Residents urge Collier County to investigate Naples Wildlife Conservancy after animal care complaints

Several Collier County residents told commissioners on June 24 they want an investigation into the Naples Wildlife Conservancy, alleging poor animal care, a lack of transparency about released animals and unresponsiveness to donors and rescuers.

The speakers said they delivered injured and abandoned animals to the conservancy but later saw animals die or were not notified when animals were released. “I am very concerned with their lack of transparency and the accountability,” one resident said. Another told commissioners a conservancy supervisor handed her a letter threatening arrest for trespassing when she visited to inquire about animals she had brought in.

Why it matters: The conservancy accepts public donations and rescue intakes and, according to speakers, receives large private gifts. Residents said they expect accountability and clearer communication from organizations that care for wildlife. Commissioners did not take formal action but were asked to direct code enforcement to investigate or otherwise follow up.

What speakers said: Victoria Redstall, who described multiple interactions with the conservancy, said staff told her they would not call rescuers when animals were released: “It is not their policy to call you.” She told the board she later surrendered a raccoon to the conservancy after a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer told her it was illegal to keep a wild raccoon, and she said the conservancy’s record differed from hers about the animal’s condition on intake.

Adrienne Redstall urged the board to “please demand accountability for the 3 raccoons and for the conservancy to be transparent from this point forward,” saying her family was treated “so cruelly” by staff when they sought a release notification.

Tee (Tina) Clark, who identified herself as an animal rescuer, said she hoped Rocky the raccoon was “doing okay” and urged the county to seek answers.

Claims and requests: Speakers said the conservancy had received large private donations, including a $25 million gift they attributed to “Carol and John Walter” and another multi‑million contribution from the Richard Schultz Foundation; those figures were presented by speakers and not verified in the meeting. They asked the commission to send code enforcement to the conservancy or otherwise require transparency and accountability for animals brought in by residents.

County response and next steps: County staff did not present a formal staff report on the conservancy during the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the speakers and said staff would review the requests; no formal motion or vote was recorded on the record during the June 24 meeting.

Ending: Commissioners heard multiple public commenters on the topic during the public comment portion of the meeting and did not take immediate formal action. Residents asked for an official inquiry or code-enforcement inspection and said they will pursue follow‑up if they receive no county response.