Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
YES! OUR SANCTUARY IS OPEN! We are open every day of the year from Sunrise to Sunset. The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is home to over one hundred non-releasable, permanent resident birds including hawks, owls, vultures, pelicans, gulls, songbirds, and more. Visitors are invited to learn about our birds and the fragile ecosystems of the Florida Keys. Admission is free, but donations to help the FKWBC to continue to fulfill our mission are gladly accepted. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced, to provide or locate a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released, and to educate the public toward the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center is a 501(C)(3) Charitable Organization.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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12 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Merilyn B47 contributionscharming and beautifulwe had the opportunity to visit this center when staying on Key Largo . this place while small is a great place to visit and see these birds that are no longer able to live in the wild ..the feeding of the small birds was a fun and informative time for the entire family from grandparents to grandkids..the person feeding these small birds was an excellent guide and told us the back stories for some of these tiny creatures while the birds were trying to get her attention and food at the same time.delightful to see how well these birds are cared for..."Charming and Beautiful" Wow! Thank you! And, We're Back!! We are happy to announce that our Sanctuary is open to the public and resumes normal working hours (sunrise-sunset). COVID safety protocols will be in place, including social distancing and a mandatory mask requirement. Our Education Center will remain closed until further notice with consideration to developing Covid-19 health statistics. Our Hospital remains open to admit injured birds. Please visit our Facebook @KeysWildBird for more information on how to help us "Keep Them Flying"!Written September 23, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2019Written March 23, 2020
- Bibi HToronto, Canada67 contributionsA heart-warming stopThis was a pleasant stop on our trip toThe Florida Keys. The sanctuary is a humane, natural refuge for birds needing care. Gratitude to all who help to make the lives of these birds better and more comfortable. Only a donation is required and you can move along the cages at your own pace.Thank you for your nice words! This is our "public" face. Our hospital is much more hectic with about 1000 avian patients treated (behind the scenes) every year.Written May 5, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2021Written April 6, 2021
- DropsojupShreve, Ohio414 contributionsFun stopIt was nice to see the birds in good habitats and they looked well cared for. We stopped at a good time as they were feeding the pelicans during our visit. It is an easy walk for all people and they just ask for a donation as there is no formal fee to enter the facility. Parking was a little tight the day we went but it worked out fine. Good stop if in the area.Thank you for your nice comments. Yes, we are a highly regulated facility in an environmentally sensitive space. We would love to improve our parking area, but the "disturbed space" we are allowed to use is very limited.. Similarly, we can't do much with signs to make it easier to find the facility from the highway. But, Google and Waze show us nicely! Thank you for your comments and for your support!Written February 27, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Written February 26, 2020
- EastCoastMomNYNew York City, New York264 contributionsVisit and Support!Spent about 30 minutes at this small sanctuary. Well laid out with numerous types of birds. Most had been injured and thus unable to live in the wild. Their habitats are quite nice and appropriate and they seem to be living their best life. It is free to visit but important to support their work by making a donation.Thank you very much "EastCoastMomNY" and welcome to the Keys! All of the birds you see in the Sanctuary can not be released back into the wild because they would not survive. What you do NOT see are the birds undergoing rehabilitation in the enclosures out of public view. We must keep the wild birds away from people so they keep their natural fears and survival skills. You can see the wild rehabilitated birds during their release. Usually on what we call Freedom Friday. See our Facebook page for information about releases.Written January 3, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2020Traveled with familyWritten December 26, 2020
- MainsailhrHudson, Wisconsin360 contributionsA good summaryThis gives you a basic on the native birds. Very interesting and really a short self guided walk. There is a placard on each cage area that gives a description of the bird(s). This is a rehabilitation center and unfortunately the birds that you see cannot be released back into the wild. They do not charge a fee but do request a donation. We gave going in and then gave again going out. Well worth it.Visited January 2023Written January 22, 2023
