Animal Sanctuaries

Learning Through

Hands-on Conservation

by Nicole Willis

May brings a time of the year that many parents find challenging… the end of the school year. Now, the kids are home 24/7 and you are looking for things to keep them both occupied and entertained. TVs, tablets and gaming consoles don’t have to be the default cure for boredom. If you’re looking for fun and engaging experiences to help get the kids off the couch this summer, consider taking them to visit one of the many nonprofit wildlife sanctuaries in the area. Whether you’ve got a future marine biologist or a wolf enthusiast, there is something for every animal-enamored kiddo. Many of these sanctuaries allow families to visit together, participate in activities or volunteer. Enjoy some family fun, while also supporting our local sanctuaries. We’ve brought you details on a few wildlife sanctuaries located throughout Northwest Florida where you and your family can meet and help animals in need.

Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park

9513 N Palafox St., Pensacola

Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park is the largest open flight aviary in the Florida panhandle and is home to a variety of exotic birds. The park is dedicated to the rescue and care of these birds, as well as educating the public about them. The park was started by Sandy Carl Kirkconnell, also known as Uncle Sandy, in 2002. Uncle Sandy

Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida

105 N S St., Pensacola

The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida (WSNF) has been a sanctuary to northwest Florida wildlife for more than 40 years. From flying animals like bald eagles and owls to other non-flying creatures such as racoons, possums and squirrels, WSNF continues to serve as home to a wide variety of animals in need. “The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is a wildlife hospital, nursery and educational facility,” director of the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida Dorothy Kaufmann said. WSNF works to rehabilitate injured animals and acts as a home to animals that cannot be released back into the wild. The sanctuary is currently in their busiest season of the year. During the spring and summer months, WSNF receives 30 to 40 animals a day. According to Kaufmann, “the sanctuary takes in over 3,000 animals each year with the mission to give wildlife a second chance and return them to the wild.” If you are spending some time outside this summer and happen to come across an injured animal, you can drop it off at WSNF between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, 7 days a week.

WSNF has plenty of educational opportunities for families to experience this summer. As a sanctuary, WSNF is home to more than 50 animals that cannot be released, including a variety of birds such as bald eagles, seabirds, owls, hawks and more. Guests of the sanctuary can observe these animals and learn about them through educational signage located throughout the facility. WSNF offers self-guided tours Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 3:30 pm. Group tours are also available by appointment for groups of 15 people or more. These tours provide a great opportunity for an educational afternoon outing for the entire family. There is a suggested donation of $3 per- was born in Honduras where he developed a love for macaws. After retiring, he continued to chase what he loved, and opened up the sanctuary to care for macaws and educate the public about these wonderful creatures. Sadly, he passed away in 2013, but his dream did not, as the park was continued by volunteers. Today Uncle Sandy’s is still home to many parrots and other exotic birds. person for self-guided tours and there is a cost of $5 per-person for group tours. There is no age limit to tour the WSNF facility. Volunteer opportunities are also available for individuals ages 18 and older. To learn more about visiting WSNF and available volunteer opportunities, visit pensacolawildlife.com or check out the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, Inc. Facebook page.

The park is open to the public, and guests can visit the park to interact with the birds and learn more about them. When guests arrive at the park, they are given a cup of peanuts to feed the birds and are instructed on how to interact with the birds. Guests are able to walk through the park at their own leisure, with staff available to answer any questions. Visitors are encouraged to talk to the birds, as they need socialization, and are often allowed to play with the birds and even hold them. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Volunteers complete a variety of tasks around the park; they clean the facilities, feed the animals and interact and play with the birds. Uncle Sandy’s welcomes volunteers of all skill levels and interests.

Uncle Sandy’s offers both individual admission and group tours. Admission is cash only and costs $5 per person 13 years old and above, and $2 per 7 to 12 year old. Groups of ten or more attendees receive a discount per person, making admission costs $4 for people 13 and up and $1 per 7 to 12 years old. Children under the age of 6 are always free. Hours vary based on volunteer availability, so call (850) 270-2130 for the latest hours before you visit. For more information, visit macawbirdpark.org or check out Uncle Sandy's Macaw Bird Park on Facebook.