Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to these common questions our staff receives will help you plan your visit to our Center!

  • Where is CROW located?

    CROW is located at 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road on Sanibel Island. The entrance to our Center is on the left hand side just past the entrance to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. View on a Map.

  • I found an animal. What should I do?

    If you find an animal in need of help, please call CROW’s wildlife hospital at (239) 472-3644, ext. #222 prior to taking matters into your own hands Phone lines are open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week.

    If you are unavailable to bring the animal to CROW on Sanibel, we have convenient drop off locations around Lee County.

    If it is after business hours or you need to find your local drop-off location click here.

  • When are you open to the public?

    CROW’s Visitor Education Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During seasonal months (January through July), we are also open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    The Visitor Education Center is closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

  • What can my family do while I am at CROW?

    Our Visitor Education Center offers something for everyone! We have designated children’s areas, live animal exhibits, guided hospital tours* and daily presentations featuring our Animal Ambassadors! Click here for more information.

    *The guided hospital tours are called Wildlife Walks and have limited space. Advanced registration is required.

  • How much time should I allocate to spend at CROW’s Visitor Education Center?

    The amount of time you spend is up to you! We recommend allowing a minimum of two hours to experience everything CROW has to offer! We recommend about an hour to explore the Education Center, 45 minutes for the daily presentation and 45 minutes for the guided hospital tour*.

    *The guided hospital tours are called Wildlife Walks and have limited space. Advanced registration is required.

  • Are there animals for us to see?

    Our Visitor Education Center features live animal exhibits showcasing native versus invasive species. Daily presentations also feature one of our Animal Ambassadors! In accordance with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Regulation 68A-9.006, wildlife patients receiving care or medical treatment at our facility are NOT on exhibit to the general public.

  • How long are the daily presentations?

    We recommend you plan for 45 minutes to an hour for these popular lectures. The talks are approximately 30 minutes with 15 minutes of question and answer time. The topic for the presentation is different every day and includes such topics as “Why Animals Come to CROW”, “Wildlife Rescue 101”, and species specific topics. For the complete schedule of upcoming topics, click here.

  • What is the Wildlife Walk?

    The Wildlife Walk is a comprehensive program that includes admission to the Center, the daily presentation and a guided tour of the hospital. This program has limited space and advanced registration is required. For more information, click here.

  • Why can’t I see the patients or go to the hospital?

    In accordance with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Regulation 68A-9.006, wildlife patients receiving care or medical treatment at our facility are NOT on exhibit to the general public. As a wildlife rehabilitation hospital, our number one goal is the recovery and eventual release of the wildlife in our care. It is imperative that we minimize the stress on the patients while they heal to give them the best chances for a full recovery.

  • How can I help wildlife and CROW?

    As Jane Goodall once said “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved.” You can help wildlife by visiting our Center to learn more about the impact wildlife health has on human health and environmental health. Money raised through admission/program fees and our Gift Shop help CROW to continue its mission of saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine. You can also support CROW’s mission through Membership or donations. To learn more about becoming a Member or making a donation, click here!