Tornado Relief: Support Wildlife Center's Urgent Recovery

Help Rebuild Wilderness Trail Wildlife Center After EF4 Tornado

Organizer: Mandy McElwee

Benefiting: Wilderness Trail Wildlife Center, 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Location: London, Kentucky

Starting Goal: $15,000(Long-term needs are greater, but this covers the most urgent priorities.)

On Friday, May 16th, 2025, a devastating EF4 tornado tore through London, KY, hitting homes, neighborhoods, and the London-Corbin Airport. It also severly impacted the home and wildlife rehabilitation center of Tonya Poindexter, founder of Wilderness Trail Wildlife Center (WTWC). Tonya, a single mother and full-time wildlife rehabilitator, survived the storm alongside her two daughters, their pets, and dozens of wild animals.

Her preparedness saved every life—but the property was devastated.

The Damage:

A vehicle-sized impact tore into the roof of her home

The detached garage was destroyed

Her roof and ceilings are collapsing, and much of her home is flooded and unsafe

Her storage building was flattened

Critical wildlife intake and education buildings were damaged, including enclosures and emergency surgery space

The fence enclosing the perimeter, required by law for wildlife rehabilitation, is 90% destroyed

Tonya has no homeowners insurance. When she paid off her mortgage, she could no longer afford the insurance premiums. She lives a simple, selfless life, putting everything she has into her daughters and the wildlife she protects.

Tonya's Story:

Tonya is a single mother and has 2 daughters who live at home: Zetta, who is autistic and has epilepsy and other medical conditions, and Milca, a 21-year-old adopted daughter who moved in after her family was forced to return to Mexico. Tonya made Milca promise to finish her GED and start college—and she did both.

Tonya also has two older daughters: Tyla, who lives in Corbin, and Presley, who lives in Nashville. Her entire life has been focused on raising her children and giving back to her community.

In 2016, after the passing of her beloved pet skunk Pepé, Tonya made a promise: to dedicate her life to giving wildlife a voice. She returned to school, earned her degree, and founded Wilderness Trail Wildlife Center, a 501(c)(3) public charity, in 2018.

Tonya lives simply. Her income is minimal, and she does not pay herself. Everything goes toward the animals in her care. She’s licensed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, the USDA, and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). In fact, she’s the only person in Kentucky licensed by all three agencies.

She typically rehabilitates and releases around 900 animals per year, including injured and orphaned wildlife that would otherwise die without her intervention. Those that cannot be released become USDA-certified educational ambassadors and help Tonya teach children and adults about Kentucky’s native wildlife.

Her home is the same home her grandparents built in 1962, and it means everything to her.

On the night of the storm, she got her daughters into a closet just 10 minutes before the tornado hit. The sound was deafening. After surviving that first tornado, she helped rescue neighbors, gathered their pets, and led everyone into a nearby underground bunker just before the second tornado hit.

The next morning, Tonya saw sunlight through her ceiling. Her daughter’s room was directly under the collapsed roof. Boards were embedded through her walls. Rain had poured into 75% of the home. Her heart broke.

Even the wildlife enclosures were ravaged. 12 box turtles, recovering from dog and human-inflicted injuries, lost their outdoor habitat—but by a miracle, every one was recovered thanks to Tonya and her neighbors.

Why We Set a $15,000 Starting Goal

This amount reflects the most urgent needs to restore operations and safety:

Fencing materials & posts: $3,000–$5,000

Roof repair: $5,000+

Wildlife enclosures: $2,000+

️ General labor, tools, and supplies: $3,000+

We anticipate the full rebuild will cost $40,000–$50,000, but this starting point will address the most critical repairs.

Tonya's Recognition:

Kentucky Colonel (2024)

Fox News "Most Remarkable Women of 2025"

WKYT Hometown Hero

Her dedication to wildlife and public education has inspired thousands. She collaborates with schools, hosts free educational events, and gives back to her community daily. She is a lifelong resident of Laurel County, and all she wants is to stay in her papaw's home and continue her life’s work.

A Note From Mandy

I first met Tonya when I drove from Richmond, KY to London to bring her three orphaned baby opossums. I was mesmerized by how she operates, her compassion, and her total dedication. We connected instantly through our love for animals. I’ve learned so much from her and witnessed the true impact she makes every day, often without recognition. Her work is crucial — and now, she needs our help.

How You Can Help:

Donate whatever you can

Share this page with friends and groups

Contact us if you can help with fencing, carpentry, roofing, materials, labor, or anything!

All donations go to Wilderness Trail Wildlife Center, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible.

Contact & Follow:

Organizer: Mandy McElwee

WTWC: WildernessTrailWildlifeCenter.org

Instagram: @WildernessTrailWildlifeCenter

YouTube: WildernessTrailWildlifeCenter

TikTok: @WTwildlife

X: WTwildlife

As for the status and probability of FEMA:

As of May 20, 2025, FEMA has not yet approved a major disaster declaration for the tornado that struck London, Kentucky, on May 16, 2025. Governor Andy Beshear has indicated that the state is in the process of seeking federal assistance, but it's currently too early for individuals or organizations to apply for FEMA aid related to this specific event.

FEMA is not necessairly going to assist with the restoration of this property beacuse a business/non-profit organization resides at the address - even though 3 people live at the address too, but we are optimistic, hopeful, and diligent we will rebuild one way or another.

Tonya has given her entire life to rescuing wildlife and educating our communities. Now, she needs us. Let's help rebuild her home, her refuge, and the vital services she provides to Kentucky's wildlife and families.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for caring.