Early in the morning on January 31, 2024, Nigel spotted a fox lying motionless in a snowbank by the roadside. The fox was wet, dirty, and matted with road sand. Running late, Nigel continued on his way, but the image of the fox lingered in his mind.

Later that afternoon, as he drove back, Nigel saw the fox again. This time, the animal had shifted position but was shivering from the cold. As Nigel cautiously approached, the fox lifted its head, meeting his gaze with sad, helpless eyes. Weak and in obvious pain, the fox barely moved.

Nigel had experience with wildlife rescue and knew what to do. He called Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary for instructions on safely containing the injured animal. Following their guidance, he gently wrapped the fox in his jacket, placed him in a box, and set off toward the sanctuary.

The fox, who didn’t resist at all, underwent X-rays that revealed severe injuries: both femurs were fractured and splintered, with contracted bones indicating these were older injuries. The fox had been suffering for days.

Dr. Cox, a wildlife veterinarian working with the sanctuary, was en route to the airport and unable to perform surgery for another four days. After consulting with the sanctuary staff, they decided to keep the fox comfortable with pain medication, hoping he would hold on until Dr. Cox could operate.

On the day of surgery, Dr. Cox was able to pin both legs in under five hours. Afterward, his legs felt strong, his pain diminished, and he began showing signs of recovery. He moved around more, even showing interest in returning to the wild. However, his recovery took a turn: the pins in his left leg did not hold and had to be removed.

In an attempt to stabilize the leg, the team applied a tight wrap, but one night, the fox—now named Tavi—chewed through the bandage, creating sores and lesions. After some time, the wounds healed, and the pins in his other leg were successfully removed. Currently, discussions are underway about performing a bone marrow graft to give Tavi’s left leg another chance at healing.

While amputation remains a last resort, Tavi will still be able to return to the wild even if he has only three legs. His second chance at life in the wild would not have been possible without the compassionate care at Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ontario is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from urban-dwelling raccoons and squirrels to majestic birds of prey and endangered species. When these animals are injured, orphaned, or displaced, they often rely on the dedication of wildlife rehabilitators—trained professionals and volunteers who provide critical care and a second chance at life.

What Do Wildlife Rehabbers Do?

Wildlife rehabilitators in Ontario are licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and work tirelessly to rescue, treat, and release wild animals back into their natural habitats. Their responsibilities include:

• Rescue & Stabilization: Responding to reports of injured or orphaned wildlife and ensuring they receive immediate care.
• Medical Treatment & Rehabilitation: Providing first aid, surgery, medication, and physiotherapy when needed.
• Orphaned Animal Care: Hand-raising baby animals that have lost their mothers, ensuring they develop survival skills before release.
• Public Education: Teaching communities about coexisting with wildlife, preventing conflicts, and when intervention is necessary.

Why Is Wildlife Rehabilitation Important?

Ontario’s growing human population and expanding urban areas often lead to increased wildlife-human conflicts, habitat destruction, and vehicle collisions. Wildlife rehabbers play a crucial role in:

• Conserving Native Species – Many rehabilitators specialize in helping threatened or at-risk species, ensuring their survival.
• Reducing Suffering – Injured wildlife often suffer needlessly without human intervention. Rehabbers provide humane care and prevent unnecessary deaths.
• Balancing Ecosystems – Healthy wildlife populations contribute to a balanced environment by controlling insect and rodent populations, pollinating plants, and maintaining biodiversity.

Challenges Faced by Wildlife Rehabilitators

Despite their invaluable work, wildlife rehabbers face significant challenges:

• Limited Funding – Most facilities operate as non-profits and rely on donations, grants, and volunteers.
• Strict Regulations – Rehabbers must comply with MNRF licensing requirements and species-specific protocols.
• High Workload & Burnout – Spring and summer bring a surge of orphaned animals, creating an overwhelming demand for resources and time.

How You Can Help

If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal in Ontario, the best thing to do is contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than attempting to care for it yourself. Here’s how you can support their efforts:

• Donate to local rehab centers to help cover medical supplies, food, and shelter costs.
• Volunteer at a facility to assist with animal care, transport, or public outreach.
• Spread Awareness by educating others about responsible wildlife interactions and conservation.

Conclusion

Wildlife rehabilitators are Ontario’s hidden heroes, working behind the scenes to protect and restore native species. Their work ensures that injured and orphaned animals get a second chance at life while fostering a deeper understanding of our connection to the natural world. Supporting their efforts is an investment in Ontario’s wildlife and the future of conservation.