The
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Inc. is located in the town of Indian Shores
in Pinellas County. It is unique among the Florida attractions and well
worth the trip to visit. Founded in 1971 by zoologist, Ralph Heath, Jr.,
The Sanctuary is the largest NON PROFIT wild bird hospital in the United
States that is dedicated to the RESCUE, REPAIR, RECUPERATION, and RELEASE
of sick and injured wild birds. It is staffed by a group of experienced
professionals assisted by many volunteers. Like a human hospital, it is
equipped with emergency facilities, a surgical center, recovery areas, and
indoor and outdoor recuperation areas.
This facility daily treats an average of 20-24 wild birds that have
been injured. Causes range from fish hooks and fishing line to gunshot
wounds. Unfortunately, approximately 90% of all injuries are directly or
indirectly attributable to humans. At any visit you can see in excess of
600 Wild Birds ,
from cormorants, white egrets, and brown pelicans to birds of prey living
at the sanctuary. Although the goal is to release the birds after they
have recuperated from their injuries, some , who have lost an eye or a
limb, remain in permanent residence. Any offspring they may produce are
released to their natural habitat.
The Sanctuary has become world renowned for its captive breeding
program of The Eastern
Brown Pelican that has helped to educate zoological facilities and
wildlife refuges from Europe to Asia. It has been featured in publications
from the New York Times to the Smithsonian Magazine and on television
shows such as "20/20", "The Today Show" and "On
The Road With Charles Kuralt". Some of the "patients" have
starred in a Disney film.
The Sanctuary is situated on Gulf front property
and visitors are free to wander around the open air facility. Groups of
ten or more can book tours in advance by calling (727) 391-6211. Public
tours are Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:00 P.M. or drop by anytime daily,
9:00 A.M. to Dusk, 365 days a year. The majority of the Sanctuary is
handicap, wheelchair and stroller accessible. The Suncoast Seabird
Sanctuary has never charged admission although many visitors choose to
make an all-important contribution. Or for a small donation, you can
become a Member of the
Sanctuary. We also offer a program called Adopt-A-Bird.
With continued support from generous bird lovers nationwide, it will
continue to carry on with its life saving mission:
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