Have you ever seen an injured animal and wondered if there was anything you could do to help? You may know of organizations that take in and rehabilitate wild animals—these are run by dedicated Wildlife Custodians, also known as Rehabilitators (or “Rehabbers”).
In Ontario, over 70 authorized organizations are managed by licensed wildlife custodians, who are legally able to provide wildlife rehabilitation under the supervision of the Ministry of Natural Resources. You can find a list of these organizations here.
These groups offer temporary shelter to animals that are injured, orphaned, or sick, caring for them until they’re ready to return to their natural habitats. Rehabbers can also offer advice if you encounter an animal in need, helping you understand the best course of action.
Often, the best way to help a wild animal is by leaving it alone. For instance, many young animals are brought to wildlife centers by well-meaning people who mistakenly believe them to be orphaned. If you see a wild animal that appears to need help, call a rehabber first; they’ll advise whether the animal should be taken in or left for the best chance at survival.
Wildlife custodians provide invaluable support to both people and animals. By protecting nature and supporting vulnerable populations, they help to sustain the health of our ecosystems.
Wildlife rehabilitation, however, requires significant time and resources. Most rehabbers receive minimal government funding and rely on donations to operate. To support these efforts, Wild for Rehab works to raise awareness for organizations that aid wildlife and protect the environment. We’re excited to host a Gala fundraiser in September 2024, benefitting two Ontario wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Please see our Events page for more information.
