Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

Like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating animals. While the aquarium focuses on marine life, the animals at the Seabird Sanctuary in Clearwater are of the avian variety. Hundreds of sea and land birds call the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary home, thanks to the fact that nearly 25 to 30 wild birds are admitted to the sanctuary's hospital on a daily basis. The hospital here is the largest bird hospital in the country. Once an injured bird arrives at the Clearwater Bird Sanctuary's hospital, the recuperation process begins. The aim is to return any and all injured birds to the wild, though some injuries require that specific birds live out their days at the sanctuary itself. Some birds with permanent injuries also find homes at zoos and other rehabilitation centers.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is one of the top attractions in Clearwater Florida, thanks to its respectable mission and its large collection of fascinating birds. Founded in 1971, this Clearwater bird sanctuary has been providing a haven for injured birds for quite some time now. These birds come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from birds of prey to songbirds. The eastern brown pelicans are of particular interest at the Seabird Sanctuary in Clearwater, as they are the focus of a captive breeding program that has been noted for its success and influence. This program has served to educate numerous wildlife refuges and zoological facilities around the world, which has helped to reestablish eastern brown pelicans in the wild. More than 100,000 annual visitors drop by this Clearwater bird sanctuary, not only to see the eastern brown pelicans, but to also get a look at the other interesting birds.

In addition to eastern brown pelicans, some of the bird species that you can expect to see at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary include herons, owls, and pelicans, to name a few. Most of the birds that arrive here sustain injuries from fishhooks and fishing lines, as fishing is one of the top things to do in Clearwater. If you should come across an injured bird of any kind during your visit to Clearwater, you can immediately report it to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, which will arrange for a rescue. The hospital here is akin to a human hospital in many ways, and it boasts excellent emergency facilities, not to mention a top-notch surgical center. Other facilities at the Clearwater bird sanctuary hospital include outdoor and indoor areas that aid in the rehabilitation process.

The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Clearwater Florida is a model of success, and you might be interested to know that it came to the aid of a struggling Key West wildlife center Key West in 1998. After being rebuilt, Wildlife Rescue started on its own road to success, and today, it is one of the top Florida Keys attractions. Admission to both the Clearwater bird sanctuary and the wildlife center in Key West is free, which lends to their popularity as Florida attractions. For those who are planning a Clearwater vacation, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. until the sun goes down. Free public tours can be enjoyed at the Seabird Sanctuary in Cleawater on Wednesdays and Sundays, and groups of ten and more can also enjoy free tours, provided that they book them in advance.

Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island is one of the top Florida destinations for fun in the sun, a...

Latest Topics

Florida Trip Map

Florida Trip Planning Map It's cold on the east coast what better time to escape than a tri...

Panama City suggestions

I've got my room booked for January (it was a killer good deal too. I'm staying right o...

More Forum Posts »