Any current opinions on Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary? (Clearwater: 2013, transport)

[spbbound]

Hi all, I found an injured seagull in my pool last night; was able to walk around but couldn't fly or jump out. Not knowing any better, some online searches pointed me at after hours drop off at Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. I dropped the bird off in one of their outdoor pet carriers. My wife went back today to see if he had been taken in and what his disposition was but they said their early morning person had likely already come and transported the bird elsewhere as they didn't have it recorded.

In any case, I was glad to have had a place to take the bird and was planning to go back and donate to the charity today. That's when I started digging around online and have found what seems like a long history of financial mis-management by the founder, even some allegations of the charity funding his personal life.

I haven't been able to find any news stories or status more recent than 2013, so I was curious if anyone knows who the current board of directors is, if Ralph Heath is still part of it, so on and so forth. I'll probably donate regardless, as even poorly spent dollars are better than no option besides finding a vet who would euthanize the bird, but would like to find some info that may make me feel better about the donation.

[tbmsmb]

I remember visiting there a long time ago and loved the pelicans. One guy I remember was annoyed at them though and called him Nuisance. He liked him though. I figured it was an okay enough place to be a sanctuary. I do remember a few years ago I heard they've had some violations. Too bad whoever took in the bird didn't "record" it. I don't know if they do this and if it's mostly, obviously, marine life, but maybe Clearwater Aquarium can look into it or direct you. Probably not though. I did come across Wildlife Rescue Ministries which would be about an hour give or take from Suncoast. Otherwise, I hope the bird will be okay.

[spbbound]

I decided to donate in a way that has a lower likelihood of being mis-used; I picked up a huge bunch of supplies that they mentioned needing on their website and dropped those off instead.

[tbmsmb]

Very nice.

[engineman]

We had 2 birds some years ago that they took care of very well.