Wildlife Rescue

The goal of the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center is to rehabilitate and, whenever possible, return the animals to their natural environment.

Injured Animal?

Call (361) 881 – 1220

We are open to receiving or rescuing injured sea turtles and marine mammals every day from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Due to avian influenza and out of an abundance of caution, the Rescue Center will not be accepting avian patients from the public. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Texas. Avian influenza is a virus carried by wild birds, particularly waterfowl (ducks and shorebirds). HPAI is highly contagious and spreads through direct, bird-to-bird contact and via contaminated surfaces and materials. Currently, the virus is not zoonotic and according to the Center for Disease Control, HPAI poses a lower risk to humans.

If you have found an injured bird in the Coastal Bend, please contact the Texas Sealife Center at (361) 589-4023 or visit their website.

If you have found an injured animal, please do not approach or attempt to capture the animal. Even when injured, wildlife can still be dangerous and cause injuries. If you have found an injured animal outside of the species we are able to accept, please visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website to find a rehabilitation facility near you.

Each year, thousands of protected, threatened, or endangered species along the Texas coast become ill or injured. Some have been impaired by predators, diseases, or other natural causes. Most are brought to our facility with problems caused directly or indirectly by humans. This includes entanglement in fishing line, nets, or lures, and even illegal harassment and shootings. The Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center is federally permitted and operates under rigorous standards.

Our animal care program is a valuable community service that continues to grow with state-of-the-art equipment and highly-trained staff, allowing us to take in and treat more animals than in previous years.

Wildlife Rescue is able to accept the following types of animals:

  • Shorebirds


    Egrets, Oystercatchers, Pelicans, Plovers, Sandpipers, Skimmers, Spoonbills, Stilts, Terns

    We are currently unable to accept sea gulls.

  • Raptors (Birds of Prey)


    Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Owls

    Due to avian influenza and out of an abundance of caution, the Rescue Center will not be accepting avian patients from the public. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Texas. Avian influenza is a virus carried by wild birds, particularly waterfowl (ducks and shorebirds). HPAI is highly contagious and spreads through direct, bird-to-bird contact and via contaminated surfaces and materials. Currently, the virus is not zoonotic and according to the Center for Disease Control, HPAI poses a lower risk to humans. 

    If you have found an injured bird in the Coastal Bend, please contact the Texas Sealife Center at (361) 589-4023 or visit their website.

  • Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles


    Dolphins, Otters, Sea Turtles


  • If you are unsure of what kind of bird you have, call 361.881.1210.

    IMPORTANT: Because birds are protected, it is not legal to keep a bird unless you have the necessary permits to do so. It is very important that you turn over any bird as soon as possible, not only because it’s the law, but for the bird’s safety and well-being.

How We Rescue and Rehabilitate

The Texas State Aquarium has helped many stranded marine mammals, sea turtles, raptors, and shorebirds after they are injured in the wild. When one of these species is found injured, it is brought to the Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center for acute medical care. Once the animal is healthy and deemed releasable, the Aquarium returns the animal to its natural habitat. In the event the animal is not releasable due to a permanent disability, the Aquarium works to find a proper long-term facility for the animal.

Pending the condition of the animal when it is brought in, Aquarium staff stabilizes the animal, evaluates its condition, and provides comprehensive medical treatment. Services range from simply providing a safe, temporary refuge for an exhausted migratory shorebird to acute medical care for an ill dolphin.

The public must contact the Rehabilitation department at (361) 881-1220 during operating hours before bringing a bird to the Aquarium. We regret that we are unable to admit other types of birds.

If you find an injured bird, please follow the instructions below.

  • What to Do If You Find an Injured Shorebird

    Most birds can be difficult to catch safely. The easiest method is to use a large towel or sheet and throw over the bird. Once covered and unable to see, most birds will immediately calm down long enough to pick them up and put them in a secure area, such as a pet crate or box.

    When rescuing shorebirds with sharp beaks, be sure to avoid close contact and wear eye protection. The defense mechanism for these birds is often to lunge at the face and eyes.

    Once you have secured the bird, keep it in a dark, quiet area until you can bring it to the Wildlife Rescue Center. Please bring the bird to the center as quickly as possible so treatment can begin.

    Please do not try to feed any bird you rescue.

  • What to Do If You Find an Injured Raptor

    Rescuing a raptor can be a daunting task. Keep in mind that they have large beaks and powerful talons. It is recommended that you use thick, leather gloves and eye protection. The easiest method is to use a large towel or sheet and throw over the bird. Once covered and unable to see, most birds will immediately calm down long enough to pick them up and put them in a secure area, such as a pet crate or box.

    When rescuing raptors with sharp beaks, be sure to avoid close contact and wear eye protection. The defense mechanism for these birds is often to lunge at the face and eyes.

    Once you have secured the bird, keep it in a dark, quiet area.

    Please do not try to feed any bird you rescue.

    Due to avian influenza and out of an abundance of caution, the Rescue Center will not be accepting avian patients from the public. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Texas. Avian influenza is a virus carried by wild birds, particularly waterfowl (ducks and shorebirds). HPAI is highly contagious and spreads through direct, bird-to-bird contact and via contaminated surfaces and materials. Currently, the virus is not zoonotic and according to the Center for Disease Control, HPAI poses a lower risk to humans.

    If you have found an injured bird in the Coastal Bend, please contact the Texas Sealife Center at (361) 589-4023 or visit their website.

  • What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird

    The most important thing to clear up about baby birds is the myth that the parents will reject their babies if they smell your scent on them. This is FALSE. Most birds have a terrible sense of smell and will be none the wiser if you place a fallen baby bird back in its nest.

    Fledging
    If you find a baby bird on the ground, chances are it was attempting that first flight out of the nest and realized too late that it wasn’t ready.

    Falling out of the nest
    Usually a nest will contain anywhere from 1-4 growing babies, which can create a cramped living area, and sometimes, for lack of space, a baby may fall out of the nest.

    Acts of nature
    High speed winds and storms can cause nests to fall out of trees, especially here in South Texas.

    In any case, when you find a baby, the best course of action is to place it back in the nest. Remember: the parents must leave to find food and will return to their babies to feed and care for them.

    If you can’t find the nest or can’t reach it:
    You can leave the baby on the ground near where you originally found it, if you feel it will be safe from cats, dogs, or other dangers.
    An empty shoebox without a lid makes a great temporary shelter for the baby, and still allows the parent to find the bird.

    If you feel the nest has been destroyed and/or the parents are no longer in the area:
    Put the baby in a shoebox or other small container and call a wildlife rehabilitator right away.
    Remember to keep the baby in a warm, quiet, dark room.
    Do NOT attempt to feed or give water to a baby bird.

Where is the Wildlife Rescue Center?

The Wildlife Rescue Center is adjacent to the Texas State Aquarium.