Pelican harbor seabird station celebrates 45 years and 45,000 patients

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, a leading nonprofit wildlife hospital in Miami, proudly celebrates 45 years of service and over 45,000 animal rescues, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. This milestone highlights the organization’s critical role in protecting South Florida’s diverse native species, from seabirds and raptors to mammals and reptiles. With a passionate team of wildlife experts and volunteers, the station continues to educate the public and inspire environmental stewardship through hands-on care and community outreach.

 

Double-crested Cormorant released after being treated by Pelican Harbor in Miami for neck injury

A determined double‑crested cormorant recently made a triumphant recovery at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in Miami after being rescued from Miami Beach and treated for hook‑related neck injuries. This resilient wild seabird underwent expert veterinary care—including hook removal surgery and specialized feeding techniques—thanks to devoted wildlife rehab volunteers and good Samaritans. Now returned to its natural habitat, this cormorant’s release highlights the critical role of wildlife rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, and seabird treatment in restoring injured birds to health and reinforcing the importance of responsible fishing practices to prevent wildlife entanglement.

 

pelican harbor rescues wild night heron found hanging from fishing line

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station performed a wildlife rescue last week when a wild bird, a Yellow-crowned Night Heron, was found trapped in fishing line and hanging from a tree by its leg. Our volunteers and staff got into the canal the bird was hanging over, cut the bird free and captured it. Unfortunately, the fishing line had already injured the bird too badly for it to be treated successfully, which only further highlights the damage improperly discarded fishing gear does to our wildlife and the need for responsible fishing practices.

Click the link below to view the full video and learn more!

 

Pelican party gala is a wild success for pelican harbor

Surrounded by breathtaking views and incredible community, the Pelican Party Gala to benefit Pelican Harbor Seabird Station was held at Rusty Pelican on March 12th 2025, raising a record amount of funds that nearly tripled last year’s success. Thanks to Miami Dade animal lovers, the night was a huge success for native wildlife.

 

Authorities Search for Fisherman Who Injured Federally Protected Great White Heron in Key Biscayne

Authorities are searching for a fisherman who severely injured a federally protected Great White Heron at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. The heron was struck by a large rock after the fisherman became frustrated that the bird was targeting his catch. Witnesses alerted Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, where the bird was treated for fractures and underwent surgery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the incident and seeking information from the public to assist in the case. This act of animal cruelty has prompted calls for justice in protecting wildlife.

 

Pelican released back into wild following months of rehab to celebrate Earth Day

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station celebrated Earth Day with the successful release of a rehabilitated brown pelican back into the wild at Newport Pier in Sunny Isles Beach. The pelican had undergone months of care after being found emaciated and suffering from a nutritional disorder. This inspiring wildlife rescue highlights Pelican Harbor’s commitment to bird rehabilitation and conservation in Miami-Dade County. Read the full story and watch the release on WSVN.

 

Pelican released back into wild following months of rehab to celebrate Earth Day

In the April 2025 edition of the Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce’s Egret, author Liangy Calli explains the value of Miami-Dade County’s only full-service Wildlife Hospital. Along with our current work in saving injured animals, found baby birds, opossums, and squirrels, the article discusses our tremendous future growth.

 

Pelican released in Miami Beach after undergoing surgery to remove fish hook lodged in wing

A brown pelican rescued in Miami Beach has been released back into the wild after undergoing life-saving surgery to remove fishing hooks from its wing. The bird spent 99 days in recovery at the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, where wildlife experts worked tirelessly to nurse it back to health. This heartwarming wildlife rescue story highlights the dangers of fishing debris to coastal birds and the vital role of local animal rehabilitation centers. Read the full article to see the inspiring release and learn more about protecting Florida’s marine wildlife.

 

Protecting our treasures - Biscayne Parks Yellow-crowned night herons

Environmental advocates in Miami are working to protect local wildlife and habitats amid growing urban development pressures. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is partnering with the community to care for displaced yellow-crowned night herons, which are increasingly threatened by habitat loss due to tree removals. Their work highlights the critical need for preserving green spaces that support native bird populations. Explore the full article to learn how local efforts are making a difference and what’s at stake for Miami’s natural environment.

