Photo: Eva Hartmann
Volunteers who build one of the premises of the new facility of the Indoor Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.
Closures are ready, now only patients need them.
The Inner Wildlife Rehabilitation Society has received permission from the federal and provincial governments to open the doors of its new facilities in Summerland.
It is the first authorized wildlife rehabilitation center in Okanagan, north of Oliver.
“We have built species-specific housing with several therapy pools for waterfowl, native turtles and other species that live on the shores of our lakes and streams. We can proudly say that we have passed the inspection of our facilities. by government officials, including BC Wildlife Veterinarian Caeley Thacker, “said President and Founder Eva Hartmann, a registered veterinary technician.
Previously, euthanasia or long-distance transport outside the valley were the only options available for wildlife other than birds of prey.
The facility is licensed to care for small mammals and native waterfowl, but deer, elk, and large carnivores, as well as invasive species, are not covered by current permits.
Eagles, owls and other injured or sick birds of prey will continue to be cared for at the SORCO Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Oliver, which has been operating for several years.
Citizens will not be allowed to leave animals in the new facilities.
“We do not accept direct abandonment by the public, but once evaluated and considered a rehabilitation candidate by a professional, our volunteers will transport the animal to the IWRS care facility for admission,” he said. Hartmann.
“Our property is not open to the public under permit restrictions and its exact location is not disclosed in Summerland.”
One reason is that wounded wildlife needs peace and quiet to recover, and too much human activity will stress them out. The other reason is to deter people from abducting baby animals that may look like orphans, but are actually waiting for their parents to return.
Under the BC Wildlife Act and the Migratory Bird Act, it is illegal for the public to keep wildlife in their possession for more than 24 hours.
You can find more information about the IWRS, including its Veterinary Clinic Host Network, here.
Photo: Eva Hartmann
A coastal bird enclosure in the new wildlife rehabilitation center.