The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new, state-of-the-art Harkey Sea Turtle Complex. This facility will replace CROW’s original sea turtle rehabilitation center that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Funded in part by a $1.2 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and a generous gift from Bill and Laurie Harkey, the complex is the only licensed sea turtle rehabilitation facility between Sarasota and the Florida Keys. It will be named in honor of the Harkeys for their longtime commitment to wildlife conservation.
The groundbreaking will be held Monday, June 16th at 10:30AM at CROW’s facility at 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road on Sanibel.
The new Harkey Sea Turtle Complex will enhance CROW’s capacity to care for injured and endangered sea turtles – housing advanced medical equipment and custom-built rehabilitation tanks. As sea turtles continue to face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, the facility represents a major investment in protecting these iconic marine species.
Here is the lineup of speakers:
- Alison Charney Hussey, Executive Director, CROW
- Dr. Jessica Comolli, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACZM, Research and Medical Director, CROW
- Bill and Laurie Harkey, Philanthropists and Wildlife Advocates
- Project partners: Colliers Development Services, Owen-Ames-Kimball, and Joyce Owens Architecture
TLM = Turtle Lives Matter 🐢