Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

At Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, we are heartbroken by the cases we’ve seen this past week. Three birds were brought to us, all injured by BB gun pellets: - A pelican with three pellets, including one dangerously close to its spine. Tragically, it did not survive. - A Turkey Vulture with a pellet lodged in its neck. - A Red-shouldered Hawk with three pellets, one causing a painful fracture. Wildlife in Florida already faces significant challenges, including habitat loss and collisions with buildings. Acts of intentional harm, such as shootings, add unnecessary suffering to the pressures they endure. It’s important to note that harming or killing most birds is not only cruel but also illegal. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), it is unlawful to hunt, harm, or kill migratory birds without a permit. Violators can face: - Fines up to $15,000 per offense. - Up to six months in federal prison. Birds of prey, like hawks and owls, are afforded even greater protections. Violations can lead to: - Fines up to $100,000. - Up to one year in prison. At Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, we collaborate closely with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to assist in investigating these cases. Every injured bird is a reminder of the need for vigilance, education, and enforcement to protect these vital members of our ecosystem. We urge everyone to respect wildlife and report any suspected abuse to the FWC or local authorities. Florida’s natural heritage depends on all of us. https://lnkd.in/eyyK4JRY

We are heartbroken to share the news of our sweet Maggie’s passing 🌈 Maggie, our beloved opossum ambassador, was cherished by everyone who worked with her—staff, interns, and volunteers—and she touched the hearts of countless people who met her at the Station and at events. She helped so many see opossums in a new light, showing the world how wonderful they are. Maggie turned fear into admiration, teaching us all how vital opossums are to our environment. Her memory will forever remind us of her kindness and the invaluable lessons she shared. 🩷Rest peacefully, sweet Maggie—you will always be in our hearts 🩷

🚨 Calling all future wildlife heroes! 🚨 Are you ready to get hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation? 🦅🐢 Our Clinic Internship Program offers an incredible opportunity to work directly with injured seabirds and other local wildlife, learning from experienced rehabilitators while making a real difference in their recovery and care. 💪💙 👉 What you’ll do: Assist with patient intake and triage Prepare diets and feed our wildlife patients Participate in medical treatments Learn about wildlife conservation and care firsthand Whether you’re a student or simply passionate about wildlife, this program is designed to immerse you in the heart of wildlife rehabilitation. Click the link to learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eRFgGthG

Have you joined one of our Seabirds Cruises yet? There's still time to book your spot on the next adventure!

Our Mowgli got fancy—she’s Baseling this week! Environmental awareness can be highlighted in so many ways, and during Art Basel, there’s no better way than through art! We’re incredibly grateful to Gary Snyder Fine Art and artist Ben Miller, who used a fly-fishing rod to paint the Little River—our future home—bringing attention to the beauty and fragility of our wilderness for Art Miami. Proceeds from this incredible artwork will directly support our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife. Art has a way of bringing people together, and seeing it inspire a deeper connection to nature is truly priceless.

Join us at Art Miami (Dec 3-8) to experience the work of artist Ben Miller, known for his unique technique of painting with a fly-fishing rod. Ben is creating a stunning 4x8-foot piece on plexiglass, inspired by the Little River, a vital waterway flowing to Biscayne Bay. His work blends art and environmental conservation, with proceeds from the sale supporting Pelican Harbor Seabird Station and its mission to protect native wildlife. The piece will be displayed at the Little River Café (Booth AM128), alongside other river-inspired paintings. Special thanks to Gary Snyder Fine Art and Art Miami for their support. Don’t miss this incredible fusion of creativity and conservation! 🌿🎨 Where: Art Miami, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132 When: December 3-8, 2024

This is a cormorant who was brought in with two hooks in their stomach and one in their wing. We are overjoyed and relieved to report that after undergoing an exceptionally complex surgery, the cormorant is doing great! The procedure was particularly delicate, with several complications along the way, but thanks to the incredible skill and dedication of Dr. Schneider, one of our staff veterinarians, the surgery was a success. As a result, we are seeing fantastic progress in our resilient patient. The sides of their mouth are also healing from wounds, a common injury for birds that swallow hooks. Fishing lines hanging out of their mouths can cut into the sensitive tissue—especially in this case, where the cormorant also had fish weights dangling from their mouth. But despite these challenges, our patient is doing so well that we are preparing to move them outside soon—and a release might be just around the corner! We want to take a moment to recognize Dr. Schneider and all our veterinarians for their exceptional work. It is their expertise and dedication to every patient, no matter how complex the case, that make recoveries like this possible.

Can't miss this amazing Speaker Series with marine biologist, artist, and filmmaker Colin Foord of Coral Morphologic. Click the link in the event to reserve your spot!

Nice people who save wildlife make the news! Those opossums and the cormorant are now safe with us at PHSS. It’s often thanks to the quick intervention of people like Nicole, part of our Operation Rescue and Release Team, and the compassion of community members like Jackson that rescues are possible. The involvement of our community is so crucial. Seeing how much people care about our wildlife is heartwarming and gives real hope for the future of our beautiful ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/eaudKjdG

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support shown during Give Miami Day 2024. Thanks to our amazing community, we raised $220,624—an outstanding 176% of our $125,000 goal—with 567 donors joining together to make an impact for wildlife. Out of 399 medium-sized organizations, we placed 3rd for unique donors and 6th for total raised—and even won the Coffee Break Boost Prize! This incredible week also marked the groundbreaking of our new hospital and education center, a step toward meeting the growing needs of the wildlife we serve. To everyone who contributed: thank you for making a difference. Because of you, our mission thrives. 💚