Masked booby flies home to Caribbean

Local pilot Chris Crunk and friend Jack Anthony came to the rescue of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. The Wildlife Refuge had rehabilitated a masked booby blown north by Tropical Storm Lee earlier this year. Now it was ready to go back to the wild but no way to get it there. Word went out through the Refuge volunteer network and Crunk and Anthony stepped forward to help.

“When we picked him up, he was weak and emaciated from being stuck in the storm,” said Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge wildlife health supervisor Stephanie Kadletz. The bird quickly became a Refuge favorite for its unusual markings and genial personality.

“Our mission is rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife into its native habitat,” said Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Executive Director Amanda Wilkerson. “The masked booby was a challenge since its native habitat is the Dry Tortugas, islands off the west coast coast of the Florida Keys. “ Geography wasn’t the only problem. “Further challenges included the respiratory infection we discovered once we had the bird in treatment,” said Wilkerson.

The masked booby recovered quickly and was soon ready to go home. Wilkerson was stumped. “We tried all the pilots we know and even sent out an email looking for help.” One of the Wildlife Refuge’s 100 volunteers came to the rescue, finding Crunk and Anthony on their way to Marathon Key the Saturday after Thanksgiving in Crunk’s jet. The bird was quickly prepped and on its way from Destin Airport to a wildlife refuge in the Florida Keys. As soon as it is determined the bird has recovered from its adventure, it will be released back in its home territory with quite the adventure under its black mask.

Going the extra mile for sick and injured wildlife is what the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is all about. With professional staff and dedicated volunteers, the Wildlife Refuge has treated 1,766 animals, 17 sea turtles and 14 marine mammals. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center also part of the Wildlife Refuge has handled over 16 dolphin strandings along the Emerald Coast. Both the Wildlife Refuge and the Stranding Center are first responders for any wildlife injured by the oil spill.

Animals that cannot be released back to the wild become ambassador animals for the Wildlife Refuge, helping to educate residents and visitors to the Emerald Coast. “Education is a significant part of our programs,” said Wilkerson. As one of the most biodiverse areas in North America, the Emerald Coast provides habitat for unique flora and fauna. “We are dedicated to teaching habitat conservation and the importance of local wildlife.” The Wildlife Refuge works closely with local school districts to provide educational programs for the students of the Emerald Coast.

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relying on donations, grants and memberships. For more information, please contact the Refuge at (850) 650-1880 or check on-line at www.ecwildliferefuge.com. Email the Refuge at info@ecwildliferefuge.com.