24th Annual International Gator Day in Miami

On Saturday, May 18th, the University of Florida will host its 24th Annual International Gator Day. On this day, Gator Clubs® and Affiliate Groups around the world unite to utilize the size and spirit of the Gator Nation® to positively impact local communities. Gators will join together to support projects and programs within their local communities, using their time and talents to serve others.

The Gator Club of Miami® has partnered with Pelican Harbor Seabird Station to offer the Miami community the opportunity to volunteer with an organization in our own backyard! Come and join us as we help to restore and beautify this Miami staple! There are 20 spots available and volunteers MUST be 18+ so register now whiles there's open spots!

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is Miami’s premier native wildlife hospital evolving into a world-class wildlife rescue, rehab, release, and education center. We are dedicated to improving the lives of sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife with the goal of releasing healthy animals back into the ecosystem, thus enabling future generations. We embody the highest level of patient care, compassion, and integrity while promoting community engagement on the importance of wildlife conservation.

Our volunteer group activities are strictly outside and involve gardening-level physical labor. We always provide gloves, rakes, shovels, and any additional materials needed to accomplish the task.

Before volunteering, we ask all participants to complete a one-day waiver online, arrive dressed appropriately for gardening-level activities, and bring all necessary sun protective gear.

Once teams arrive, we will provide a one-day parking pass. Please know that parking is limited, and carpooling or using car shares is recommended. Volunteer groups will receive an abbreviated tour with a description of our organization. Volunteers are then broken into pairs, and they will be assigned projects that can be completed within the timeframe of the volunteer day. Participants will not interact with the patients as they have not had proper training. Interfering and engaging with wildlife patients may reduce or eliminate their chances of release or survivability.

Volunteers can expect to do one of the following activities:

• Racking and removing fallen leaves and palm fronds around enclosures (2 people)
• Power washing animal enclosures (1 person at a time)
• Deep cleaning enclosures ( 2-4 people)
• Shoreline clean-up or washed-up debris (2 -4 people)
• Folding clean laundry (1 person)
• Raking and Turning Sand in Pelican enclosure (2 people)
• Organizing caging and kernel material (2-4 people)
• Deep cleaning "Pepe's Cafe"- wildlife food prep area