Many rehabilitation centers choose to specialize in a particular group of animals, as we do at the Seabird Station. The Seabird Station was originally founded in 1980 for the sole purpose of rehabilitating injured brown pelicans. We have grown dramatically since then and our facility now receives thousands of injured birds each year. In 2003, we treated 78 different species, with patients ranging in size and type from Finches to a Flamingo.

     The birds that we treat are brought to us by government agencies, humane societies, concerned citizens and our volunteers. We encounter a wide range of injuries in our patients. We deal with everything from botulism poisoning and electrocution to golf ball strikes. However, the vast majority of injuries treated at our facility are caused by fishing tackle. To learn more about the hazards our patients encounter, visit the 'Risks to Seabirds' page.