- Ruth ZSanta Rosa, California545 contributionsWhat a Great Place!This was recommended to me at the last moment before leaving the keys and I'm SO happy I visited. The people who run this place obviously love birds and care for those who have been either temporarily or permanently injured. The facility is kept well and the enclosures are roomy and it provides an opportunity to see some birds that are difficult to spot in the wild as well as a beautiful water view. I highly recommend a visit here and don't forget to leave a donation in their box to help fund this important and worthwhile operation.What a great visitor! Thank you, Ruth, for your nice words and your support. Visitors do not get to see the birds undergoing rehabilitation because we do not want them to be accustomed to people. However, you can see them on our Facebook page being released. We call it "Freedom Friday". Our sincere thanks!Written February 21, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Written February 19, 2020
- Corinne BSkaneateles, New York371 contributionsReally enjoyed thisThis is a small facility. No admission is charged but they ask for donations. All of the birds in the sanctuary (beach and sea birds, owls, hawks, etc.) were injured and cannot return to the wild. They are in enclosures and you walk past them. Great to see birds close up and wonderful that the birds are being cared for.Thank you so much for your nice descriptive words. What you don't see are the rehabilitation activities going on behind the scenes. Last year we treated nearly 1,000 wild birds in our Avian Hospital and we were able to release a large number of them back into the wild after rehabilitation. But, those activities take place out of the public eye so the birds do not become accustomed to humans. We hope you return often and thank you for your support!Written March 5, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Written March 4, 2020
- Empty NesterBoston, Massachusetts125 contributionsThis small bird sanctuary is worth the visitThis is an easy and worthwhile side trip if you are on the upper keys. Very small - definitely under an hour to see all the birds. Clearly operates on a low budget as enclosures are relatively small but birds appear very well take care of. Several beautiful raptors, owls and a shore bird and songbird enclosure. Each bird has been injured and are unable to live in the wild. Good interpretive information provided . No fee to enter but please donate for this worthy causeVisited January 2023Traveled with friendsWritten January 1, 2023
- Mixa's TravelsOldsmar, Florida3,068 contributionsIntriguing SanctuaryWe enjoyed the wildlife bird sanctuary. Be quick as the signage is small and road off US1. They are doing a very good job of Svengali many birds that have been injured. Take time to read the details of each it’d to know their story. A nice easy walk we’re learn and see a variety of birds.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2023
- Laurie SEstero, Florida45 contributionsBird sanctuary in Key LargoI’ve visited this bird sanctuary on a one day visit to Key Largo. It was free but donations were accepted and I was happy to oblige. This is a small but extremely informative place to visit. It took me no longer than a half hour or so to get through. Definitely worth a visit if you like nature.We have plans to encourage you to stay a little longer. We plan to improve the seting and make better use of some areas for education and even relaxation. We hope to see you soon again!Written February 9, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2022Traveled soloWritten January 15, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,598 reviews
Excellent
1,009
Very good
451
Average
118
Poor
15
Terrible
5
Merilyn B
47 contributions
Oct 2019
we had the opportunity to visit this center when staying on Key Largo . this place while small is a great place to visit and see these birds that are no longer able to live in the wild ..the feeding of the small birds was a fun and informative time for the entire family from grandparents to grandkids..the person feeding these small birds was an excellent guide and told us the back stories for some of these tiny creatures while the birds were trying to get her attention and food at the same time.delightful to see how well these birds are cared for...
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"Charming and Beautiful" Wow! Thank you! And, We're Back!! We are happy to announce that our Sanctuary is open to the public and resumes normal working hours (sunrise-sunset). COVID safety protocols will be in place, including social distancing and a mandatory mask requirement. Our Education Center will remain closed until further notice with consideration to developing Covid-19 health statistics. Our Hospital remains open to admit injured birds. Please visit our Facebook @KeysWildBird for more information on how to help us "Keep Them Flying"!
Written September 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bibi H
Toronto, Canada67 contributions
Mar 2021
This was a pleasant stop on our trip toThe Florida Keys. The sanctuary is a humane, natural refuge for birds needing care. Gratitude to all who help to make the lives of these birds better and more comfortable. Only a donation is required and you can move along the cages at your own pace.
