Wild Earth Conservancy
Rescuing, Rehabilitating, and Providing Sanctuary for Injured Wildlife
Wild Earth Conservancy (WEC) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and unreleasable wildlife. Today, we provide sanctuary and rehabilitative care for wildlife. Tomorrow, we envision a living center where research, sanctuary, and immersive eco-friendly experiences inspire community stewardship, advance conservation, and foster hands-on learning for generations to come.
Phased Development
How Wild Earth Conservancy is Being Built
Wild Earth Conservancy is currently in the planning and early development phase of its conservation campus. This stage focuses on land evaluation and acquisition, regulatory permitting, ecological and architectural design, and program planning for wildlife rehabilitation, lifelong sanctuary, research, and education.
By prioritizing thoughtful design and responsible growth, WEC is laying the groundwork for facilities and programs that meet the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
Facilities and programs will be developed in clearly defined phases as funding, permitting, and infrastructure milestones are achieved.
Phase One
Focused on the rehabilitation and release of select native species, in partnership with licensed veterinarians and wildlife agencies.
Phase Two
Providing lifetime care for select non-releasable animals once facilities, staffing, and permits allow.
Phase Three
Expanding public education, field response, and conservation partnerships based on proven operational capacity.
Phase Four
A future-state model integrating conservation, education, and sustainable living for humans and wildlife.
Wildlife Care Center
Phase One
Our Wildlife Care Center rescues injured, orphaned, and unreleasable wildlife, providing expert rehabilitation in a safe and welcoming environment. Dedicated facilities—including nurseries, quarantine areas, and specialized centers for hoofstock, carnivores, songbirds, and aquatic species—allow our trained staff and volunteers to provide compassionate, professional care for every animal.
Biosphere Refuge
Phase Two
Biosphere Refuge provides lifelong homes for non-releasable wildlife in naturalistic, enriched habitats where animals can thrive and researchers, scientists, and wildlife enthusiasts can observe their behavior in safe, immersive environments.
Biodiversity Research Station
Phase Three
The Biodiversity Research Station offers classrooms, workshops, and hands-on learning for students, community members, and wildlife enthusiasts, alongside professional labs and field facilities for scientists and researchers to inspire lasting stewardship of wildlife and ecosystems.
Eco-Compound
Phase Four
Our eco-compound provides multiple lodging units for guests, interns, visiting scientists, and staff. Each unit offers immersive access to WEC’s wildlife and conservation programs while minimizing environmental impact. Residents live close to animals and ecosystems, experiencing wildlife responsibly and supporting WEC’s mission of education, research, and habitat stewardship.
What We Do
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wild Earth Conservancy provides professional care for injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife, with the goal of recovery and safe release back into their natural habitats whenever possible.
Wildlife Sanctuary
For animals who cannot be returned to the wild, we provide lifelong sanctuary focused on welfare, enrichment, and dignity, allowing them to live safely while contributing to conservation education.
Conservation Education
We engage communities through education and outreach programs that foster respect for wildlife, promote coexistence, and inspire long-term conservation stewardship.
About Wild Earth Conservancy
About
Through rehabilitation, sanctuary, and community education, Wild Earth Conservancy (WEC) works to advance coexistence between people and wildlife. Our wildlife programs will include Biosphere Refuge, providing sanctuary and care for non-releasable wildlife; the Biodiversity Research Station, supporting hands-on learning and professional research; and the Eco-Compound, offering eco-friendly lodging for guests, interns, staff, and visiting scientists.
All areas of WEC are fully accessible, ensuring that visitors, students, researchers, and volunteers of all abilities can safely engage with our programs and wildlife. Together, these programs build the foundation for a dedicated, immersive wildlife conservation facility that serves both animals and the communities that surround them.
