Always something to C.R.O.W. about on Sanibel

As we say (repeatedly), Sanibel Island is a one of a kind.

The jewel in Florida's crown.

A unique spot on the map of America.

And, the home of one of the most impressive animal rehabilitation centers in the world.  Yes, the world!

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, better known as C.R.O.W. , is a major bragging point for our very special tiny tropical island.

C.R.O.W. treats 4,000 animals annually, and while their patients are quite properly not permitted visitors, its public education center is worth a look, especially if you were previously unaware that acupuncture can be employed to treat tortoises.

What it has accomplished in the way of education and rehabilitation is quite remarkable and has won the Center applause, accolades and awards from a great number of agencies over the years.

Most recently, it took first place in the Gulf Guardian Awards.

The Gulf of Mexico Program recently announced the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. (C.R.O.W) will receive a First Place 2013 Gulf Guardian Award in the Civic/ Non-Profit Organization Category. The awards ceremony will be held on June 26 at the Tampa Bay Grand Hyatt beginning at 6 p.m.

C.R.O.W has been caring for and rehabilitating sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species, through a conservation medicine approach to care. In addition, C.R.O.W. provides education to young people and adults that increases awareness of appropriate human/wildlife interaction and emphasizes the need for conservation of Southwest Florida's coastal wildlife habitats.

Since its establishment in 1968, C.R.O.W. has treated and released more than 60,000 wildlife patients. C.R.O.W. sees thousands of patients each year representing more than 200 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians. Many of these animals are threatened or endangered including wood storks, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, least terns, gopher tortoises and loggerhead, Kemp's ridley and green sea turtles.

C.R.O.W. is the only gulf coast facility between Sarasota and the Florida Keys licensed to care for sea turtles.

C.R.O.W. takes a conservation medicine approach to wildlife rehabilitation with the ultimate goal being the reintroduction of wildlife into their natural habitats and a reduction of wildlife casualties from human interaction through public education.

We hope you will forgive us this bit of bragging, but having witnessed the survival stories year after year; we can't help but take enormous pride in this outstanding organization!