CROW resumes tours, launches program
Still continuing to recover nearly a year after Hurricane Ian, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel is open and again offering programming to educate and engage visitors.
A teaching hospital dedicated to saving sick, injured and orphaned native and migratory wildlife in Southwest Florida and beyond, it resumed its CROW Campus Tours earlier this month, which provide participants with an insider’s look into the care and rehabilitation that staff provide to their patients.
In addition, CROW recently launched a new story and snack time program for youths that aims to foster a love for literature and animals, while also sharing its mission. Additionally, three days a week, CROW hosts a Program of the Week covering a range of topics related to wildlife and patient care.
CROW CAMPUS TOUR
Taking place on Wednesdays through Fridays at about noon after the Program of the Week, the CROW Campus Tour gives participants an in-depth look into what patients experience from intake to release, including the inner workings of the hospital and treatment process. Added post-storm, visitors will also get a look into CROW’s rebuilding efforts.
“Our tours, even pre-Hurricane Ian, gave people an insight into the hospital and how it works,” Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said. “How our patient care is accomplished, how animals are rehabilitated once they are strong enough to be out of the hospital but prior to their release.”
Now, the tours also incorporate how CROW prepared and recovered from the storm.
“And what our future plans are for rebuilding,” she said.
On the guided tour, participants are taken to the hospital.
“They get to walk through the lower level of the hospital,” Hussey said. “As well as get a peek into the upper level of the hospital as far as treatments and intakes, if they’re happening at that time, even a potential surgery if it’s happening at the time of the tour.”
Next, participants are taken over to CROW’s Animal Ambassador Enclosures, where they will meet Mina — a great horned owl — and Talon — a red-tailed hawk — up close and hear about their stories.
The tour lasts for about 45 minutes to one hour.
“The majority of the tour is outside, so we encourage our participants to be hydrated, to bring water bottles, especially in the summer heat in Florida,” she said.
Each tour is limited to 12 people and participants must be age 10 or older.
“What we do is sometimes very emotional, for even our staff,” Hussey said. “Taking care of wildlife injuries, there can be the potential to see patients that have substantial injuries. So we just want to make sure it’s age appropriate.”
She noted that photographs are not permitted.
“Our permits do not allow us to have the general public take photographs of the patients in care,” Hussey said.
The tour costs $25 per person, and advanced registration and payment is required.
To register, contact 239-472-3644, ext. 229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.
STORY TIME
A free program focused on conservation education and community engagement, Story Time is scheduled for Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Education Center from now until Aug. 8. The interactive five-week program is aimed at educating and engaging children on the region’s native wildlife.
“Children are the future caregivers of our wildlife, so it’s important to foster their love of animals and learning at an early age,” Hussey said, adding that staff is excited to welcome back visiting youths.
“Their happy faces and interesting questions lift our hearts and love of learning,” she said.
During the program, a staff member narrates a conservation story for attendees. Covering a variety of topics, each week will feature a different story showcasing a local author. The remaining ones are:
– July 25: “Turtle Trips,” the tale of a green turtle and his life in the bay
– Aug. 1: “Loggerhead Life,” the tale of a loggerhead turtle and a pelican
– Aug. 8: “Jenny’s First Catch,” an adventure with nature’s wading birds
In addition, CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be on hand for attendees to meet. The special animals will aid staff in engaging and teaching attendees about the subject highlighted in the featured story.
Hussey noted that the program is designed for children and accompanying adults.
“Adults are asked to enjoy Story Time with their child for a fun and interactive experience,” she said.
PROGRAM OF THE WEEK
Held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m., the Program of the Week covers a range of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. It is also free and takes place at the center.
“Come out, visit the Visitor Education Center,” Hussey said. “See what CROW has been doing since the storm.”
The center also houses CROW’s gift shop.
“We’re got some great merchandise,” she said. “It’s a great store for all ages.”
One hundred percent of the proceeds go toward supporting and caring for wildlife.
The Visitor Education Center and gift shop are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for a tour, enjoy a program or simply stop by.
“Sanibel is open, CROW is open. Enjoy the island,” Hussey said.
“Remember how wonderful CROW is and what we do for our wildlife,” she added.
For more information, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/ or call 239-472-3644. People can also stay updated on CROW via its social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.