Organizational Standards
- Federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Commitment to professional wildlife care standards
- Focus on native species rehabilitation and sanctuary
- Community education and conservation outreach
- Long-term vision for a dedicated wildlife care facility
Leadership & Advisors
Timothy Mihocik
Founder
Timothy brings over a decade of experience in animal husbandry, wildlife rehabilitation, and zoological care. He has held professional roles at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center, and Noah’s Lost Ark Animal Sanctuary, providing rehabilitative care, neonatal support, diet preparation, enrichment design, and enclosure construction for a wide range of native mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Timothy has participated in federally coordinated bird banding and monitoring programs with the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory and the Division of Migratory Bird Management, supporting critical avian conservation research. He holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral psychology and completed advanced animal care training through the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy. Through conservation writing and program development, Timothy advances Wild Earth Conservancy’s long-term vision for an eco-village model that integrates wildlife rehabilitation, conservation education, and responsible human–wildlife coexistence, fostering meaningful engagement and lasting impact for both people and wildlife.
Ashley Llyod
Co-Founder & Founding Strategic Advisor
Ashley brings over a decade of experience in primate and wildlife care, animal husbandry, and zoological management. She has overseen animal care programs, sanctuary operations, and staff development in multiple wildlife and sanctuary settings. Previously, she was Senior Primate Keeper at ABQ BioPark, contributing to the Chimpanzee Husbandry Advisory Team, and held roles as Chimp Keeper at Lion Country Safari and zookeeper in the carnivore and primate departments at Fort Wayne Zoo and Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
Ashley holds a degree from Salisbury University and completed the Zoo Animal Technology Program at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. She specializes in primate care, enrichment, and welfare, and through program development and conservation initiatives, she advances responsible wildlife management, education, and public engagement.
Seth Hochberg
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Seth brings over a decade of zoological and wildlife experience to Wild Earth Conservancy. He is a graduate of the University of West Florida’s Zoo Science program and also studied Zoo Animal Technology at Santa Fe College and Zoology at Broward College. Over the years, he has worked with a wide array of species in roles at Montgomery Zoo, Palm Beach Zoo, Lubee Bat Conservancy, and Jacksonville Zoo, focusing on husbandry, enrichment, and animal behavior.
Through his expertise and lifelong passion for conservation, Seth helps develop and implement Wild Earth Conservancy’s animal care standards, rehabilitation programs, and public outreach initiatives. His work ensures evidence-based practices and welfare-focused approaches across the organization, supporting both wildlife and community engagement.
Steven Herbst
Co-Founder & Director of Development
With a diverse background spanning zoological care, wildlife handling, and public safety, Steven brings a steady hand and detail-oriented mindset to Wild Earth Conservancy. He began his career working with exotic species at ZooTampa and Santa Fe College, developing expertise in husbandry, diet preparation, and enrichment for a wide range of animals. His experience in security and corrections further strengthened his leadership, organizational, and risk management skills.
Steven now channels this expertise into building safe, efficient, and welfare-focused operations for the Conservancy. He oversees facility management, operational logistics, and program support, ensuring that all aspects of Wild Earth Conservancy run smoothly while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and community engagement.
Get Involved
Wild Earth Conservancy is in the development phase and is actively seeking support from donors, institutional partners, and remote/field volunteers to help establish foundational programs and infrastructure for long-term wildlife rehabilitation, sanctuary, and conservation education.
Volunteer & Contribute
Support wildlife care, habitat projects, and education efforts by volunteering your time and skills.
Skilled and community volunteer engagement.
Support Our Work
Your tax-deductible donation directly supports animal care, conservation programs, and facility development.
Tax-deductible contributions for program development.
Explore Partnership Opportunities
We collaborate with educators, conservationists, and organizations committed to protecting wildlife and ecosystems.
Strategic collaborations & institutional support.
Contact Us
Wild Earth Conservancy welcomes inquiries from prospective donors, institutional partners, conservation professionals, media, and individuals interested in supporting our development. We are currently in the planning and fundraising phase and are building relationships that will help establish long-term wildlife rehabilitation, sanctuary, and conservation education programs.
info@wildearthconservancy.com
Wild Earth Conservancy is a nonprofit organization in development focused on wildlife rehabilitation, sanctuary, and conservation education.
Contact: wildearthconservancy@gmail.com
© 2025 Wild Earth Conservancy. All rights reserved.
Wild Earth Conservancy 