CROW Calendar
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife’s AWC Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:
– TODAY, JULY 6
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.
Species Profile: American Alligators at 2 p.m.
The American alligator is a large aquatic reptile and one of two crocodilians native to Florida. Although it is hard to believe, the species was once on the road to extinction. With the help of conservation efforts over the last few decades, alligators have made a drastic comeback. The program discusses how the species contributes to the overall health of Florida’s ecosystems and economy. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– THURSDAY, JULY 7
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.
Enrichment at 2 p.m.
When animals are recovering, they need certain things to help feel “at home.” Whether it’s a branch, hamster wheels, a hollowed-out tree, or a pool of ice, our patients need things to keep them occupied and enhance their skills. The presentation discusses what the CROW team does for enrichment and why this is important. One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.
– FRIDAY, JULY 8
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.
Species Profile: Vultures at 2 p.m.
Vultures are unique and play a beneficial part in the ecosystem. In the talk, take an overall look at vultures and their contributions to the environment. Explore vultures from different countries worldwide, learn about their positive role in human and wildlife health, and what people can do to help their conservation efforts.
– SATURDAY, JULY 9
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, JULY 11
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, JULY 12
Patient Profiles: Wading Birds at 11 a.m.
Wading birds fill the shallows of waters all across the world. Originally hunted for their plumage, many wading bird populations saw a great decline, but have made recoveries. Learn the differences between herons and egrets, some of their unique hunting styles, and the species native to Southwest Florida. 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.
In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Guided Hospital Tour from Mondays through Saturdays after the 11 a.m. presentation; no Wednesday tours will be offered during the month of July. 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; advanced registration is required. Masks may be required. 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.
To reach CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE, please email