CARE CENTRE

Care Centre - About Us

How many animals does WRA help each year?

The Wildlife Rescue Association is the largest urban rehabilitator of wildlife in British Columbia. Each year, WRA's Care Centre admits an average of 3,000 injured, orphaned and pollution-damaged wildlife representing over 140 species – over 70,000 animals of nearly 300 species since 1979!

Is the Care Centre open to the public (i.e. for tours)?

The Care Centre is not open for tours as it is too stressful for the wildlife. This policy is a requirement under our permits.

What is wildlife rehabilitation?

Wildlife rehabilitation involves the treatment, physical therapy and care of injured, orphaned and pollution damaged wildlife. Most of our patients have been impacted by human activities and loss of habitat. Our objective is to return healthy animals to their natural habitats, without taming or habituating them. Patients are held in captivity only until they are able to live independently in the wild.  

What are the leading causes of injury to wildlife in an urban environment?

As urban activities encroach into natural habitat areas, thousands of wild animals die every year as their homes disappear and they are forced into closer contact with humans. Many animals are seriously, sometimes fatally, injured by vehicle and window collisions, pet attacks, oil spills, pollution damage, poisonings, non-target trapping and shooting, tangled fishing line and nest tree destruction. Our aim is to give injured, orphaned and pollution-damaged animals a second chance at life.

What if an animal cannot be returned to the wild?

Sadly, not every animal will survive a severe injury or illness. For example, small birds are often admitted to WRA because they have been seriously wounded in attacks by larger predators such as a pet cat or dog, or have been hit by a car. If a patient has critical injuries or illness that prevents recovery or survival in the wild, rehabilitators help end the animal's suffering through humane euthanasia.

How do WRA rehabilitators help wildlife? What skills do they need?

WRA's wildlife rehabilitators are generally university-trained biologists or Animal Health Technicians who possess expert knowledge about the species in their care, including natural history, nutritional requirements, behavioral issues, and caging considerations. At WRA, rehabilitators work together with a consulting veterinarian to assess injuries and diagnose illnesses. They administer first aid, provide physical therapy, prepare diets and suitable caging, and monitor the animal's recovery process. They work to increase knowledge of wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation through professional research programs. They must also assess appropriate release habitats and the proper timing for release back to the wild. Trained volunteers who progress through a tiered volunteer education program support WRA Rehabilitators in this work.