Gulf Power Company is hosting a 30^th anniversary celebration for the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida on Monday at 3 p.m. at the company’s headquarters.

The Wildlife Sanctuary, a non-profit organization based in Pensacola, was formed in 1982 and provides nutritional care, medical care, rehabilitation and release for indigenous wildlife, and a permanent habitat for non-releasable animals. The Sanctuary has taken in and cared for more than 64,000 animals over the past 30 years.

The Sanctuary nearly quadrupled in size through a partnership with Gulf Power, Escambia County and the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Gulf Power allowed Wildlife Sanctuary to use two acres of land and a house in 1991. Gulf Power employees renovated the building and grounds to accommodate the Wildlife Sanctuary, including building animal cages, a deck and a pond. Gulf Power’s support has continued over the years through donations and volunteer work.

“Organizations like the Wildlife Sanctuary have a real impact on our local wildlife and environment,” said John Hutchinson, Gulf Power. “Being able to help them expand their facilities and ultimately help sustain the wildlife that is so important to Northwest Florida is something we’re very proud of.”

Dorothy Kaufmann has served as the Sanctuary’s director since 1996 and has led the Wildlife Sanctuary through many challenges over the years, including a fire and several floods.

“We are proud to be celebrating 30 years as a caretaker of our area’s wildlife,” said Kaufmann. “This anniversary event is a wonderful way to thank all of our supporters who have helped us through the years.”

The event will include remarks from Doug McCrary, who served as president when Gulf Power agreed to share two acres of property with the Wildlife Sanctuary in 1991, and Keith Wilkins, Escambia County Community & Environment department director. The celebration will conclude with a live auction of five animal paintings created and signed by local artist Jim Berry.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”

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