I started my morning with Melinda Bordes at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Wildlife, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that specializes in the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife, so they can return to the wild. Melinda Bordes is a hard working realtor here at Island Real Estate, and gives back to the community by volunteering at Wildlife Inc.
Upon arrival, the tortoises were eating breakfast out front with a couple of rabbits. The tortoises were about the size of a small coffee table and walked right up to greet us after they had their fill of fruit and veggies for breakfast. After being fascinated with the tortoises, Melinda and I continued our animal adventure, and she introduced me to Ed Straight who told us about Wildlife Inc., and how he and his wife Gail started Wildlife Inc. as a hobby 24 years ago.
Wildlife Inc. has not stopped growing since their start in 1987; they now receive 3,000 to 4,000 calls a year for wildlife rescue/rehabilitation, and take all types of wildlife for Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. The day I was there I had a chance to interact with dozens of different species of Florida wildlife such as tortoises, hawks, owls, song birds, blue herons, raccoons, a sand hill crane, an otter, and a baby deer.
The important thing to remember is that this is not a petting zoo. This facility is completely dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife so they can get back to the wild where they belong. If you find any wildlife that has been injured or orphaned call Wildlife Inc. (941) -778-6324
Blood Drive at St. Bernard’s Church in Holmes Beach June 4th & 5th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you would like to help here is your chance, mark your calendar, and bring your friends to St. Bernard’s Church in Holmes Beach to donate blood on June 4th & 5th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A private donor will contribute $100.00 to Wildlife Inc. for each person who donates a pint of blood in the name of Wildlife, Inc. You can provide much needed blood and help us to fulfill our mission at the same time.
St. Bernard’s Church
5408 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach FL, 34217
Meet Larry Chatt. Larry is the Broker/Owner of Island Real Estate – and has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in New England, Ohio, Colorado, Iowa and across Europe. He and his family have been on the island for decades and Larry has served his community in various roles with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce
We return to Anna Marie Island each year, it makes me very sad at some of the shopping areas there are very large parrots in cages, no room to ever fly. I did say to one shop, that it is so cruel, the assisant agreed, but said they were all rescued, people who bought them, then could not look after them. Is it impossible that in this day and age all these poor birds could have a huge Avery, it would be a huge tourist attraction, rather than most caring tourists not wanting to come back!
Sure people would donate, and maybe the council could donate a little land, with trees they can fly into and shade.
Thank you
Tony and Linda