Education at CROW

CROW believes in the importance of promoting awareness and appreciation of our native and migratory wildlife through education. It is only through knowledge and understanding that people will value, preserve and protect our environment, wildlife, and their native habitat, ultimately fostering a lifetime of care and respect for America’s wildlife and natural resources.

Education has been an essential part of the mission of CROW since it was founded in 1968, and we offer a variety of educational programs facilitated by trained staff and volunteers.

CROW turns 40 celebrates with new Visitor Education Center

CROW's new visitor education center provides guests with an interactive experience to immerse them in the world of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at a wildlife hospital, play "Be the Vet," and be one of the first to tour Southwest Florida's newest attraction, as CROW celebrates its 40th anniversary with the grand opening of its new Healing Winds Visitor Education Center and wildlife hospital.
"The new Visitor Education Center gives us the tools to educate the public on our organization, and perhaps more importantly, how to peacefully co-exist with the wildlife in our area," said Dr. P.J. Deitschel, staff veterinarian and clinic director. "We hope everyone who visits will walk away more knowledgeable about protecting our native wildlife." Established in 1968, CROW has developed a reputation as one of the nation's leading wildlife rehabilitation hospitals for native and migratory wildlife. However, much if its work has been unknown to the public. Now, area residents and visitors finally have a chance to learn first-hand about the organization's mission and see what happens "behind the scenes."

Malone Design Fabrication, a company that has worked with museums such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the Statue of Liberty National Monument, designed CROW's new Visitor Education Center. The center will provide guests with an interactive experience to immerse them in the world of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. In the touch-screen game, "Be The Vet," participants will try to diagnose patients based on multiple-choice questions, and in "Daily Care" they will identify appropriate treatment options. Other educational displays will include case studies that walk visitors through the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and release of CROW patients.

The goals of the educational programs are:

• To promote greater appreciation for native and migratory wildlife and their natural habitat needs.
• Educating children about the importance of wildlife safety, habitat preservation, wilderness awareness, and our ability to co-exist with native wildlife.
• To foster awareness of the role of humans in promoting preservation and providing healthy places for wildlife to live.
• To provide information on the mission of CROW