Did You Know?

• H.A.W.K.E. is dedicated to saving hundreds of birds, mammals and reptiles each year. 90% have been orphaned or injured because of human causes.
• H.A.W.K.E. has excellent facilities with large specialized cages shaded by ancient oak trees and a custom built feed and hospital room to provide expert care for different species of native wildlife.
• H.A.W.K.E. is the only wildlife facility in the tri-county area that Audubon Center for Birds of Prey uses to rehabilitate their birds. HAWKE also receives birds, mammals and reptiles from the University of Florida Veterinary College for rehabilitation.
• H.A.W.K.E. has special enclosures designed just for otters and other wildlife, including a 40 foot, all wood, flight cage. It is located on 20 acres for release training of young birds or those recovering from injuries.
• H.A.W.K.E. has a curatorial staff with over 60 years of combined experience with wildlife. Melanie Cain-Stage, full-time curator, has been a licensed wildlife rehabilitator since 1979. H.A.W.K.E. has a second full-time curator that can also give around-the-clock care for critically injured or infant wildlife, from hummingbirds, eagles and seabirds to squirrels and bobcats.
• H.A.W.K.E. had a feature article in The International Wildlife Rehabilitator Journal and Ms. Melanie Cain-Stage is an internationally respected expert on river otters and has helped people all over the country raise otters.
• H.A.W.K.E. has successfully reared and released bobcats, otters and difficult species of birds which need extensive pre-release training.
• H.A.W.K.E. has reached every public school in St. Johns County with two or more unique wildlife programs. These include five different slide shows, live trained hawks and owls, and gopher tortoises.
• H.A.W.K.E. enlightens over 12,000 people each year about our environment through educational programs and wildlife information booths.
• H.A.W.K.E. receives no outside funding, and depends entirely on donations and fund raising events for financial support