Wild Bird Rehab

Bonaire

The Story

Bonaire Wild Bird Rehab began with a deep commitment to animal welfare on the island, rooted in the passion of Elly Albers, the owner of the Mangrove Center. Elly’s dedication to protecting Bonaire’s wildlife was put into action in 2017 when the National Parks Foundation (Stichting Nationale Parken) sought her help in rescuing birds affected by an oil spill. Without hesitation, Elly responded.

Temporary enclosures were set up behind the Mangrove Center to house the oiled birds, which underwent intensive cleaning and care. With the support of Sea Alert and Stichting Olievogels Nederland, the project was a success, and the rehabilitated birds were eventually released back into the wild.

In 2018

A new challenge emerged when flamingo chicks began appearing on streets across Bonaire. Once again, Elly was called upon to help. Starting with just four large kennels, the facility rapidly expanded to 12 kennels. The overwhelming number of flamingos made it necessary to build a larger enclosure where chicks that had learned to eat independently could roam freely. That year, the rehab center cared for an astounding 450 flamingo chicks and juveniles, successfully rehabilitating and releasing them into their natural habitat.

Rehab Highlights

  • Release

  • Back in the wild

  • Rehab

To secure funding for its growing operations

The Bonaire Wild Bird Rehab Foundation was officially established on June 1, 2018. Since then, the organization has become a trusted name on Bonaire, providing care for injured and orphaned wild birds and releasing them back into the wild.

The American flamingo remains the foundation's primary focus, and by 2025, the team will have rehabilitated and released over 2,000 flamingo chicks and juveniles back into their natural environment. The foundation’s work is made possible through the support of individual donors and organizations, with Stichting DierenLot as the largest sponsor.

Run entirely by volunteers, Bonaire Wild Bird Rehab dedicates every donation to the care and recovery of the island’s wildlife, ensuring that each bird has a second chance to thrive in its natural surroundings

SUPPORT

The Vision

Our mission is to give the best possible care to injured, sick and orphaned wild birds and to release those birds back into their natural habitat.

Bank: Maduro & Curiel's Bank (Bonaire) N.V.

Bank account: 41808208

SWIFT Code: MCBBQBN

Bank Transfer