Science Saturday Ӏ Rehab and Release: Saving Wildlife at CWORI
When it comes to caring for wildlife across the territory, several organizations have made it their mission to provide animals with the resources they need to thrive in their natural habitats. On a recent episode of Science Saturday, the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas’ NOAA Fellow, Kenny Douyon, met with Kelsey Worth, the Education and Outreach Coordinator at Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI), to discuss CWORI’s coral restoration and sargassum research efforts, with a special focus on their animal rehabilitation program.
Located at Coki Point, CWORI’s Animal Rehabilitation Program focuses on assisting native birds and sea turtles that have been injured and show signs of being able to return to the wild. While not all animals can be saved, Kelsey and the CWORI team work closely with veterinarians to diagnose each animal’s needs and develop a care plan tailored to its condition. Animals that do not survive are honored through preservation, with their feathers, carapaces, and claws used during outreach events.
Partnerships with other local organizations, such as the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rescue Network (STAR), provide the collaboration needed to ensure animals receive the best care possible during the rehabilitation process. Over the past two and a half years, CWORI has assisted 93 animals. With approximately four months left in 2026, the organization has already cared for 26 animals this year.
One of the native birds that could not be released, Ally, made her Science Saturday debut. Ally, an American Kestrel, arrived at CWORI when she was estimated to be only a few months old. The team theorized that she was born without one eye, a condition that creates a significant disadvantage for a bird of prey. Ally resides at CWORI, where she enjoys a consistent diet and receives high-quality care.
Would you like to see Ally show off her beautiful feathers while enjoying her favorite snacks on camera? Click the link below to watch the full conversation between Kenny and Kelsey and learn more about how you can support CWORI, DPNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, and other organizations dedicated to protecting and caring for the wildlife of our territory.
Science Saturday, a monthly Facebook LIVE event, airs on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. Watch the full interview on the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Facebook page or the Science Saturday YouTube playlist.
