We have gotten calls from from we've found an injured Great Blue Heron, to we found some baby squirrels under a tree. Unfortunately at, "Back To The Wild", we are unable to help the sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. We are not equipped with the facilities or licensed to take care of the animals. There are centres in many areas that have trained personnel and the proper facilities to take care of the animals in need.
The most recognized, accredited, and licensed facility, in this area, is the Toronto Wildlife Centre. They have been established since 1993, and over 53, 000 wild animals have been admitted for care since their opening. The Toronto Wildlife Centre has grown to be Canada's busiest wildlife centre, and a leader in wildlife rehabilitation. The centre does have an employed staff, but the centre works and is made possible by it's volunteers. Anyone can help the Toronto Wildlife Centre, volunteers are needed to help schedule shifts to helping with pick ups of the sick, injured and orphaned animals. The Toronto Wildlife Centre helps wildlife and the community. They provide educational resources for the public, emergency wildlife rescue, experienced wildlife veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitation for approximately 5,000 wild patients per year.
The Toronto Wildlife Centre is one of many wildlife rehabilitation centres in Ontario. However, one needs to make be aware of who they are calling. Not just anyone can open a wildlife rehabilitation centre. They need to be authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resource, and take the Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation Exam to become a Wildlife Custodian, as required under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. If you do end up calling a Wildlife Centre, other than the Toronto Wildlife Centre, please do look into if they are fulled licensed. This will ensure the animal is getting the best treatment and care.
When it comes with dealing with injured animals, ALWAYS use extreme caution when approaching the injured or sick animal. It can easily become aggressive, as a defense, it does not realize you are trying to help it out. Along with the possible aggression, the type of disease that it could carry, may be transmitted to you or your pets. It is not uncommon in the animal world, that the mother will leave a baby behind while it goes looking for food, they do not have the luxury of a daycare centre. If you encounter an animal that you think is an orphan, don't touch it, and observe it for the next 24 hours, at a distance. Mom could just be out scavenging for food. If mom does not come back after 24 hours, then do call a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
We also have to remember, that nature needs to take it's course as well. It's not a pretty picture, when a sick, injured or orphaned animal is staring at you, and all you want to do is help it. But at the same time, sometimes the best course of action, is to step back and watch the situation for at least 24 hours. You would be surprised how resilient wildlife can be.
