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, MAY 11
Baby Season at 11 a.m.
Oh, baby! It is that time of the year again. Breeding and nesting for many species of wildlife takes place during the spring. During this time, CROW’s hospital is filled with babies. Everything from baby songbirds, squirrels, raptors, raccoons and opossums. The presentation will discuss what to do if you find a baby animal and the care involved in raising babies per species protocol at CROW.
Patient Profiles: Virginia Opossums at 2 p.m.
Virginia opossums are the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. They are highly adaptable animals and can live in a variety of habitats, both natural and human made. Although it may not be obvious to some people, opossums are a unique member of Florida’s wildlife, playing an important role in the function of a healthy ecosystem. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– THURSDAY, MAY 12
Patient Profiles: Birds of Prey 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. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
Species Profile: Florida Felines at 2 p.m.
There are two different species of wild cats inhabiting Florida. The presentation will cover how to identify them, the history of the two species, and challenges they face in a state where human development continues to increase exponentially. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– FRIDAY, MAY 13
Why Animals Come to CROW at 11 a.m.
Do you wonder how and why animals become patients at CROW? Whether animals are sick, injured, or orphaned, CROW aims to lead in their recovery. From fishing line entanglement to abducted babies, the presentation will address the most likely reasons patients are admitted to the hospital.
Turtles, Terrapins and Tortoises at 2 p.m.
Is it a turtle, a terrapin, or a tortoise? They are all members of the Chelonian reptile family but convey distinct differences. The presentation discusses the distinctions between the three. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– SATURDAY, MAY 14
Surgery and Triage at 11 a.m.
Several times each day, new patients arrive at the wildlife hospital. After rescue teams have located and restrained injured or ill animals and transported them to CROW, how are they assessed and admitted to the hospital? What is involved in the process of triage, or prioritizing and sorting the patients as they arrive? What kinds of problems occur that necessitate wildlife rescue and in-hospital treatment, and how can you help prevent wildlife emergencies? The talk will discuss all that goes on when assessing new patients.
– MONDAY, MAY 16
Patient Profiles: Virginia Opossums at 11 a.m.
Virginia opossums are the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. They are highly adaptable animals and can live in a variety of habitats, both natural and human made. Although it may not be obvious to some people, opossums are a unique member of Florida’s wildlife, playing an important role in the function of a healthy ecosystem. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
Species Profile: Snakes of Southwest Florida at 2 p.m.
Florida is home to 46 species of native snakes, only six of which are venomous. Although there is a widespread fear and misunderstanding of the animal, most species are harmless to humans and form vital links in the ecosystem. Snakes are extremely valuable because they are efficient at monitoring pest populations without relying on chemical pesticides, which can degrade the environment and harm other animal species. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– TUESDAY, MAY 17
Species Profile: Bats at 11 a.m.
Bats are the only true flying mammals on earth and can be found all throughout Southwest Florida. Their many physical adaptations provide them with unique advantages in the ecosystem. The presentation discusses the common bat species found around Florida, general characteristics of bats, why bats come into CROW, and their benefits to both the ecosystem and humans. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
Patient Profiles: Armadillos at 2 p.m.
Nine-banded armadillos are found throughout the United States and Southwest Florida, although they weren’t always. The presentation will explore how armadillos came to the Unites States, what benefits they provide for the ecosystem, and the interesting adaptations they have. Learn more about the misunderstood mammal and their relationship to humans. 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 Wildlife Walk Guided Hospital Tours on Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Saturday after the 11 a.m. presentation. 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.