Key West Wildlife Center restoration project kicks off with transfer of avian patients into temporary quarters

Key West Wildlife Center restoration project kicks off with transfer of avian patients into temporary quarters

On Friday, April 12, specialists at the Key West Wildlife Center in Key West began transferring some of their avian patients into one of two recently constructed shelters, erected to serve as temporary housing while the Center’s permanent recuperation/reconditioning aviary undergoes extensive repair and restoration work.

This move marks the launch of work being funded by the Center’s $2.4 million “Raising the Roof” campaign, which addresses both restoration of the aviary and a much needed, entirely new clinic building for the organization that provides 24-hour emergency rescue services for wildlife in Key West and the lower Keys.

The KWWC, located within the 7-acre Indigenous Park property off of White Street near Atlantic Blvd., has been operating since the early 1980s. Over time, rusting and other metal and roof deterioration have significantly weakened the aging reconditioning aviary, which serves as the heart of the Center’s intermediate and final recovery protocols and as flight-testing space for large avian patients.

According to KWWC board president Jennifer Lopes, the Center’s current clinic building, a modular unit, has far exceeded its useful life. “The roof leaks, the exterior is crumbling, the interior walls are weak and soft, and the mechanical systems consistently fail,” she said. The new clinic structure replacing the existing one will be a hurricane-hardened modular clinic building and visitor welcome center with 25% more patient care space than currently exists. It will also be elevated to meet newly established FEMA flood level guidelines.

Peggy Coontz, the Center’s Animal Care Director, explained that to protect the animals from disruption or discomfort, the temporary aviaries, which measure 22’x24’ and 24’x24’ respectively, have been placed at a safe distance from the construction work, which is set to begin on Monday, April 15. Together, the shelters provide 10 separate enclosures but have been designed to be convertable to 15 if needed.

Lopes reports that the Center is now approaching the final stages of the project’s fundraising campaign. “We are thrilled to announce we have received “an amazing 1 to 1 matching grant for this final stage,” she said.

The KWWC is a 501(C) (3) charitable tax-exempt organization that provides 24/7 rescue services, along with medical and rehabilitation care from experienced personnel, associated veterinarians, and dedicated volunteers. According to KWWC Executive Director Tom Sweets, some 1,500 native wildlife patients having been rescued in 2023 alone. These include raptors, pelicans, herons, warblers and 80 other species, as well as an assortment of mammals and reptiles
including opossums and turtles.

The Key West Wildlife Center is open to the public every day except Wednesday, with visiting hours from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The Center also works closely with other local and regional rescue groups to provide rehabilitation for non-avian species.

Those interested in supporting the campaign and/or volunteering at the Center can call 305-292-1008. For more information visit keywestwildlifecenter.org.

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