rehabilitated pelican taking off for flight from the beach by the ocean

Opened in 2004, The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary is a fully functional animal hospital equipped to care and treat injured and sick birds. The MSC has treated more than 19,000 birds from more than 200 different species and admits approximately 1,100 birds annually. The hospital was named for Mary Keller, a longtime local bird rehabber who has dedicated more than 30 years to the care of sick and injured birds in Volusia County.


BIRD HOSPITAL

Birds admitted to the bird hospital receive full diagnostic exams using state of the art veterinary equipment such as X-rays, ultrasound and endoscopic procedures. Avian rehabilitation specialists carry out surgical procedures and medical treatments and administer medication as prescribed by the Marine Science Center’s staff veterinarian.

Some common threats to birds include: becoming entangled or being caught in fishing gear; car collisions; pollution from chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides; and cat and dog attacks. Many birds become sick after being fed harmful human foods like bread or french fries.

pelican released on the beach of ponce inlet

All fully recovered birds are returned to their natural habitat, and some are fitted with leg bands so they can be identified later.  If you see a banded bird, please record the color of the band, the color of the code, the code, which leg the band is on, the location where you saw it, and the date. You can report that information online by filling out the report a banded bird form or by emailing band reports.

Visitors can meet some permanently impaired birds that are not eligible for release along the bird boardwalk in the guest viewing area of the Marine Science Center complex.

Map of drop-off location 4965 South Peninsula Dr. Ponce Inlet, FL 32127. Drop off hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.

If you find an injured bird please, call the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission) Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922)

I Found a Baby Bird...Now What?

  • Is the bird injured? This could look like: unable to flutter wings, bleeding, wings drooping unevenly, weak or shivering, or attacked by another animal. 

    1. If the answer is yes, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator 

  • Does the bird have feathers?

    1. If the answer is yes, the bird is a fledgling. Fledglings hop around on the ground and parents are still feeding it. Make sure fledglings are safe from cats, dogs, and people.

    2. If the answer is no, it's a nestling. Nestlings are too young to leave its nest.

  • Can you find an intact nest?

    1. If the answer is yes, put the baby in the nest. Keep an eye on it for 1 hour and watch for a parent to return.

    2. If the answer is no, make a new nest. Hang it close to the original location. Put the baby in the nest and watch it for 1 hour.

  • Are the parents returning?

    1. Yes, Leave the area, the baby bird is ok.

    2. No, Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

How to Rescue Baby Raptors and Waterbirds


Call a wildlife rehabilitator for specific advice before attempting to handle adult birds.

1. Note exactly where the bird was found. Look for a possible nest in a nearby tree. Note if its parents or siblings are in the area. This will be very important for release.

2. Prepare a box. Place a cloth with no frays or loops on the bottom of a cardboard box with holes punched in it or cat/dog carrier, and secure it closed.  

3. Protect yourself. Wear thick gloves, if available. Even sick and injured birds may try to stab with their beaks, grasp with their talons (claws), or slap with their wings. Birds may carry diseases or parasites such as lice, ticks, and intestinal parasites.

4. Cover the entire bird with a light sheet or towel, including its head.

5. Pick up the bird. With its wings folded up against its body, pick up the bird by its sides. If necessary, gently restrain the head so it does not bite or peck you.  Mind the feet so they do not grab you. Place the bird into the prepared container.

6. Warm the bird if it is cold or featherless. Use a heating pad under half of the box on low, or fill a water bottle with hot water and wrap it with a cloth and place it next to the bird inside the box. Double-check to make sure it does not leak to prevent the animal from becoming wet.

7. Secure the box shut.

8. Keep the bird in a dark, quiet place away from drafts. Do not give food or water. To reduce its stress and habituation, do not handle or talk to the bird. Keep children and pets away.

9. Sanitize after contact with the bird. Wash anything the bird was in contact with including your hands and clothes.

10. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency, or wildlife veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not keep the bird longer than necessary. Keep the bird in a container; do not let it loose in your house.

11. Get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.