provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is excited to welcome a unique new member to its educational ambassador team: a fish crow affectionately named Crowaline.
In February, a rescuer in Miami noticed an unusually friendly wild crow whose wings appeared to have been clipped—a concerning sign the bird may have been kept illegally as a pet. Recognizing the need for professional care, the rescuer brought the bird to Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (PHSS) in Miami, where the staff began the process of rehabilitation.
Despite their efforts, it quickly became apparent the crow had become habituated to humans, showing little interest in interacting with other birds. In hopes of reintroducing more natural behaviors, PHSS transferred the bird to CROW, where she could spend time among conspecifics (members of the same species). However, her comfort with people persisted, indicating she would not thrive if returned to the wild.
“While her friendliness may seem endearing, habituation can pose serious risks to wildlife,” said Dr. Jessica Comolli, CROW’s Research & Medical Director. “A crow that approaches humans may be vulnerable to injury, exploitation, or become dependent on people for food and shelter.”
Because of this, Crowaline is considered non-releasable—but her story doesn’t end there.
Now a permanent resident at CROW, Crowaline enjoys a spacious, enriching environment tailored to her natural curiosity and intelligence. Her outdoor enclosure is filled with interactive toys, natural perches, and foliage encouraging her to explore and engage in species-specific behaviors.
Named with a wink to a well-known spooky film character, Crowaline is poised to play a vital role in CROW’s educational programs. As an educational ambassador, she will help foster a deeper understanding of native wildlife, the dangers of habituation, and the importance of keeping wild animals wild.
“We are thrilled to have Crowaline join our ambassador family,” said Alison Hussey, CROW’s Executive Director. “Crowaline is a clever, inquisitive bird who will help us share vital messages about wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. Our ambassador family plays a vital role in CROW’s mission of education”
CROW will slowly introduce Crowaline into public education events in the coming months. For information on visiting or supporting CROW’s mission, please visit www.CROWClinic.org.
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