Summary of Brevard Zoo Receives $5 Million Gift to Benefit Sea Turtles:
The Brevard Zoo has received a $5 million donation from the DSF Charitable Foundation to fund the Sea Turtle Care Complex at the future Aquarium and Conservation Center in Port Canaveral. The donation is the second-largest private contribution to the Zoo’s Our Legacy Campaign. The Sea Turtle Care Complex will be named after the Scaife Family and will feature a state-of-the-art hospital and an outdoor lagoon habitat for rehabilitated turtles. The complex will allow visitors to observe conservation efforts and promote awareness of endangered species. The donation will also increase the Zoo’s capacity to care for sick and injured turtles, a hotspot for sea turtle nesting. The donation is seen as a significant contribution to the future Aquarium and will inspire further support from the community and region.
Summary:
1. Brevard Zoo has received a generous $5 million gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation for the Sea Turtle Care Complex at the future Aquarium and Conservation Center in Port Canaveral.
2. The Aquarium will serve as a regional conservation hub, rehabilitating sea turtles and manatees and engaging children and families in conservation through interactive experiences.
3. The sea turtle rehabilitation facility will be named the Scaife Family Sea Turtle Care Complex in recognition of the DSF Charitable Foundation’s exceptional support.
4. The complex will feature a state-of-the-art hospital and an outdoor lagoon habitat for permanently injured turtles.
5. Brevard County is a vital area for sea turtles globally, and the complex will significantly increase the Zoo’s capacity to care for and protect these endangered species.
The Brevard Zoo has recently received an extraordinary $5 million gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation. This contribution will profoundly impact the care and conservation of sea turtles. This generous donation will be instrumental in funding the Sea Turtle Care Complex, a crucial component of the future Aquarium and Conservation Center in Port Canaveral.
Keith Winsten, the CEO of the Brevard Zoo, expressed his gratitude for the Scaife Family’s philanthropic leadership, stating, “The generosity of the Scaife Family is fundamental to the successful completion of this Aquarium and the thousands of sea turtles our veterinary team will continue to help and save each year.” This transformative gift will not only support the construction of the Aquarium but also contribute to the Zoo’s ongoing efforts to restore coastal ecosystems, rehabilitate sea turtles and manatees, and educate children and families about the importance of conservation.
The future Aquarium, which will serve as a second campus for Brevard Zoo, aims to become a regional conservation hub. One of its primary focuses will be rehabilitating sea turtles, an essential need in a county that hosts five of the world’s seven sea turtle species. With its expansive beaches, Brevard County is the world’s largest hotspot for loggerhead nesting. Unfortunately, all sea turtle species are currently classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, making constructing the Sea Turtle Care Complex incredibly vital.
Recognizing the DSF Charitable Foundation’s outstanding support, the new sea turtle rehabilitation facility will be named the Scaife Family Sea Turtle Care Complex. This cutting-edge complex, spanning 13,000 square feet, will feature a state-of-the-art hospital equipped with advanced rehabilitation and veterinary clinical capabilities. Additionally, an outdoor lagoon habitat will provide a safe and comfortable home for rehabilitated turtles that cannot be released due to permanent health conditions.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Scaife Family Sea Turtle Care Complex is its opportunity for visitors to witness conservation in action. The facility will feature large viewing windows into a working treatment center and rehabilitation area, allowing guests of all ages to observe the care provided to turtles in real-time. From nutrition and enrichment activities provided by trained volunteers to life-saving examinations, blood tests, and treatments, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the critical conservation efforts undertaken to protect these endangered species.
The importance of the Sea Turtle Care Complex cannot be understated. Brevard County is a vital area for sea turtles globally, and the decline in their population is a cause for concern. Pollution-related ailments pose a significant threat to sea turtles, and the new facility will empower Brevard Zoo’s veterinary team to respond swiftly to their urgent needs. Dr. Trevor Zachariah, the Director of Veterinary Programs and Wildlife Rehabilitation Programs, highlights the significance of the DSF Charitable Foundation’s contribution, stating, “The public visibility of this work will educate and inspire people to care for our environment and consider the consequences of actions that could contribute to pollution in our waterways.”
The DSF Charitable Foundation’s support brings the future Aquarium closer to reality and sets an inspiring example for others. The Scaife Family has a tradition of supporting zoos throughout the United States, with Sara Scaife herself serving as a Pittsburgh Zoo Board of Directors member for over 20 years. Recognizing the potential of the new Aquarium as both a source of fun for families and a driver for regional economic development, Sara Scaife shared, “This project will only enhance Brevard Zoo’s reputation as a must-see destination.”
In conclusion, the $5 million gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation will have a lasting and significant impact on the care and conservation of sea turtles. The future Scaife Family Sea Turtle Care Complex, named in recognition of this exceptional support, will increase the Brevard Zoo’s capacity to care for sick, injured, and washback turtles and educate and inspire visitors to protect our environment and marine life. The complex’s state-of-the-art facilities and interactive experiences will promote a deeper understanding of the critical conservation efforts undertaken and encourage actions toward protecting these endangered species. Together, we can ensure a thriving habitat for sea turtles and leave a lasting legacy for generations.
