H.A.W.K.E - Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

F.A.Q

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