CROW Calendar
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife’s AWC Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:
– WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17
Wildlife Rescue 101 at 11 a.m.
Have you ever come across wildlife in “distress” but did not know the appropriate steps to help? Florida is home to over 700 terrestrial animals and other invertebrates, and they all depend on our sustainable recreational practices to survive. From posturing to vocalizations, animals communicate in a variety of ways and, at times, indicate their need for human assistance. Whether it is deterring visitors from feeding birds on the beach or detaching a pelican from fishing line in the mangroves, the program will cover wildlife rescue assessment, as well as handling techniques.
– THURSDAY, NOV. 18
Patient Profiles: Owls of Southwest Florida at 11 a.m.
Raptors are birds that prey on other animals in the wild to survive. Their specialized beaks and talons make them some of the most effective hunters. The presentation discusses the unique adaptations of the native and migratory raptors of Florida, specifically the five species of nocturnal hunters known as owls. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– FRIDAY, NOV. 19
A Day in the Life at 11 a.m.
CROW’s teaching hospital offers externship, fellowship and internship opportunities for natural science and veterinary medicine students. CROW also benefits from the help of over 200 volunteers. While on site, students and volunteers learn the ins and outs of conservation medicine and wildlife rehabilitation. Volunteers, staff members, and students will share their favorite patient stories and give attendees an inside look at what happens behind the scenes at CROW. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– MONDAY, NOV. 22
Invasive Reptiles of Southwest Florida at 11 a.m.
Florida is home to a more than 700 terrestrial animals, 200 freshwater fish and 1,000 marine fish; these organisms depend on the productivity of natural habitats and our sustainable recreational practices to survive. Because the climate is subtropical, it is easy for nonnative animals to adapt and become established. Adam Pottruck, of Adam’s Animal Encounters, will provide some examples of the exotic reptiles invading Southwest Florida and explain how their presence is a problem for native wildlife.
– TUESDAY, NOV. 23
Animal Defenses at 11 a.m.
Animals have evolved numerous ways of defending themselves against predators. The talk focuses on the often overlooked but interesting methods of defense which involve deception and chemistry. Three main methods discussed in this talk will be the use of toxic chemicals, camouflage and mimicry. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
General admission to the center is $12 for adults, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under. Admission includes the above daily presentations, and no reservations are required to attend. For the safety of CROW’s animals and other visitors, masks are required at all times in the center.
In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Guided Hospital Tour on Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. The 1.5-hour program features a daily presentation in the center and then a guided tour through the treatment areas of the hospital, concluding on the rehabilitation grounds. It is open to all, but it is not recommended for ages under 13. Cost is $25 and it includes admission to the center. Capacity is limited to eight participants; advanced registration is required. Masks are required at all times during the tour. Tours are subject to modification and cancellation. Payment is required to complete the reservation. To register, contact 239-472-3644 ext. 229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.
For more information, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/ or call 239-472-3644.