Wildlife Nation With Jeff Corwin: Winged Warriors, May 4, 2024, ABC

In this episode of Wildlife Nation With Jeff Corwin, we will learn about the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida’s conservation efforts to protect the Osceola turkey and the initiatives aimed at safeguarding the snail kite population at Lake Okeechobee. The show will also highlight the work of the South Florida Wildlife Center and the release of rehabilitated animals back into the wild.

The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida has a rich history that predates Columbus. Originally part of the Creek Nation, they migrated to Florida and took refuge in the Everglades during the Seminole Wars of the 1800s. While most Miccosukee people were removed to the West during this time, a small group of about 100, primarily Mikasuki-speaking Creeks, resisted and hid in the vast river of grass. For about 100 years, they lived in small, temporary “hammock-style” camps throughout the Everglades, maintaining their traditions and resisting assimilation.

Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest lake, is a critical habitat for the endangered snail kite, a bird of prey that feeds almost exclusively on apple snails. The Miccosukee Tribe’s efforts to protect the Osceola turkey and their presence in this region contribute to the conservation of the snail kite’s ecosystem. However, the snail kite population faces challenges due to water level fluctuations and human disturbances.

The South Florida Wildlife Center, located in Fort Lauderdale, has been dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating wildlife since 1969. As the highest-volume wildlife hospital in Florida, admitting between 10,000 and 12,000 animals annually, the center’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned wildlife. They also focus on educating the public about peaceful coexistence with wildlife and the importance of protecting habitats.

Wildlife Nation With Jeff Corwin: Winged Warriors airs on ABC on May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM.