Wildlife Haven in Île-des-Chênes is preparing for a major expansion after receiving a $650,000 provincial grant and becoming Manitoba’s only multi-species wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Province provides $650k
Zoe Nakata, executive director at Wildlife Haven, says the funding from the province will support long-needed capital improvements across the organization’s campus.
“This is something we’ve been working on for years and years,” Nakata says.
“We’ve been chatting with the government trying to explain what we do, our needs and the impact on biodiversity and conservation in the province.”
The funding will go toward upgrades to animal enclosures, repairs to the main building, and improvements around the property.
Nakata says some of the upgrades have already begun.
Prairie Wildlife to close its doors
The grant comes at a critical time for Wildlife Haven as Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre prepares to close, leaving the Île-des-Chênes facility as the last multi-species rehab centre in the province.
“That news came as quite a shock. It’s very saddening,” says Nakata.
“We expect an overnight increase of about 35 per cent for calls and intakes.”
That increase, she says, will place additional financial pressure on the organization, requiring an estimated $400,000 more annually to provide food, veterinary care and rehabilitation services.
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“Wild animals in Manitoba deserve that second chance and we know that they’re being disproportionately affected by human activity,” she says.
“We need to be there for them.”
Prairie Wildlife will continue rehabilitating animals already in its care until they are released, but Wildlife Haven will be responsible for all new wildlife intakes moving forward.
Nakata said ongoing community support will be essential as the organization adapts to the increased workload.
“Cash donations are the best way to support the animals because we can buy the medication they need,” she notes.
Supporters can donate through Wildlife Haven’s website, sign up for monthly giving or contribute needed supplies through the organization’s online wish list.
Lumi settles into new habitat
Meanwhile, supporters of Lumi, the rescued lynx cub, can now visit her at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
Nakata says Lumi recently completed quarantine and moved into her permanent habitat after being transferred to the zoo earlier this year.
Although Lumi continues to receive medication for seizures, Nakata said the lynx is doing well.
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“She’s probably going to be on medication for the rest of her life, but it’s doing an excellent job keeping her seizures at bay.”
Wildlife Haven is also preparing to launch its Summer Fun for Wildlife online auction, featuring donated prizes and experiences from across Manitoba.
Bidding begins June 16.
With files from Corny Rempel