The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island has received a significant boost with a $1.2 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This funding will support the construction of a cutting-edge Sea Turtle Complex, set to replace the facility that was tragically destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The new complex will honor Bill and Laurie Harkey, who generously contributed to the project, helping CROW secure over $2.5 million in total funding. In recognition of their support, the facility will be named the Harkey Sea Turtle Complex.
The upcoming facility promises to revolutionize the care and rehabilitation of sea turtles. It will feature advanced medical equipment and specialized tanks, including four oval tanks equipped with life support systems capable of accommodating long-term turtle patients. These tanks are designed to be divided into sections, allowing multiple turtles to be treated simultaneously if needed. Additionally, the complex will house a “fly-away tank,” specifically engineered to support hatchling turtles.
The development is a collaborative effort involving key partners, including ALSI Life Support Systems, Joyce Owens Architecture, Colliers Development Services, and Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. Construction is slated to begin this year, with the grand opening anticipated by the end of 2025.
This project reflects CROW’s unwavering commitment to wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. The new Sea Turtle Complex will not only enhance care for injured sea turtles but also help restore hope for these threatened species and the ecosystem they inhabit.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative as it unfolds!