 

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station Cares for Orphaned Opossums – A Key Wildlife Rescue Effort in Miami

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station continues its vital work rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, including orphaned opossums. These resilient creatures are given a second chance at life through the station's expert care. The team's dedication to rehabilitating native wildlife showcases their critical role in preserving Miami's ecosystem. Watch the full video to see how Pelican Harbor is helping these orphaned opossums and the other incredible animals they treat.

Click the link below to view the full video and learn more about the care and rehabilitation efforts at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station.

 

Julie D’Errico: A Rising Star in Miami’s Conservation Community

Julie D’Errico, Assistant Director at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, is making waves in Miami with her dedication to wildlife conservation and environmental education. As a passionate advocate for preserving native species, she has become a key player in advancing the station’s mission. Julie’s leadership helps expand the organization's impact and fosters a deeper connection between the community and nature. Learn more about Julie's inspiring journey and her essential role at Pelican Harbor.

Click the link below to view the full interview with Julie D’Errico and discover how she's contributing to Miami's environmental future.

 

Miami’s Community news on pelican harbor seabird station

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in Miami recently reached a major milestone, treating its 45,000th patient—a turkey vulture found on the Venetian Causeway. The injured bird, which was weak and unable to fly, was brought in for care and is expected to recover and be released back into the wild. This marks a significant achievement for the station, which has been providing vital care to injured wildlife since 1980. The station continues its mission of rehabilitating and releasing native species, helping ensure their protection and survival.

 

Pelican harbor seabird station: a legacy of compassion and conservation

Author Sunja Leon tells the story of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, exploring the impact and passion behind the organization. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, founded in 1980, began as a small operation focused on caring for injured brown pelicans. Over the years, it has evolved into a renowned wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife. The station treats a wide variety of species, having cared for over 43,000 patients since its inception. In addition to providing rehabilitation, Pelican Harbor plays a significant role in education, research, and helping local communities resolve human-wildlife conflicts. The station's commitment to wildlife conservation continues to grow, as it works to protect Florida’s diverse ecosystem and engage the public in the importance of preserving native species.

 

Authorities Search for Fisherman Who Injured Federally Protected Great White Heron in Key Biscayne

Authorities are searching for a fisherman who severely injured a federally protected Great White Heron at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. The heron was struck by a large rock after the fisherman became frustrated that the bird was targeting his catch. Witnesses alerted Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, where the bird was treated for fractures and underwent surgery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the incident and seeking information from the public to assist in the case. This act of animal cruelty has prompted calls for justice in protecting wildlife.

 

FWC Seeks Man Who Injured Great White Heron with Rock at Miami Park

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking information about an incident at Bill Baggs State Park in Miami-Dade County, where a man was observed throwing a rock at a Great White Heron on January 20. The heron was found injured but is expected to recover. FWC officials are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.

 

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station Partners with Researchers on Broad-Winged Hawk Study

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in Miami is partnering with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary from Pennsylvania on an exciting new project to track a broad-winged hawk named “Biscayne.” While these hawks typically migrate to South America for the winter, they occasionally stop in South Florida. In this collaboration, Biscayne was fitted with a GPS transmitter backpack to track its movements and monitor its habitat use, providing valuable data for conservation efforts. This initiative aims to deepen understanding of the hawk’s migratory patterns and improve protection strategies for the species.

 

2 pelicans released after being treated by Pelican Harbor in Miami for fishing-related injuries

Two brown pelicans were recently rehabilitated at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in Miami after suffering serious fishing-related injuries. Found by community members, one bird had a torn pouch, while the other was tangled in fishing lines with a hook in its chest. After two months of care, the birds were successfully nursed back to health and released into the wild, marking a hopeful moment for their second chance at life. Pelican Harbor reminds the public to call for professional assistance if they find injured birds, to ensure they receive proper care.