Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary facts for kids
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary was a special place in Indian Shores, Florida, where sick and hurt wild birds were cared for. It was open for a long time, from 1971 until 2016. In 1990, its bird hospital was known as the biggest wild bird hospital in North America. This sanctuary ran completely on gifts from people. It was the largest not-for-profit center in the United States that helped wild birds for free.
The sanctuary's main goal was to save, fix, help get better, and then release sick or injured wild birds. It also gave a safe and healthy forever home to birds that couldn't go back to living in the wild.
About the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary was a very important place for birds. It worked hard to help many different kinds of wild birds. The sanctuary relied only on donations from people who wanted to help. This meant it didn't get money from the government.
Helping Birds Get Better
The sanctuary had a special hospital for birds. Here, birds that were hurt or sick could get the care they needed. In January 2013, some workers left because they weren't paid. But the sanctuary stayed open thanks to a few very dedicated people. In April 2013, a group called the Sumter Disaster Animal Rescue Team helped get the bird hospital ready to open again.
A New Chapter Begins
After 45 years of helping birds, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary closed down in September 2016. This happened because of a legal agreement. But the story didn't end there! A new group, called the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, opened in the same spot in Indian Shores.
The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary continues the important work of saving and helping birds. They rescue birds from all over the Tampa Bay area. By working with animal doctors, wildlife experts, and volunteers, the new sanctuary is still going strong today.
