March 3

Celebrate Wildlife Inc. Day March 3

BY CINDY LANE

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Wednesday, March 3 is Wildlife Inc. Day in Manatee County and county commissioners have honored the business with a proclamation touting its achievements.

Operated by Ed and Gail Straight since 1987 at their Bradenton Beach home, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. also has an exhibit at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E. in Bradenton.

The Straights were named the Anna Maria Island Sun Persons of the Year in 2014.

The county’s only licensed native bird, mammal and reptile wildlife rehabilitation facility rescues and houses more than 4,000 animals each year, including unwanted exotic pets such as African tortoises, Burmese pythons, bearded dragons, parrots and even prairie dogs.

Funded by donations and grants, Wildlife Inc. rehabilitates and returns to the wild more than 70% of the animals it receives.

Before COVID-19, the organization was making presentations with nonreleasable birds at schools, churches, clubs and community events, reaching an estimated 100,000 children and adults annually.

“We took our garage and turned it into a hospital with a section for orphaned babies. The side and back of our yard are lined with cages. Our front yard is given way to the abandoned tortoises, turtles and rabbits,” Ed Straight said.

But changes in wildlife rehab regulations now require larger cages and a 100-foot flight cage, he said, adding, “There is simply no room for that.”

As a result, the organization is searching for a suitable 5- to 10-acre site to relocate its home-based operation.

The Straights will celebrate their special day on Wednesday live on Facebook, showing the many animals in their care.

They are also giving away three Tshirts to random winners on Facebook at noon Wednesday. Enter at http:// wildlifeinc.org/?page_id=4236.

SUBMITTED

WILDLIFE INC. | SUBMITTED Owls and other birds of prey are among the most common rescues at Wildlife Inc.

Kids eat for a

Sunday thru Thursday EVERY Week! 56¢

THE PROMOTION IS ONLY VALID FROM 11AM TO CLOSE.