The Sanibel-Captiva Islander and Island Reporter have announced the winners of the 2026 Best of the Islands awards, chosen through print ballots and online voting. CROW’s Dr. Jessica Comolli was named Best Veterinarian. Get to know Dr. Comolli and the work behind this community honor in the profile below.

Name

Jessica Comolli, DVM, MS, CWR, DACZM

When did you start at CROW?

March 2024

What does being named a Best of the Islands winner mean to you?

Being named Best Veterinarian of the Islands is a tremendous honor. The Sanibel and Captiva communities have always shown incredible compassion for wildlife, so receiving this recognition from the people who share that commitment is especially meaningful to me. I also see this award as a reflection of the entire CROW team and the dedication they bring to every animal in our care. I am grateful for the community’s trust and proud to contribute to the protection of the wildlife that makes these islands so special.

How does CROW’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife connect with what is important to you personally?

CROW’s mission reflects my commitment to compassionate veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research. Helping an animal recover and return to the wild is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing that each patient can also help us improve care for wildlife in the future.

What are some of the unique challenges involved in treating wildlife compared with traditional veterinary medicine?

Unlike traditional veterinary patients, wildlife arrives without an owner who can provide a medical history or explain what happened. They also instinctively hide signs of illness and may not present until they are critically sick. We treat an incredible variety of species, each with unique medical and behavioral needs.

Is there a particular patient or case that has had a lasting impact on you?

It is difficult to choose just one patient, but the cases that have the greatest impact on me are those that arrive critically injured with an uncertain prognosis and, after weeks or care, are successfully returned to the wild. Watching an animal regain its strength and recover is a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

What is one aspect of your job that people outside CROW may not realize you do?

Many people may not realize how much of my role extends beyond treating patients. I conduct research, mentor students and veterinary professionals, and provide education and outreach to both local and international communities, all of which help advance wildlife medicine and prepare the next generation of wildlife professionals.

Tell us more about your role at CROW.

As CROW’s Research and Medical Director, I oversee the wildlife hospital, its staff and the medical care of our patients from admission through release. I also lead the clinical protocols, research, education and mentorship programs.

What is one of your major accomplishments while at CROW?

One of my biggest accomplishments while at CROW is becoming board certified through the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). This achievement represents years of clinical experience, study, and research, and formally recognizes me as a specialist in zoological and wildlife medicine. I am especially proud to bring that expertise to CROW and the wildlife we serve.

What is the best part of your day at CROW?

My favorite part of the day is when an animal is cleared for release. Knowing that a patient has recovered and is ready to return to the wild makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Favorite species to work with?

I honestly do not have a favorite species. One of the things I enjoy most about wildlife medicine is the incredible variety of animals we treat, with each species presenting its own unique challenges and opportunities to learn.

As CROW celebrates the 30th anniversary of its student program, what would you like people to know about your role in mentoring and training the next generation of wildlife professionals?

Mentoring interns and students is one of the most meaningful parts of my role at CROW. I help them develop their clinical reasoning, navigate complex cases and grow into confident wildlife professionals. It is rewarding to support them as they build careers dedicated to wildlife health and conservation.

Is there anything else about your work, accomplishments or time at CROW that you would like us to know?

I am excited about CROW’s continued growth and our ability to provide specialized care to more wildlife in need. I hope to continue to expand our medical capabilities, build new research and conservation partnerships, and create additional training opportunities for future wildlife professionals. I would also like the community to know that their support makes every aspect of this work possible.

Best of the Islands 2026

CROW’s Amber Strassler was named Best Humanitarian. Get to know Amber and the work behind this community honor in the profile here.