2025 Netting Repair Initiative

During Hurricanes Helene and Milton in September and October of 2024, the high winds caused severe damage to the netting used in our permanent resident and rehabilitation patient enclosures. This netting is important as it will keep the birds inside of their safe enclosures and will keep wild birds outside of them. Birds in captivity are kept so due to a permanent injury preventing their survival in the wild. If they were to get out of their enclosure and into the wild, it is likely that they would not survive. Having this netting, and the enclosure in general, secure and solid serves to protect them from this possibility. As many visitors to our sanctuary may notice, there are several wild birds that enjoy the foliage we have on campus and will often nest and roost in these trees, namely our live oaks. Any breach in the netting increases the possibility that the wild birds could get into the captive birds’ enclosures, which could cause territorial disputes between birds, and could trap the wild birds in the enclosures potentially causing them harm.

During Hurricane Milton, an AC unit cover from the condominiums next door to the sanctuary was thrown through our Sandhill Crane’s enclosure, causing devastating damage to the netting. TO this day, our Sandhill Carnes, Brad and Janet, have not returned to the sanctuary due to the damage caused here.

The cost to replace the old and damaged netting with newer, sturdier material was quoted to us at $46,000 at the end of 2023. In the beginning of 2025, the Greater Good charity offered to provide the labor to replace the netting, though we still have to cover the cost of the equipment, permitting, and materials. To help this initiative, you can donate at this link.