Keith Wilkins & Melissa Dollard from Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Keith Wilkins, Operations Manager, and Melissa Dollard, Wildlife Rehabilitator will be telling us all about the great work they are doing at the Sanctuary.

Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. To carry out their important mission, the sanctuary is staffed by experienced professionals and dedicated volunteers. 

Located within the Sanctuary is the Dr. Marie L. Farr Avian Hospital. Here, a team of dedicated and experienced staff and volunteer members diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate anywhere between 2,500 - 3,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds which are admitted into the Sanctuary’s hospital each year. Similar to a human hospital, it is equipped with emergency facilities, a surgical center, and indoor and outdoor rehabilitation areas. Unfortunately, approximately 90% of all injuries are directly or indirectly attributable to humans. Over 80% of the birds that survive the first 24 hours are successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

If you appreciate the beauty of seabirds, this is the show for you.