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your nice words! This is our "public" face. Our hospital is much more hectic with about 1000 avian patients treated (behind the scenes) every year.
Written May 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dropsojup
Shreve, OH414 contributions
Feb 2020
It was nice to see the birds in good habitats and they looked well cared for. We stopped at a good time as they were feeding the pelicans during our visit. It is an easy walk for all people and they just ask for a donation as there is no formal fee to enter the facility. Parking was a little tight the day we went but it worked out fine. Good stop if in the area.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your nice comments. Yes, we are a highly regulated facility in an environmentally sensitive space. We would love to improve our parking area, but the "disturbed space" we are allowed to use is very limited.. Similarly, we can't do much with signs to make it easier to find the facility from the highway. But, Google and Waze show us nicely!
Thank you for your comments and for your support!
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EastCoastMomNY
New York City, NY264 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Spent about 30 minutes at this small sanctuary. Well laid out with numerous types of birds. Most had been injured and thus unable to live in the wild. Their habitats are quite nice and appropriate and they seem to be living their best life. It is free to visit but important to support their work by making a donation.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much "EastCoastMomNY" and welcome to the Keys! All of the birds you see in the Sanctuary can not be released back into the wild because they would not survive. What you do NOT see are the birds undergoing rehabilitation in the enclosures out of public view. We must keep the wild birds away from people so they keep their natural fears and survival skills. You can see the wild rehabilitated birds during their release. Usually on what we call Freedom Friday. See our Facebook page for information about releases.
Written January 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mainsailhr
Hudson, WI360 contributions
Jan 2023
This gives you a basic on the native birds. Very interesting and really a short self guided walk. There is a placard on each cage area that gives a description of the bird(s). This is a rehabilitation center and unfortunately the birds that you see cannot be released back into the wild. They do not charge a fee but do request a donation. We gave going in and then gave again going out. Well worth it.
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth Z
Santa Rosa, CA545 contributions
Feb 2020
This was recommended to me at the last moment before leaving the keys and I'm SO happy I visited. The people who run this place obviously love birds and care for those who have been either temporarily or permanently injured. The facility is kept well and the enclosures are roomy and it provides an opportunity to see some birds that are difficult to spot in the wild as well as a beautiful water view. I highly recommend a visit here and don't forget to leave a donation in their box to help fund this important and worthwhile operation.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a great visitor! Thank you, Ruth, for your nice words and your support. Visitors do not get to see the birds undergoing rehabilitation because we do not want them to be accustomed to people. However, you can see them on our Facebook page being released. We call it "Freedom Friday".
Our sincere thanks!
Written February 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Corinne B
Skaneateles, NY371 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a small facility. No admission is charged but they ask for donations. All of the birds in the sanctuary (beach and sea birds, owls, hawks, etc.) were injured and cannot return to the wild. They are in enclosures and you walk past them. Great to see birds close up and wonderful that the birds are being cared for.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your nice descriptive words. What you don't see are the rehabilitation activities going on behind the scenes. Last year we treated nearly 1,000 wild birds in our Avian Hospital and we were able to release a large number of them back into the wild after rehabilitation. But, those activities take place out of the public eye so the birds do not become accustomed to humans.
We hope you return often and thank you for your support!
Written March 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Empty Nester
Boston, MA125 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
This is an easy and worthwhile side trip if you are on the upper keys. Very small - definitely under an hour to see all the birds. Clearly operates on a low budget as enclosures are relatively small but birds appear very well take care of. Several beautiful raptors, owls and a shore bird and songbird enclosure. Each bird has been injured and are unable to live in the wild. Good interpretive information provided .
No fee to enter but please donate for this worthy cause
No fee to enter but please donate for this worthy cause
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mixa's Travels
Oldsmar, FL3,068 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed the wildlife bird sanctuary. Be quick as the signage is small and road off US1. They are doing a very good job of Svengali many birds that have been injured. Take time to read the details of each it’d to know their story. A nice easy walk we’re learn and see a variety of birds.
