01/02/2025
CROW receives funding to rebuild Sea Turtle Complex post Hurricane Ian
New complex dedicated to Bill and Laurie Harkey
Sanibel, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2025) – The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is proud to announce it has received a $1.2 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Sea Turtle Complex, which will replace the original facility that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The complex will be dedicated to Bill and Laurie Harkey, avid wildlife and sea turtle advocates, and will be named the Harkey Sea Turtle Complex in their honor.
The Harkeys made a generous donation to the new Sea Turtle Complex, helping to secure over $2.5 million in funding for the facility. The surprise dedication was revealed during CROW’s annual fundraiser, WILD About CROW, where the Harkey family was honored for their exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation.
As the only licensed sea turtle rehabilitation center on the west coast of Florida between Sarasota and the Florida Keys, CROW’s new facility is critical to the conservation and success of sea turtle populations. The new complex will help protect these vital marine species currently threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Before Hurricane Ian, CROW treated around 100 sea turtles annually, and the addition of this facility will ensure that CROW continues to have the capacity to care for every sea turtle needing assistance in the area.
“CROW is deeply committed to the rehabilitation and protection of sea turtles, and the construction of this new, state-of-the-art Sea Turtle Complex is vital for our ongoing efforts,” said CROW Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “Sea turtles face numerous threats, both human and naturally made, and this facility will allow us to provide the highest level of care to support their recovery. We are especially proud to dedicate the complex to Laurie and Bill Harkey, whose unwavering dedication to CROW and wildlife conservation has made a profound impact on our community and beyond. Their passion for sea turtles and their conservation efforts are truly inspiring, and we are honored to carry their legacy forward through this important project.”
The new facility will include high-tech medical equipment, including four specialty oval tanks with life support systems to accommodate sea turtles on a long-term basis. The tanks can be divided in order to house multiple patients if necessary. Additionally, the complex will feature a “fly-away tank” specifically designed for hatchling sea turtles.
The development of the new Sea Turtle Complex is a collaborative effort between the team at CROW and skilled architects, engineers, and contractors, including Colliers Development Services, ALSI Life Support Systems, Owen-Ames-Kimball/FL and the Joyce Ames Owens Architecture firm. Their expertise and dedication ensure the complex will provide the highest level of care for sea turtles in need.
“Rebuilding CROW's Sea Turtle Complex is not just about restoring a facility – it's about providing a safe haven for sea turtles in need of care and rehabilitation,” said Dr. Jessica Comolli, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACZM, research and medical director at CROW. “With this new complex, we will be able to offer a space that fosters healing and gives sea turtles the best chance for a successful return to the wild. It's a critical step in our ongoing commitment to sea turtle conservation and the health of our coastal ecosystem.”
Construction is set to begin later this year, with an expected opening at the end of 2025. The completion of the Harkey Sea Turtle Complex will help CROW continue its mission to rehabilitate and release sea turtles and other wildlife, furthering the clinic’s work to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.
For more information on how you can support CROW’s sea turtle program, please contact Development Director Grace Murphy at [email protected].
About Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
Founded in 1968, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through state-of-the-art veterinary care, educational programs, and a visitor center, CROW strives to improve the health of wildlife, humans, and the environment. For more information, please visit www.crowclinic.org. If you find an animal in need of help, call 239-472-3644 ext. #222.
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