[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUNCOAST SEABIRD SANCTUARY

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2011

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 40th 
anniversary of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, the largest and most 
successful non-profit wild bird hospital in the United States.
  It is a privilege for me to represent the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary 
in Indian Shores and to have seen firsthand the outstanding commitment 
of its staff that works to rehabilitate the more than 8,000 injured 
birds it admits each year.
  The Sanctuary was founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph T. Heath and is 
staffed by highly trained individuals equipped with emergency 
facilities, a surgical center, recovery areas, and an outdoor wild bird 
recuperation area. Admitting up to 159 different species per year, the 
Sanctuary is world renowned for its innovative rehabilitation 
techniques with over 80 percent of its admitted birds successfully 
rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
  Over the years, the Sanctuary has also become a cherished attraction 
to Central Florida visitors. Attracting over 100,000 visitors each 
year, the Sanctuary offers a unique environment for bird watching, and 
a tremendous opportunity for photographing wildlife on Florida's 
beautiful Gulf Coast. Admission into the Sanctuary has always been 
free, giving the general public a great opportunity to visit and learn 
about Florida's wildlife.
  Mr. Speaker, through their hard work and dedication, the staff and 
volunteers of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary not only give back to 
Florida's natural world, but also serve as a valued asset to our 
community. This weekend, many of the Sanctuary's family and friends 
from the past 40 years will gather to celebrate the history and 
accomplishments of this valuable facility. It is my hope that my 
colleagues in the House will join me in saying thank you to all those 
who have been a part of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.

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