Virginia Opossums are the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. They are highly adaptable animals and can live in a variety of habitats, both natural and human made. Although it may not be obvious to some people, opossums are a unique member of Florida’s wildlife, playing an important role in the function of a healthy ecosystem.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

Virginia Opossums are the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. They are highly adaptable animals and can live in a variety of habitats, both natural and human made. Although it may not be obvious to some people, opossums are a unique member of Florida’s wildlife, playing an important role in the function of a healthy ecosystem.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

After a patient stabilizes in the hospital, CROW’s rehabilitation staff provides them with a combination of balanced diet, husbandry and physical therapy. Supportive care is necessary to ensure success during the final stage in the rehabilitation process, so come ask our staff how they work their magic.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

Southwest Florida is filled with fascinating wildlife, and CROW provides a unique opportunity to look into wildlife rehabilitation and meet the staff responsible for their care. Wildlife walks are the best opportunity for visitors to get an in-depth look into the inner workings of our hospital and the treatment process. The program has two parts: an introductory presentation covering our medical and rehabilitation methods and then a guided tour through treatment areas of the hospital, concluding on our rehabilitation grounds. Wildlife Walks are approximately 1 and 1.5 hours: a 45-minute presentation with a 45-minute tour. This program is open to all, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 13.                   

Photography opportunity available following tour with Animal Ambassador

*To register, contact: Visitor Education Center at (239) 472-3644 ext. #229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

Raptors are birds that prey on other animals in the wild to survive. Their specialized beaks and talons make them some of the most effective hunters. This presentation discusses the unique adaptations of the native and migratory raptors of Florida.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

Southwest Florida is filled with fascinating wildlife, and CROW provides a unique opportunity to look into wildlife rehabilitation and meet the staff responsible for their care. Wildlife walks are the best opportunity for visitors to get an in-depth look into the inner workings of our hospital and the treatment process. The program has two parts: an introductory presentation covering our medical and rehabilitation methods and then a guided tour through treatment areas of the hospital, concluding on our rehabilitation grounds. Wildlife Walks are approximately 1 and 1.5 hours: a 45-minute presentation with a 45-minute tour. This program is open to all, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 13.                  

Photography opportunity available following tour with Animal Ambassador

*To register, contact: Visitor Education Center at (239) 472-3644 ext. #229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

After a patient stabilizes in the hospital, CROW’s rehabilitation staff provides them with a combination of balanced diet, husbandry and physical therapy. Supportive care is necessary to ensure success during the final stage in the rehabilitation process, so come ask our staff how they work their magic.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

Southwest Florida is filled with fascinating wildlife, and CROW provides a unique opportunity to look into wildlife rehabilitation and meet the staff responsible for their care. Wildlife walks are the best opportunity for visitors to get an in-depth look into the inner workings of our hospital and the treatment process. The program has two parts: an introductory presentation covering our medical and rehabilitation methods and then a guided tour through treatment areas of the hospital, concluding on our rehabilitation grounds. Wildlife Walks are approximately 1 and 1.5 hours: a 45-minute presentation with a 45-minute tour. This program is open to all, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 13.      

Photography opportunity available following tour with Animal Ambassador

*To register, contact: Visitor Education Center at (239) 472-3644 ext. #229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

CROW’s teaching hospital offers externship, fellowship and internship opportunities for natural science and veterinary medicine students. While on site, students learn the ins and outs of conservation medicine and wildlife rehabilitation, and are excited to share their favorite patient stories with you all.

One of CROW's Animal Ambassadors will be present.

The Visitor Education Center will be closing early on December 24. The center will be open from 10am to 12pm with a presentation offered at 11am.

The Hospital will remain open to receive any wildlife emergencies during its normal hours from 8am to 5pm.

In observance of the Christmas holiday, the CROW Visitor Education Center will be closed on Tuesday, December 25 and will reopen on Wednesday, December 26 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

After a patient stabilizes in the hospital, CROW’s rehabilitation staff provides them with a combination of balanced diet, husbandry and physical therapy. Supportive care is necessary to ensure success during the final stage in the rehabilitation process, so come ask our staff how they work their magic.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

Southwest Florida is filled with fascinating wildlife, and CROW provides a unique opportunity to look into wildlife rehabilitation and meet the staff responsible for their care. Wildlife walks are the best opportunity for visitors to get an in-depth look into the inner workings of our hospital and the treatment process. The program has two parts: an introductory presentation covering our medical and rehabilitation methods and then a guided tour through treatment areas of the hospital, concluding on our rehabilitation grounds. Wildlife Walks are approximately 1 and 1.5 hours: a 45-minute presentation with a 45-minute tour. This program is open to all, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 13.     

Photography opportunity available following tour with Animal Ambassador

*To register, contact: Visitor Education Center at (239) 472-3644 ext. #229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

Southwest Florida is filled with fascinating wildlife, and CROW provides a unique opportunity to look into wildlife rehabilitation and meet the staff responsible for their care. Wildlife walks are the best opportunity for visitors to get an in-depth look into the inner workings of our hospital and the treatment process. The program has two parts: an introductory presentation covering our medical and rehabilitation methods and then a guided tour through treatment areas of the hospital, concluding on our rehabilitation grounds. Wildlife Walks are approximately 1 and 1.5 hours: a 45-minute presentation with a 45-minute tour. This program is open to all, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 13.     

Photography opportunity available following tour with Animal Ambassador

*To register, contact: Visitor Education Center at (239) 472-3644 ext. #229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

Raptors are birds that prey on other animals in the wild to survive. Their specialized beaks and talons make them some of the most effective hunters. This presentation discusses the unique adaptations of the native and migratory raptors of Florida, specifically the five species of nocturnal hunters known as owls.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

Southwest Florida is filled with fascinating wildlife, and CROW provides a unique opportunity to look into wildlife rehabilitation and meet the staff responsible for their care. Wildlife walks are the best opportunity for visitors to get an in-depth look into the inner workings of our hospital and the treatment process. The program has two parts: an introductory presentation covering our medical and rehabilitation methods and then a guided tour through treatment areas of the hospital, concluding on our rehabilitation grounds. Wildlife Walks are approximately 1 and 1.5 hours: a 45-minute presentation with a 45-minute tour. This program is open to all, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 13.                   

Photography opportunity available following tour with Animal Ambassador

*To register, contact: Visitor Education Center at (239) 472-3644 ext. #229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

Do you wonder how and why animals become patients at CROW? Whether animals are sick, injured, or orphaned, CROW aims to lead in their recovery. From fishing line entanglement to abducted babies, this presentation will address the most likely reasons patients are admitted to the hospital.

Florida is home to 46 species of native snakes, only 6 of which are venomous. Although there is a widespread fear and misunderstanding of this animal, most species are harmless to humans and form vital links in the ecosystem. Snakes are extremely valuable because they are efficient at monitoring pest populations without relying on chemical pesticides which can degrade the environment and harm other animal species.

One of CROW’s Animal Ambassadors will be present.

*Advanced registration recommended

Presented by Claudia Burns, Volunteer for International Osprey Foundation 

Ospreys are large brown and white raptors who breed in southwest Florida from December through April and can be seen diving for live fish in shallow waters throughout the area. Because they build their nests right out in the open, their behavior is easy to observe, but not always easy to understand. This presentation uses photos, videos and recorded vocalizations to explain osprey behavior.

Sanibel resident Claudia Burns has been a Nestwatch Volunteer for the International Osprey Foundation for more than 20 years. In the past she has partnered with Bird Westall to deliver this presentation at both the "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and CROW.