Seabird Rescue Nonprofit Plans Rehabilitation Center at Former Palmetto Animal Services Site
A new use is planned for the former Manatee County Animal Services facility in Palmetto following county approval of a lease agreement with Friends of the Pelicans Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing injured seabirds.
The organization intends to convert the site into a rehabilitation center for pelicans and other seabirds commonly found along the coast near the Skyway Fishing Pier and surrounding mangrove areas. The nonprofit rescues more than 1,000 injured birds each year, many affected by fishing hooks and entanglement in fishing lines.
Friends of the Pelicans has been seeking a permanent location since 2021. Until now, the group has relied on partner facilities outside Manatee County, including Save Our Seabirds and Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, to provide medical care and rehabilitation. Those facilities have supported local rescue efforts but often face capacity challenges due to the high volume of injured birds.
County officials approved the lease for the Palmetto property, which already includes features such as kennels and operating rooms, making it well-suited for conversion into a wildlife care center. The location’s proximity to key rescue areas is expected to improve response times and treatment outcomes.
Before opening, the nonprofit must secure rezoning approval from Manatee County and obtain permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The organization will also be responsible for maintaining the property and covering utility costs.
If approvals move forward as planned, the new seabird rehabilitation campus could open within the next year and a half, expanding local capacity to care for injured wildlife and reducing reliance on out-of-county facilities.
