On September 19, 2026, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) held its annual Conservation Summer Camp in Sanibel Island, offering a hands-on experience for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The camp integrates wildlife conservation with veterinary medicine, providing engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities aimed at bringing science to life.
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During the camp, middle school participants learned basic surgical suturing techniques, while high school students engaged in a dogfish shark dissection. Campers toured the wildlife hospital, interacted with medical team members, and met animal ambassadors. They also utilized microscopes, constructed habitats, and participated in veterinary skills labs that reflect the daily operations at CROW.
Founded in 1968, CROW is dedicated to rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife in Southwest Florida and beyond. In 2025, the clinic attended to over 5,000 patients. The camp not only focuses on veterinary skills but also emphasizes wildlife conservation education. Students explored topics like sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, as well as the interplay between healthy ecosystems and human well-being through CROW’s "One World, One Health" curriculum.
"These labs give students a chance to experience real veterinary and biological science in a way that's exciting, memorable and age-appropriate," said Brittnay Laster, CROW's Education and Outreach Coordinator. She noted that campers leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife, whether or not they aspire to become veterinarians.
None of the animals used for dissections were CROW patients; they were obtained from licensed educational suppliers that comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, and are used strictly for educational purposes. For wildlife in need of assistance, contact CROW at (239) 472-3644 ext. 222 or visit their website for more information.