CROW holds ribbon-cutting for new sea turtle complex
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel marked a major milestone in marine conservation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 25 for its new Harkey Sea Turtle Complex.
The event celebrated the completion of the highly anticipated facility, which replaces CROW’s original sea turtle rehabilitation building that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. CROW will begin treating turtle patients at the facility once final permits are approved.
Named in honor of local philanthropists and wildlife advocates Bill and Laurie Harkey, the complex was made possible through their support, along with contributions from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and other donors.
“This is such an exciting day for us here at CROW, realizing the dream of a sea turtle complex. What you see now is the culmination of a lot of hard work,” Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said. “We drove all over the state of Florida to see what was needed for sea turtles. It wasn’t just about building a building; it was about building what sea turtles needed for proper care, rehabilitation and release back into the wild.”
A FEMA-approved building, the Harkey Sea Turtle Complex features four tanks for adults and one “fly-away” hatchling tank. Other features include:
– Motorized sea turtle hoists that can hold up to 3,700 pounds
– Saltwater tanks that can be subdivided to hold various turtle patients
– Two 2,250-gallon tanks, two 1,250-gallon tanks and a hatchling tank
– Full control over the water quality
– State-of-the-art ionization and sand filtration system
– UV sterilizers
– Digital cameras on each tank and above them, with live online viewing, and the overhead camera provides a 360-degree, night-vision view
Bill Harkey unveiled his bright blue and pink sea turtle shirt to the crowd of over 100 as he stood before the new facility bearing his family’s name and reflected on the impact that it will have.
“This is a great day. It’s a great day for this community, a great day for CROW, a great day for the sea turtles,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I would be happy as a clam if we never had a patient in these four tubs in there. We know that’s not realistic, so we have to have something just in case.”
The Harkey Sea Turtle Complex will serve as the only rehabilitation facility between Sarasota and the Keys, significantly expanding access to critical care for threatened and endangered marine species.
“We’re going to treat several species of marine turtles that include loggerheads, green turtles, the occasional Kemp ridley and, due to sightings on the island, we could even see the incredible leatherback, the largest sea turtle species in the world,” CROW Research and Medical Director Dr. Jessica Comolli said. “All of these species face growing threats in our coastal waters — and this amazing facility ensures we are here, ready to provide the expert care that they need.”
CROW Board of Directors President Paul Ben Susan and city of Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller thanked everyone for their efforts and spoke on the role that the island will play in sea turtle conservation.
“Sanibel continues to be dedicated to the principle of nature sanctuaries, and nothing demonstrates that better than CROW and this sea turtle complex is a manifestation of that,” Miller said. “While we cherish all wildlife, the sea turtles are kind of special to us and this is something that will help care the turtles.”
Owen Ames Kimball was the general contractor for the project.
“This project was very meaningful. As a born and raised Floridian, the sea turtle complex holds deep personal meaning as it reflects my connection to the state’s unique coastal environment and wildlife,” Project Manager Chase Harrison said. “It represents a much needed and one-of-a-kind space dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating injured sea turtles, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
For more information, visit https://crowclinic.org/.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.