What You Can Do
Found an inured seabird? Here's what you can do:
Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) are the most commonly seen seabirds in Hawai‘i.
The species forms colonies and nest in underground burrows or natural crevices. The adults
arrive in March and usually lay a single egg in June. Most birds arrive at the colony at dusk and
leave the site before dawn.
Young or juvenile birds depart their colonies in late fall and are often stranded on land due to
disorientation caused by artificial lights. Disoriented birds are commonly observed circling
around exterior light sources until they fall to the ground or collide with structures, resulting in
possible injury or death. Downed or stranded birds often are hit by cars or fall prey to cats and
dogs.
Sea Life Park Hawai‘i is an approved seabird rehabilitation facility on O‘ahu and is located at
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway Suite #7, Waimanalo, HI 96795, Tel. (808) 259-7933. The
Park is available 24 hours per day all year to receive birds. Our bird drop is next to our Sea Bird
Rehabilitation Center located in our lower parking lot. We have bird kennels available and a
small questionnaire that we ask you to fill out regarding the bird.
Wildlife Officials recommend that residents that encounter a stranded seabird adhere to the
following guidelines:
Interesting Facts
The Sea Life Park Seabird Rehabilitation Facility has been helping native seabird populations and educating the public on the signs to look for in distressed seabirds since the 70s. Federally protected Wedge-tailed and Newell’s shearwater chicks are particularly vulnerable following breeding season, and the Park assists hundreds of seabirds during these peak months alone with a highly successful release. The facility is equipped to receive injured seabirds 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is the primary rehabilitation facility on Oahu.
In one season alone; Sea Life Park Hawaii took in, rehabilitated, and released over 800 sea birds and since 2005, over 4,000 seabirds have been rescued and released. Birds that are unable to be released are provided a home at the Park’s Seabird Sanctuary.