CROW: More than just a Local Attraction

I was playing around on the Sundial Resort website earlier and discovered a new listing on their “Local Attractions” page: CROW

I mentioned CROW briefly in a post a few weeks ago (What to do Indoors on Sanibel Island) but seeing it on Sundial’s site made me want to fill you all in a little more on the local organization.

First of all, CROW stands for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. Sanibel is an island that is truly dedicated to maintaining and preserving its native inhabitants and natural resources. Did you know that we have 230 species of birds and 50 fish species here? Such a high density of wildlife is one of the best things about the island; it offers so many opportunities to see these creatures in their natural habitat.

CROW’s mission statement is: “Saving Wildlife Through Care, Education, and Collaboration.” The organization is actually one of the “leading rehabilitation facilities for native and migratory wildlife” and every year they are able to provide care to more than 4,000 animals across 200 species! Not only do I love this place for the work it does caring for some of our wild cohabitants but it allows you to feel like a part of the process.

At CROW’s Healing Winds Visitor Education Center, there is an opportunity to learn about the local animals, see live video feeds of animal releases and even take a peek at the process of treating an injured animal so that they can be released back to their natural habitat.

The first time we visited the site as a family, my daughter became hooked on the idea of becoming a veterinarian. Being able to see all of the good that the organization does for these animals is absolutely inspiring.

Sometimes it is easy to take for granted the treasures around us. At CROW, you gain a new appreciation for the beauty and magic that exists on our little island and for the people that dedicate their lives to its preservation.