Media Kit

The mission of CROW is saving wildlife through compassion, care and education.

CROW operates on a 12.5-acre campus on Sanibel Island, Florida. The organization's hospital and visitor education center are located adjacent to the waterways and mangroves of the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

For wildlife: Each year, CROW cares for over 4,000 sick, injured and orphaned wildlife patients in its veterinary hospital, which is one of the nation's leading rehabilitation facilities for native and migratory animals.

For students: In addition to treating some 200 different species of birds, mammals and reptiles annually, the organization operates educational externship and fellowship programs for undergraduate natural sciences and veterinary medicine students. For post graduate students (DVM or equivalent), an annual internship program offers hands-on experience in clinical care and rehabilitation, as well as rescue and release.

For the public: CROW hosts a diverse array of wildlife presentations, special events and interactive activities on a year-round basis. Learning opportunities for youth and adults successfully blend education in an experiential and entertaining manner through customized group programs, hands-on exhibits, behind-the-scenes clinic tours, nature/wildlife boat excursions, a lecture series and live footage of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release efforts.

CROW founder Shirley Walter launched the organization in 1968, after finding an injured royal tern on the roadway. With the help of veterinarian Phyllis Douglass and a group of dedicated volunteers, CROW eventually incorporated as a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) and today coordinates wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release programs along with education for students and the public.

The 12.5-acre CROW campus includes a 4,800-square-foot hospital where ill and injured animals receive care each year. Students enrolled in CROW's educational programs reside in several on-site housing units, and guests learn about the organizations efforts at the 4,800-square-foot Healing Winds Visitor Education Center. Opened in 2009, the center includes interactive educational displays and live webcams that immerse visitors in the patient rehabilitation process and spotlight animals treated by CROW staff, students and volunteers.

CROW’s efforts are funded exclusively by private donations, memberships, fundraising events, foundation support and grants.

CROW's work is guided by a volunteer board of directors with full and part-time staff members.

More than 200 volunteers support CROW programming, participating in everything from rescue, animal transportation and patient care to facilities maintenance, educational programs, event coordination and administrative duties.

Individual, family and corporate members help sustain CROW's outreach through donations and support. As a thank you, members at various levels receive the CROW newsletter, complimentary Healing Winds Visitor Education Center entrance, guest passes, merchandise discounts and more.

(239) 472-3644 or info@crowclinic.org

Mailing address:
Post Office Box 150
Sanibel Island, FL 33957

Physical address:
3883 Sanibel Captiva Road