WHEREAS, Evelyn Flengas, a wildlife rehabilitator in Hampton Roads who rescued countless animals over the years and inspired others through her compassion and dedication to service, died on January 25, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Flengas was born in England and traveled the world with her husband, James, while he was serving as an officer in the United States Navy; she served as a radio show host for the American Forces Network in Rota, Spain, and worked for what was then known as Naval Air Federal Credit Union; and

WHEREAS, after settling in Hampton Roads, Evelyn Flengas became an active member of the community and supported the Kempsville High School band while her children were students there; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, after finding a mallard duck in need of care, Evelyn Flengas discovered her passion for wildlife rehabilitation, and her home-based refuge operation soon included numerous cages and enclosures to temporarily house injured or orphaned squirrels, rabbits, snakes, foxes, possums, and raccoons before releasing them back into their natural habitat; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn and James Flengas incorporated Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge as a nonprofit organization in 2005; the refuge holds local, state, and federal licenses to handle wildlife and has provided exceptional care to thousands of animals in its history; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Flengas promoted awareness and appreciation of native and migratory wildlife through education and outreach and helped foster a lifelong sense of care and respect for the Commonwealth's natural resources among young people; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her career, Evelyn Flengas trained at least 30 volunteer rehabilitators, including Meredith Broadhurst, who has served as president of Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge since 2017; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Flengas authored her memoir, A Ride on the Wildside, in 2011, and she was featured in a National Geographic documentary titled "Backyard Bandit" in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Flengas will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, James; her three children; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Evelyn Flengas; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Evelyn Flengas as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.