OUR STORY
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center is a 501(C)(3) Charitable Organization. The founder of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Laura Quinn, spent over 35 years in service to her mission of rescuing and rehabilitating wild birds. Well-known to locals and visitors alike, Laura could often be seen on the boardwalk, visiting with the residents of the Center and the many migratory birds that stopped by on the way to their summer or winter homes. The human visitors to the Sanctuary were frequently the beneficiaries of her informal tours and left the Center with a much greater knowledge of and appreciation for those wild birds. She inspired countless interns and volunteers to follow her example by making their careers in animal care. Unforgettable to all who knew her, she remained devoted to the welfare of wild birds until her death in September 2010.
The Board of Directors of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center and staff are dedicated to continuing the rewarding work of this tireless “Bird Lady,” by preserving her achievement and honoring her pledge to “Keep Them Flying.”
MISSION STATEMENT
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced, to provide or locate a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released, and to educate the public toward the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species.
Historical Overview
OBJECTIVES
- To provide professional standards of animal care, rehabilitation and assistance to injured, sick, rescued or orphaned wild birds.
- To educate the public about the importance of our migratory and resident wild bird populations to the Florida Keys and to the Everglades.
- To provide a humane example for others to learn and follow.
UPCOMING PLANS
- Securing our future by expanding and improving our financial base
- Continuing the habitat repairs
- Reopening a new and improved gift shop and visitor area at the Sanctuary
- Expansion of our educational outreach efforts
- Establishing a strong staff of volunteers
Recent Improvements
2013 Improvement Projects
2013 Boardwalk Restoration Project - Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary and Visitor Center boardwalk was restored. It had become extremely fragile due to the high tides and tropical storms which undermine the boardwalk support system.
This project was made possible with the financial support from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Ocean Reef Community Foundation and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association.
2013 Habitat Restoration Projects
Red-shouldered Hawk Habitat Restoration - Special thanks to the Boy Scouts for raising the funds and rebuilding the habitat as part of their Eagle Scout Project.
Eastern Screech Owl Habitat Reconstruction Project
Shorebird Habitat Re-Fencing Project
2012 Tiki Hut Remodel - The project was made possible with the financial support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council
