Seaside's History
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, LLC was founded on July 13th, 2016 as a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating sick and injured wild birds. On September 1st, 2016, Seaside opened up their 3-acre facility located in Indian Shores, Florida. Seaside was granted its 501(c)(3) non-profit status three months later on December 15th, 2016. On March 30th, 2017, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary held its official grand opening.
Dr. Marie L. Farr Avian Hospital
Named after the Doctor who originally funded its construction in 2003, the DR. Marie L. Farr Avian Hospital is probably the most important facility located on the 3-acre Sanctuary property. Inside, a team of dedicated and experienced staff and volunteer members diagnose and treat the 2,500 - 3,000 sick and injured birds that are admitted to the hospital each year. Similar to a human hospital, the DR. Marie L. Farr Avian Hospital is equipped with emergency facilities, a surgical center, injury recovery areas, and an outdoor wild bird recuperation and rehabilitation area.
Bird Rescue
On average, The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary's Injured Bird Rescue Hotline receives 2,338 calls every year, with Sanctuary Rescue Volunteers conducting 300 rescues each year.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
Out of the 2,500 - 3,000 sick and injured wild birds that are admitted into the Sanctuary's hospital each year, 44.5% of the birds are successfully treated and rehabilitated. Seaside's success rate is just above the national average which is only 39%.
Releasing Rehabilitated Birds Back into the Wild.
The end goal of what Seaside does is to be able to release birds back into the wild that they have successfully rehabilitated. Each year, on average, Seaside releases 669 rehabilitated wild birds back into the wild.
Educating the Community
A huge part of Seaside's mission is to educate the community and bring awareness to the importance of birds in our ecosystem, what dangers they face due to man, and how to reduce their dangers. Seaside staff routinely visits schools and other institutions to help educate the community on such issues.
Conservation Efforts
Seaside routinely organizes and takes part in local conservation efforts such as beach clean-ups. In 2018 Seaside adopted a mile-long stretch of road in Seminole. In partnership with "Keep Pinellas Beuatiful," Seaside volunteers routinely pick up trash along the adopted roadway.