About 40 rescued seabirds have been returned to the wild in Indian Shores, Florida, as the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary marked its 10th anniversary with a public release on Thursday, 10 September.
Brown pelicans, laughing gulls and double-crested cormorants were carried from the sanctuary to the beach after staff and volunteers confirmed they were strong enough to fly independently.
Rescued seabirds pass final flight checks
Many of the birds had arrived at the sanctuary after becoming caught on fishing hooks. Most recovered within about a month, although some remained in care for as long as 18 months.
Before each release, the birds were tested over one of the sanctuary’s pools to ensure they could fly without assistance. Those that passed were taken to the shoreline and allowed to return to the wild.
The release formed part of an anniversary event featuring games, craft activities, vendors and opportunities for visitors to meet the sanctuary’s permanently resident “avian ambassadors”.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary was founded in July 2016 and opened its Indian Shores facility two months later. Its avian hospital now treats between 3,000 and 3,500 sick or injured wild birds each year, while caring for dozens of birds that cannot be released.
The organisation says it releases an average of more than 1,300 rehabilitated birds annually, with the ultimate aim of returning patients to their natural habitat whenever their condition allows.
Sanctuary rebuilds after hurricane damage
The anniversary also highlighted the progress made since Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage during the 2024 hurricane season. Helene sent roughly four feet of seawater across the sanctuary grounds, damaging medical equipment, enclosures and other facilities, according to the organisation.
Despite the setbacks, staff and volunteers continued caring for resident birds and rebuilding the site with help from the local community.
Avian Hospital Director Melissa Edwards said the support remained essential because the sanctuary receives no state or government funding.
“We don’t get any state or government funding. And as everyone feels, you know, prices have gone up on everything,” she said. “The support from the community really is the reason we’re able to do what we do.”
