The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and hopeful release of sick, injured, and orphaned native wild birds, and spreading conservation awareness through education and community engagement. The heart of our operations is the Dr. Marie L. Farr Avian Hospital, where our small team of staff and volunteers care for approximately 3,500 birds every year. We are also home to over 80 permanently injured resident birds, and we collaborate with multiple organizations to find permanent homes for birds who are unable to be released but are able to have a good quality of life in captivity. Our Sanctuary is open to visitors 365 days a year, and admission is free to ensure everyone in our community has the opportunity to learn about our amazing local wildlife. We have an active presence in our community through local partnerships, and our team of volunteers and "Avian Ambassadors" attend schools, events, and functions throughout the Tampa Bay area in addition to hosting events on-site. We are currently working to renovate and improve our enclosures to ensure the highest quality of care for both our patients and resident birds, and develop new projects and collaborations that highlight the habitat that our local wildlife depend on. As an organization that relies solely on donations and community grants, we hope you'll consider supporting our mission so that we can continue this important work.
Hours
Monday 9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–5 PM
Thursday 9 AM–5 PM
Friday 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday 9 AM–5 PM
What Visitors Love
Wonderful experience. Greeted right away with three Brown pelicans, a heron, and an egret, all wandering around the entrance. No charge to get in but donations are very appreciated. The whole space has an incredible population of seabirds who are very used to people nearby. My very young kids had an especially great time on the landing watching the pelicans that were nesting in the tree nearby and on the beach where terns and skimmers were standing in a flock not too far away. My 4yo would say don't miss Tito, the conure in the gift shop. He's a personality even if he doesn't talk. Thank you to this sanctuary and all the people that keep it working! We'll make it a regular spot for visits!
Great little bird sanctuary, it's free.. BUT I give $10-20 every time I go here! Been going here for years, love it! Blue jays, bald Eagle,red tailed, short tailed, hawk..plenty of pelicans ,egrets, turkey vultures, and a bunch of owls screech, barn, great horned!! I was there later and they were bring a lot of the birds out too!! That was sure cool!
What a lovely little gem! I love animals so much especially birds. This was the perfect beach break. Love the pelicans and their little pool party. Please continue to help the birds- my heart breaks hearing about them being struck by vehicles or caught in fishing lines. . I loved meatball and all his toys 🩷🩷🩷
Great place to see variety of birds, both in captive and wild. It was a bit scary to see the vultures hanging around, but they were all well behaved. The beach access from the sanctuary was nice as well.
Ibis, pelicans,owls and hawks, oh my! I was fortunate to have a bit of time in this delightful rescue/sanctuary. The birds are obviously well cared for, and several formerly rehab birds liked it so much they stayed. If you're in the area stop for a visit (watch for the huge pelican statue at the entrance). Visit the observation platform. Walk around the enclosures, and if you're lucky some of the residents may be out with their human friends so you can get a closer look. Just remember to repeat the place and the birds and the people who work there, please. Also, donate some cash if you can - they have a box - and every bit helps.
General Information
- Family-friendly
- Free admission
- Free parking on-site
- Free WiFi available
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
- Pets on leash allowed
- Street or off-site parking
- WiFi available
Discounts
- Military Discount
- Senior Citizen Discount
Accessible Features
- Accessible parking
- Accessible restroom
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Rates & Times
- Time to Experience Activity: 1 - 2 hours