Kelly Grinter
Marathon,FL
Summary
Established and experienced wild bird rehabilitator and local conservationist aspires to give permanent home to non-releasable avian educational ambassadors from warblers to pelicans. Decades of solid rehabilitation experience caring for over 70 species of migratory birds. Able to train and utilize local and seasonal volunteers. Proficient at educational presentations about local bird population. Dedicated to sharing the diversity of our Keys ecology.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder
Marathon Wild Bird Center
03.1995 - Current
Started wild bird rehabilitation center deep within the 63-acres that make up the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center in the middle of the Florida Keys. Tended to over 25,000 sick, injured and orphaned wild birds from warblers to bald eagles. Personally trained hundreds of volunteers and interns to capture, handle, care for and release wild birds. Presented conservation educational programs to thousands of people of all ages. Created a bird hospital with x-ray and anesthesia for on-site surgical procedures performed by local veterinarians. Secured sufficient funds to cover business obligations.
Director
Key West Wildlife Center
05.2005 - 01.2008
Took over operations of declining Key West wild bird facility while continuing to oversee operations of MWBC 50 miles away. Worked with City officials to secure a contract. Organized and trained locals as volunteers to rescue, handle, care for and release hundreds of rehabilitated wild birds. Repaired old enclosures and coordinated new rehab enclosures. Maintained City-funded chicken relocation program. Oversaw the medical care of all patients and redesigned the rehabilitation center's patient care and hospital areas.
Intern Trainee
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
04.1994 - 03.1995
Introduction to wildlife rehabilitation and the principles for non-releasable educational display birds. Participated with rescues, exams, husbandry and releases. Helped to maintain a collection of non-releasable birds including shorebirds, sea birds and raptors. Returned in 2008 to oversee FWKBC interns for several weeks after head rehabilitator's sudden departure.
Education
Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit # MB15143D-0
US Fish & Wildlife Service
03.2025
Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit # WLR-22-0054
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
12.2023
Live Eagle Exhibition Permit # MBPER4238480
U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
03.2026
Skills
In-depth knowledge of local bird biology and behavior
Expertise in bird handling and restraint
Avian phlebotomist
Able to administer intravenous fluids
Food plating for generating interest
Able to configure habitats for optimal use
Emergency storm preparedness
Compassion and empathy
Patience and perseverance
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Attention to detail and strong observational skills
Effective communication with volunteers and public speaking
Willingness to learn and adapt
Affiliations
Florida Wildlife Rehabilitator Association
National Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
Wildlife Rescue of Dade County, Board Member
Marathon Chamber of Commerce
Additional Information
Numerous educational program presentations given over 28 years including to the City of Marathon Parks and Recreation, Switlik Elementary, Dolphin Research Center, Marathon Library, Save-a-Turtle, Marathon Veterinary Hospital, Bahia Honda State Park, and Big Pine Botanical Society.
Authored local newspaper column.
Participated in Roseate Tern banding. (2005-2011)
BP Minimal Exposure Training (2010)
Animal Planet "Hero of the Year" nominee. (2006)
Banded 100 Brown Pelicans as sub-permitee of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. (2000)
Participated in Burrowing Owl banding. (1997)
Established local chick corral (LETE) program.
Certification
Natural History Considerations for Raptor Rehabilitation
Assessment, Rescue and Intake of Raptors
Raptor Rehabilitation
Advanced Raptor Rehabilitation
Avian Foot Health
Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation
PADI SCUBA Certified, Open Water and Search & Recovery
Timeline
Director
Key West Wildlife Center
05.2005 - 01.2008
Founder
Marathon Wild Bird Center
03.1995 - Current
Intern Trainee
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
04.1994 - 03.1995
Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit # MB15143D-0
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit # WLR-22-0054
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Live Eagle Exhibition Permit # MBPER4238480
U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
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