A record number of 1,000 native seabirds were rescued by workers at the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center on the Big Island between September and December, ensuring their survival in the wild.

So far this year, the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center, a rescue with headquarters in Kapa‘au, has rescued 1,441 seabirds across the state, surpassing last year’s patient count of 1,028, according to a press release from the nonprofit group.

‘Ua‘u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwaters) (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i Wildlife Center)

The recovery of young petrels and shearwaters is common during what is known as the seabird fallout season, which runs from September through December, when the birds are leaving the nest for the first time and can end up grounded, needing care.

In the early part of the fallout season, the center, which focuses on rehabilitation and conservation in the care and protection of native Hawaiian birds and the Hawaiian hoary bat, announced it had reached another major organizational milestone: 6,000 birds treated since opening in 2011.

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In recognition of this achievement, Gov. Josh Green proclaimed Dec. 15 as “Native Bird and Bat Day in Hawaiʻi.”

State Sen. Tim Richards and State Rep. David Tarnas visited the center’s Hawaiʻi Island headquarters to mark the achievement and discuss ongoing efforts to protect native bird species.

“By providing specialized, year-round care for native birds and bats, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center fills a critical gap in our state’s conservation efforts,” Richards said. “The organization has set a new standard for wildlife care in our islands, and I’m so pleased to champion their efforts in safeguarding our natural environment.”

Sen. Tim Richards with staff at Hawai‘i Wildlife Center in Kapa‘au. (Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i Wildlife Center)

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This year’s surge was supported by the center’s longstanding partnership with Feather & Fur Animal Hospital, which serves as a critical intake location, receiving downed seabirds 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the center’s Oʻahu-based staff set up upstairs to assess each bird and administer care.

In November alone during the height of fallout season, 983 ‘ua‘u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwaters) were admitted, including 102 in a single day. Quick action by the public, dedicated volunteers, and close collaboration with Feather & Fur contributed to the successful release of nearly 800 seabirds to date, a number that is expected to grow as additional patients complete rehabilitation.

“This year’s record numbers remind us how vulnerable our seabirds are and how powerful our community can be in helping to ensure they receive appropriate care and rehabilitation,” said Linda Elliott, president and founder of the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center. “2025 has been a pivotal year for HWC, and the recognition from Governor Green affirms how important this work is for Hawaiʻi’s native wildlife. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us this season.”

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Although this year’s seabird fallout season will soon come to a close, staff at Hawai‘i Wildlife Center encourage residents and visitors to remain vigilant for grounded native birds and bats year-round.

To get involved, support the center, or learn more, visit the center’s website: hawaiiwildlifecenter.org.