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Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

4.7

·1k reviews·Tavernier, United States

A vital sanctuary for injured wild birds, offering a glimpse into Florida's avian life and conservation efforts.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, during pelican feeding

See birds at their most active

CrowdMedium

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Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Best Time

Daily, during pelican feeding

See birds at their most active

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vital sanctuary for injured wild birds, offering a glimpse into Florida's avian life and conservation efforts.

4.7

(1k reviews)

"A wonderful place to stop and support local wildlife, especially during the pelican feeding!"

TIP

🎯 Support the Cause

A $10 donation is requested to aid in bird rescue and rehabilitation. Every bit helps!

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Pelican feeding is a must-see! Confirm the daily schedule upon arrival.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,195 reviews

Address

93600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, USA

Website

keepthemflying.org

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pelican Feeding Frenzy

Witness the dramatic feeding of pelicans, a crowd-pleasing spectacle showcasing these magnificent birds.

Sanctuary Residents

See a diverse array of rescued birds, including herons, cormorants, owls, and permanent residents like Flop the blue jay.

Golden Orb Spider Family

Beyond birds, discover fascinating local wildlife, including impressive spiders and their young.

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Planning Your Visit

Donation-Based Entry

While advertised as free, a $10 donation is strongly encouraged to support the center's vital work. Consider it an admission fee for a worthy cause.

Timing is Key for Feedings

Check the daily schedule for pelican feeding sessions, a highlight for many visitors. Arriving during these times offers a more engaging experience.

Best Times

When

Daily, during pelican feeding

Why

See birds at their most active

Crowd

Medium

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bird Fix!!! #aviary #aviarybirds #chickencoop #chicken #birdfix #birdfix #birdtherapy #chickenrun #lovenature #budgiesoftiktok #peacock #naturevibes #tamebird #lovebirds

@all_birds_welcome

279.7K likes • 7.1M views

🎯 Support the Cause

A $10 donation is requested to aid in bird rescue and rehabilitation. Every bit helps! +1

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Pelican feeding is a must-see! Confirm the daily schedule upon arrival.

The best bird choice, period. #parrot #BirdTok #flocktok #petbird #aviculture

@blueplanetpets

100.7K likes • 930.3K views

At the Florida Key Wild Bird Center, we are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native and migratory wild birds that have been injured or displaced. The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary provides a permanent home for any birds who are unable to be released due to their injuries. Our sanctuary is open to the public from sunrise to sunrise everyday of year. Visit us during your ne...

keepthemflying

131 likes • 2.1K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing some walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the sanctuary.

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera to photograph the diverse bird species and other wildlife.

🪽🩵IN MEMORIAM: Flop, a Florida Keys blue jay who found a permanent home at a bird sanctuary in Tavernier, has died, the @keepthemflying Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center announced Friday. “Flop was a non-releasable permanent resident in our sanctuary,” the nonprofit said. “He was imprinted on humans after being raised by a family that had a pet cat. As a result, Flop was well known for...

gwenfilosamedia

9 likes • 380 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Support the Cause

A $10 donation is requested to aid in bird rescue and rehabilitation. Every bit helps! +1

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Pelican feeding is a must-see! Confirm the daily schedule upon arrival.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing some walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the sanctuary.

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera to photograph the diverse bird species and other wildlife.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center a worthwhile stop, especially for those traveling through the Keys. While some note the requested donation, many appreciate the opportunity to support a good cause and see a variety of rescued birds. The pelican feeding is a frequently mentioned highlight, offering an engaging experience for all ages.

"Overall i would say it is a fun experience. It is directly located on your way to key west or a southern key from key largo. It really is no inconvenience at all to visit this place if you are just traveling through.

Even though they say it's free they want a 10$ donation to help their cause. Which i mean is nothing wrong but they advertise it quite aggressively. To see the few birds they have is definitely not worth the 10$ entrance fee. It is a nice place to stop and stretch your legs but you won't spend more time than a few minutes here unless you are a bird enthusiast.

Overall I would recommend a stop if you are travelling through but don't expect too much."

Marc Meier

"What a wonderful place. We saw some really amazing birds and spiders! There was a gorgeous Golden Orb Spider mama with her babies. If you are reading the poor reviews on this place it is from a person who does not understand what this and other true sanctuaries do! The audacity to complain about a free experience where you get to see animals up close and personal blows my mind. If you are going here and upset that you are asked to VOLUNTARILY donate to help their cause and then going to complain about it, arrgh. But I digress, this place is amazing! The animal habitats are well maintained and large. The variety of birds that you get to see is amazing! Can't say enough about this place!"

Nekol Daley

"This place is unique and God Bless all those that maintain all the birds. 🦅 It’s worth the stop and your donation truly helps! We went too early to purchase a gift. Which is located down the street."

DeAnna Mancini

What People Like

Supporting bird rescue

Pelican feeding sessions

Variety of birds

What People Dislike

Aggressive donation requests

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The center is conveniently located on the way to Key West from Key Largo, making it an easy stop for travelers. It's about 7 miles from the heart of Key Largo. +1

Yes, parking is available for visitors.

Absolutely! It's a perfect stop along the scenic Overseas Highway, requiring no detour.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The center is advertised as free, but a $10 donation per person is strongly encouraged to support their rehabilitation efforts.

The sanctuary is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

No advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during operating hours.

While not explicitly stated, supporting their cause through donations is highly encouraged. Check their official website for online donation options.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of native and migratory wild birds, including herons, cormorants, owls, and pelicans. Some birds are permanent residents due to injuries.

Yes, daily pelican feeding sessions are a highlight. Keep an eye out for special fundraising events like 'Flocks on the Rocks'.

Yes, it's a great educational stop for families to learn about local wildlife and conservation.

Most visitors spend a few minutes to an hour, depending on their interest in birds and if they catch a feeding session.

Direct interaction is generally not permitted to ensure the birds' well-being, but you can observe them closely in their habitats.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is allowed, and it's a great spot to capture images of various bird species.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light. Catching the pelican feeding can also lead to dynamic shots.

While generally permitted, always be respectful of the birds and their environment. Avoid using flash photography directly at the animals.