Written March 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie S
Estero, FL45 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I’ve visited this bird sanctuary on a one day visit to Key Largo. It was free but donations were accepted and I was happy to oblige.
This is a small but extremely informative place to visit. It took me no longer than a half hour or so to get through. Definitely worth a visit if you like nature.
This is a small but extremely informative place to visit. It took me no longer than a half hour or so to get through. Definitely worth a visit if you like nature.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have plans to encourage you to stay a little longer. We plan to improve the seting and make better use of some areas for education and even relaxation. We hope to see you soon again!
Written February 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alwweb
Dublin, OH458 contributions
The website doesn't say anything about masks, but the TripAdvisor description states masks are required, even though it looks like it is outdoors.
Are masks required outdoors or only indoors?
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
Masks are not required at this time!
Acree
Birmingham, AL
When are the feeding times?
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
Hello. Our Pelican Enclosure feedings are at 8:00 am and 2:30 pm. However, our Pelican Enclosure residents are currently off display until early July 2021 while their enclosure undergoes renovations.
Gabrielle C
Delray Beach, FL9 contributions
How long to visit?
tojopop
Maureen Phillips196 contributions
it's a fairly small center. an hour and a half was fine for us.
Jennies_travels
Michigan612 contributions
Most of the wildlife places I've been researching for my trip require reservations but I didn't see anything about that or pricing on the website. Can we just go whenever? And is there a fee?
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
There is no fee, and there are no reservations. The Sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year. Donations are appreciated, and there are several opportunities to donate at the Sanctuary and at our hospital/office location. However, it is by no means demanded and there is no pressure. You will be welcomed either way! :)
longbeachlarry
Long Beach, NY22 contributions
Is the Sanctuary wheelchair friendly? We'll be going with my elderly father who can't walk very long distances so we'll be using a wheelchair rather than his walker.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
Not sure what motorized bus tour people are talking about. :D We definitely don't have any motorized bus, or tours that we do from it.
We also do not charge money for tours.
We have a wooden boardwalk that is handicap accessible, wheelchair friendly, and has several benches at different areas where visitors may stop and rest.
142shirley
Dundas, Canada12 contributions
In previous years I have seen many free birds around the beach there but this year there are not even any free pelicans on the boardwalk or beach ... what has changed?
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
In the past, when our founder Laura Quinn was still alive and leading the organization, she encouraged the presence of wild Pelicans at the Sanctuary. However, along with the changes in leadership and the transition to a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, there are also now more regulations on wildlife on both a state and federal level. For this reason, and in the name of proper rehab practices, we discourage wild Pelicans from hanging around the Sanctuary. This is in an effort to keep them wild an minimize their interactions with human beings. However, our natural tidal salt pond is still a great location to see plenty of wild birds: Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Tricolored Herons, Green Herons, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons, etc. The salt pond is located on our Sanctuary property. Just follow the boardwalk all the way to its end at the bay, then take a left and continue walking until you see a saltwater pond appear on your left. You never know what wild creatures await you there. :)
jswing
Radford, VA11 contributions
Is this a dog-friendly stop?
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
That's a great question! Unfortunately we can not allow dog to visit the sanctuary. We hope that will not dissuade you from visiting us.
George R
Salt Lake City, UT12 contributions
I understand parking can be difficult- what's the best time of day to visit for ease of parking?
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
first thing in the morning (around sunrise) or at the end of the day (around sunset) are when the Sanctuary is less crowded. However, there is no guarantee at any time of day. Visitors come in waves, and those waves tend to happen at random.
How much is it?
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Florida Keys, FL5 contributions
We do not charge admission, but we do ask for people to donate if they are able. There are several locations and ways to donate at the Sanctuary, as well as at our administrative office/hospital location.
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Claim your listingFlorida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center:
- (1.23 mi) Island Bay Resort
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- (0.85 mi) Dove Creek Resort & Marina, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- (4.11 mi) Kona Kai Resort
- Restaurants near Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center:
- (1.47 mi) Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
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Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center Information
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Very Good Reviews | 451 |
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center Photos | 785 |