has cared for thousands of wild animals, from songbirds and squirrels to owls, hawks, and mammals, each with their own story of survival.
While our goal is always to return healthy wildlife to their natural habitats, some animals sustain permanent injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild. These special individuals become our ambassador animals—beloved residents who help educate the public about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting native species.
Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and licensed rehabilitators work tirelessly to ensure every animal, whether temporary patient or permanent resident, receives the best possible care and respect they deserve.
dlife rehabilitation centers in West Texas. Over the decades, SPWRC has cared for thousands of wild animals—from songbirds and squirrels to owls and hawks, each with their own story of survival.
Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and licensed rehabilitators work around the clock to provide expert medical care, safe housing, and the nurturing environment every animal deserves.
Our Mission
At South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, our mission is rooted in compassion, education, and conservation. We are dedicated to providing expert care to injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife with the goal of giving each animal a second chance at life in the wild. Every patient we treat represents our commitment to preserving the balance of our shared ecosystem and protecting the incredible diversity of species found across the South Plains.
Beyond rehabilitation, we believe education is key to long-term conservation. Through school visits, community programs, and events, we share the stories of our ambassador animals to inspire curiosity, respect, and understanding of the natural world. By connecting people to wildlife, we hope to foster a lasting appreciation for the role every animal plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems and encourage responsible coexistence with nature.
Our mission extends beyond the animals in our care—it’s about building a community that values and protects the wild places and creatures that make West Texas home.