Frequently asked questions
Wildlife Care and Rescue
- What should I do if I find sick, injured, or orphaned wild animal?
- Why can't I keep the wildlife that I find?
- Will you release an animal back to where I found it?
- Can I see CROW's patients?
- Will someone call me to tell me how the animal I found is doing?
- I found a baby bird and I don't know what kind it is. What should I feed it?
- Does CROW treat Sea Turtles?
- Are there any animals that CROW will not accept?
About CROW
- How many wild animals and species does CROW treat in an average year?
- How long has CROW been in operation?
- How is CROW funded?
1. What should I do if I find sick, injured, or orphaned wild animal?
Many times, a human finder provides an animal's only chance of getting the help he or she needs. If you find an animal that you think needs help, please call CROW at (239) 472-3644, ext. 222. We are here to evaluate and, if necessary, rescue and treat animals so that they can be returned to their habitats.
Please remember, you should not automatically pick up or even approach injured wildlife. Certain animals should only be handled by experienced rescuers, particularly if they are ill or injured. Disturbing animals could lead to further injury and you could put yourself at risk of bites or attacks, as well.
If you must intervene, first read our wild animal capture steps and safety tips.
Back to top
2. Why can't I keep the wildlife that I find?
It is illegal to possess wildlife unless you have a permit or are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Almost all native and migratory birds, mammals and reptiles are protected by specific state and federal laws put in place to protect wildlife and ensure that wild animals receive appropriate, adequate, species-specific care when they are sick, injured or orphaned. The ultimate goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to release an animal back to the wild: Any lesser goal is a disservice to the patients we serve here at CROW.
Back to top
3. Will you release an animal back to where I found it?
Sometimes it is important to release animals back to their own territory, but other times it is not essential. CROW veterinarians will consider an animal's individual case and make this determination at the time of release. In each case, it is important that we know where the animal was found and what the circumstances of the injury were at its time of admittance.
Back to top
4. Can I see CROWs patients?
Our patients are protected by federal privacy rules similar to those governing a human hospital. Human and non-human patients alike may not be put on display. However, visitors who take the time to experience the videos, live-patient-cams and interactive exhibits at the CROW Healing Winds Visitor Education Center enjoy a much richer introduction to our patients, our care and our mission than they would in a clinic tour.
Back to top
5. Will someone call me to tell me how the animal I found is doing?
Only staff veterinarians can address the status of our wildlife patients. Telephone updates are typically given Monday through Friday between 3 and 5 p.m. If the veterinarian is busy at the time of your call, you will receive a follow-up call.
The Patient Status page of our website offers a quicker, more convenient option for following up on wild animal patients. Simply enter the patient's number and your identification number for immediate access to information on the animal's age, gender, location found and potential release date.
Back to top
6. I found a baby bird and I don't know what kind it is. What should I feed it?
Baby birds have nutritional requirements that vary depending on the species. Feeding improper foods can cause serious developmental problems, such as weak bones that fracture easily and lack of proper feather growth.
If you have found a baby bird, call your nearest rehabilitation center for advice. If you are unable to reach an expert immediately, do not attempt to feed the bird. Instead, carefully place the animal in a small box lined with towels and keep it in a quiet area away from air conditioning, children and pets. (If you do not know of a rehabilitation center or licensed rehabilitator in your area, contact the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association at (320) 230-9920.
Please note: Many pet stores will offer to sell you formula for baby birds, but this is not an appropriate diet for most. Feeding a dehydrated baby bird can be fatal, and water, if not administered correctly, can cause baby birds to drown.
Back to top
7. Does CROW treat Sea Turtles?
Yes. CROW is the only licensed sea turtle facility between Sarasota and Miami, Florida.
Back to top
8. Are there any animals that CROW will not accept?
CROW does not accept invasive, non-native wildlife, domestic pets or exotic caged birds. If you have an ill or injured house pet, please contact your local veterinarian. Large marine mammals such as manatees and dolphins are sent to other wildlife facilities.
Back to top
9. How many wild animals and species does CROW treat in an average year?
CROW's veterinarians and clinical staff treat over 4,000 wild animal patients per year, including nearly 200 different species. At any given time, there are between 150 and 400 patients in our facility.
Back to top
10. How long has CROW been in operation?
CROW founder Shirley Walter launched the organization in 1968, after finding an injured royal tern on the roadway. Since then, CROW has grown into one of the country's leading rescue and rehabilitation facilities and our student programs draw the world's most talented veterinarians and animal care specialists.
In 2009, CROW celebrated 40 years of caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife by opening our 4,800-square-foot Healing Winds Visitor Education Center and in 2010, our 4,800-square-foot hospital was ready to receive patients. Read more about our history.
Back to top
11. How is CROW funded?
CROW is a nonprofit organization that receives funds from the generous support of local individuals, families, foundations and businesses who contribute in the form of memberships, private donations, grants, fundraising events and foundation support.
Back to top
