Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is now in operation at the beachfront facility, formerly known as Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The new organization has experienced management, a new board and new leadership from the Busch von Gontard family, who have a long history of wildlife and environmental conservation. The mission of the new organization remains the same: the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual release of sick, injured and orphaned birds.
“For as long as I can remember, my family has been devoted to causes that conserve precious wildlife and the environments where they thrive,” said Andrew von Gontard, President of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. “It is our passion for wildlife that has moved us to step in to invest significant time and resources into the revitalization of this sanctuary. We look forward to working closely with the staff and volunteers to ensure seabirds have a first class rehabilitation facility working on their behalf.”
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s day-to-day operations will be managed by Eddie Gayton, who has more than six years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and is the former operations manager at Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. Brian Tharp, a retired United States Air Force officer, will serve as the business manager. The two will be supported by staff and volunteers, many who have been a part of the sanctuary for years.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, created by the Busch von Gontard family and an independent Board of Trustees, took over operations from Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Inc., whose president, Ralph Heath, founded the sanctuary 45 years ago. While Heath and Suncoast are no longer affiliated with the beachfront sanctuary, the family plans to carry on his legacy of caring for the seabirds and respect his contributions to them over the years.
“The staff and I are very excited to have this new organization in place so we can continue helping the birds,” said Gayton. “For us, our focus has always been on the birds and making sure these animals are getting the care they need so they can return to their natural habitat. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help these injured seabirds, rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild.”
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary will work closely with area veterinarians to provide medical care for the birds and guidance to the staff. They will also maintain strict adherence to all applicable state and federal rules and regulations. They have been working closely with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure all essential permits are in place and all policies and procedures moving forward are designed with the health and safety of the sanctuary’s most treasured assets – the birds – in mind.
Von Gontard said he and his family, along with the new board and staff, are determined not only to restore public confidence in the sanctuary, but to reestablish its recognition as one of the premier avian rehabilitation centers in the nation. Created in 1971, the sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of birds, ranging from the Eastern Brown Pelican to the Eastern Screech Owl. It was the first facility to breed Eastern Brown Pelicans in captivity. The birds who cannot be returned to the wild are given a permanent home at the sanctuary, which is open to the public 365 days a year. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate to support the sanctuary’s mission.