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Injured turtle or bird drop-off information

Turtle rehabilitation at the Marine Science Center

One of the main goals of the Marine Science Center (MSC) is sea turtle rehabilitation, and guests of the MSC can see it in action. Guests can overlook seven turtle hospital pools from the Turtle Terrace at MSC. The pools house sick and injured sea turtles under rehabilitation.

The rehabilitating hatchlings, wash-backs and sea turtles are released upon full recovery. The MSC turtle rehabilitation area also includes care and treatment of freshwater turtles and land tortoises.
What to do if you find an injured sea turtle:

If you find an injured or sick sea turtle stranded at the beach or on a boat, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC. The Endangered Species Act protects all species of sea turtles. Therefore, only proper authorities can handle any contact and/or transport of the animal.

Freshwater turtles and land tortoise or turtles can be brought to the MSC during on-site animal staff hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily). For more information, please contact the MSC turtle rehabilitation staff at (386) 304-5545 ext. 101 or 105.

Emergency 24/7 pager numbers are available by calling the MSC at (386) 304-5545.

Seabird rehabilitation at the Marine Science Center

The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary at the Marine Science Center (MSC) is a 3,000-square-foot facility named for a longtime local bird rehabber who dedicated more than 30 years to the care of sick and injured birds in Volusia County.

The bird rehabilitation facility is fully equipped to care and treat injured and sick birds. Upon full recovery, a healthy bird will be released into its natural habitat. Birds that have recovered but cannot be released due to permanent injuries may become part of education programs and the guest viewing area of the MSC.
What to do if you find an injured sea bird:

Any bird can be dropped off at the bird rehabilitation area 24 hours a day/7 days a week in front of the rehabilitation facility in designated bird drop-off boxes. To call the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary directly, dial (386) 304-5530.

Emergency 24/7 pager numbers are available by calling the MSC at (386) 304-5545.