On the morning of Nov. 18, a month after securing a building permit from the City of Miami, the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station celebrated a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of its new, expanded wildlife hospital and education center.
The event united community leaders, over 100 passionate supporters, and the visionary donors who made it possible, marking the beginning of a transformative new chapter for local wildlife preservation and conservation.
The gathering at the planned construction site at 399 NE 82nd Ter. began with Chloe Chelz, executive director of the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (PHSS), reflecting on the remarkable journey – from acquiring the land nearly five years ago to reaching this milestone moment.
(Courtesy of PHSS)
At the groundbreaking's education tent, Mary Diddle (left) and Yaritza Acosta (right) from PHSS share the organization's ambassador animals, Maggie, a Virginia Opossum, and Mowgli, an Eastern Screech owl.
The event featured several speakers, including Secretary William J. Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, who gave a land acknowledgment, and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who emphasized the county’s partnership with PHSS and the center’s impact on wildlife and the community. Mayor Levine Cava also announced a $1.98 million allocation from the county’s General Obligation Bond, which she helped secure.
“This marks the most significant chapter in PHSS’s almost 45-year history, and without the support of our generous donors and government leaders, this day could not have happened,” said Board Chair Robert Glidewell, referencing donors such as the Deeks Foundation and the Batchelor Foundation.
DEEPENING AND FORTIFYING LOCAL WILDLIFE ROOTS
(Via Twitter/X)
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava speaking to the public during the event.
In an interview with the Biscayne Times, Chelz explained how the organization started as a small mom-and-pop operation in 1980 and has grown exponentially over the past 44 years.
“We just recently treated our 44,000th patient,” she said, adding how they also focus on teaching the community about wildlife conservation but are limited at their current locations.
Chelz emphasized how the new 8,000-square-foot facility will amplify local wildlife protection and rehabilitation efforts by building a new hospital featuring advanced treatment rooms and providing additional space to treat more animals across different local habitats. They would also expand their onsite community engagement initiatives with six permanent exhibits celebrating Florida’s historic conservation efforts and natural wonders.
(Courtesy of PHSS)
Secretary William J. Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida delivered a land acknowledgment at the gathering, recognizing the new facility’s site as former Native American territory.
One of the exhibits will showcase archaeological artifacts from the Native American Tequesta tribe, South Florida’s earliest known inhabitants, dating back to 750–1200 CE and uncovered at the construction site of the new facility.
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
Beyond saving animals, the organization’s mission extends to fostering a deep connection between the community and local wildlife, inspiring an understanding of local ecosystems and the shared responsibility to protect them.
In their current North Bay Village facility on 1279 NE 79th St., PHSS offers self-guided tours and weekly free tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m. They also do full moon and sunset cruises in the bay every month, during which they teach bird identification and, at times, release some patients into the wild.
Chelz views their patients as the most powerful teaching tools for educating the public about the vital role they play in the greater ecosystem and how humans can coexist with them.
“We have a number of ambassador animals that have injuries which don't allow them to be released back into the wild. We take them to schools and events where the public can have first-hand experiences with animals such as an eastern screech owl or a Florida box turtle,” she said.
“It’s very healing,” remarked Chelz, when humans and animals connect, adding, “When there is chaos, you can return to three fundamental things: acts of kindness, connection to nature, and strengthening your sense of community.”
(Courtesy of PHSS)
A Yellow-throated Warbler injured by a window strike during migration.
In striving to make those connections, Chelz hopes the public becomes more aware of their environment and feels empowered to protect it.
The new facility will usher in a new era of conservation and community connection by providing an education center to host lectures and art shows, as well as a larger green space where the public can access their ambassador animals year-round. She emphasizes how the new facility, which is expected to be completed by early 2026, will be a center for both the community and local wildlife.
SAVING INJURED WILDLIFE
(Courtesy of PHSS)
PHSS Clinic Manager Yaritza Acosta (left) and Jeff Corwin (right), from television show "Wildlife Nation: Expedition Florida", examine a Double-crested Cormorant.
True to its name, the PHSS renders priority over the pelican, having treated over 9,000 since their inception in the 1980s. Nonetheless, their rehabilitation services are also in high demand for various birds, depending on the season. Currently, their patients include warblers – small yet resilient birds undertaking a long migration from the northeastern seaboard to northern South America and the Caribbean.
As they pass through Miami, Chelz said how they often are victims of window strikes or get disoriented by city lights, landing in their facility to receive care for head trauma.
Due to many modern-generated impacts on local wildlife, the PHSS has evolved to act as first responders for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife, hoping to release them back into the wild.
(Courtesy of PHSS)
The 2,000th patient treated by PHSS in 2024, a Belted Kingfisher.
While the new facility will provide greater patient accessibility, Chelz said that only native species are accepted, excluding animals such as Miami's abundant iguanas, peacocks, and chickens.
“Many people find injured wildlife and don't know what to do, so we're there not only to heal the animals but also be a resource and educate people on what to do if they find a native baby bird or a possum that was perhaps hit by a car, or a squirrel that's out of a nest,” she said. “We've even had a snake. They have to be native, so they can't be like parrots or Muscovy ducks or iguanas or pythons, animals that were artificially introduced to the ecosystem.”
With a bigger and enhanced facility in the making, Chelz is excited for a new era in wildlife preservation. She urges the community to spread the word and encourage new residents to gain awareness of their services should they ever find a local animal in need.
“We’ve been around for so long. A lot of older residents are aware of us, but we would like to increase our exposure to the new people living in Miami.”
The community is still welcome to contribute to their capital campaign funds where naming opportunities are available.