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: