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Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (PHSS), Miami’s native wildlife hospital, has treated its 39,000th patient.
The patient, a Northern Mockingbird, was admitted on June 12, after being caught by a cat.
The mockingbird suffered a fractured leg that was treated with a splint as well as laser therapy, antibiotics, and pain medication.
PHSS has seen 213 distinct species over the past four decades, including 16 threatened and endangered species. The Northern Mockingbird is the state bird of Florida, and one of the most common species admitted to PHSS, with over 1,700 being admitted in the past 42 years. The mockingbird’s Latin name is Mimus polyglottos, which literally translates to “many-tongued mimic,” a fitting name for a bird that can sing several hundred different songs.
“I was so delighted and thrilled that I was able to rescue patient No. 39,000. Thanks to Pelican Harbor’s website, dedicated staff, and my own experience as a volunteer there, I knew to secure the bird and bring it to their after-hour dropoff area as soon as possible,” said Nancy Harrington, rescuer and longtime PHSS volunteer. “I am so grateful to PHSS for the altruistic and vital work that they do for our wildlife and community.”
After over four decades at their current location in the Pelican Harbor Marina, PHSS soon will be breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art wildlife hospital and education center located on a 2.6-acre riverfront preserve on Miami’s Little River.
“When we first started out, Pelican Harbor was taking in around 100 patients a year — all Brown Pelicans. It’s awe-inspiring to see how far we have come since those days, both in the number of patients that we treat and our quality of care, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us at our new location,” said Hannah McDougall, director of communications.
Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and relies on the generosity of the public to fund its lifesaving work. Currently, all donations to PHSS’s operating fund are being matched dollar for dollar by the Batchelor Foundation. By making a contribution, you are directly benefiting the over 100 patients in their care, as well as investing in the future of our wildlife.
