Photo: Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society now has an x-ray machine
The Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Summerland is celebrating getting their own portable digital x-ray machine on-site, which will be a big help in elevating wildlife care.
Eva Hartmann, Interior Wildlife founder, said her organization receives hundreds of inquiries to help injured animals every year.
Previously, injured wildlife needed to be transported to local veterinary offices to have radiographs done, which caused further stress on wildlife and used up more time and resources.
“We are so very grateful to the community and donors who helped to make this purchase possible this year,” she shared in a news letter.
Funds came from this year ’s Wildlife Film Festival, which was held in Kelowna again.
“Our annual fundraiser and silent auction in April was the second fundraiser we have organized to be able to purchase our own portable x-ray machine. Saving up for several years has finally paid off,” Hartmann said.
“Broken bones that are difficult to “palpate” (or feel) can now be detected a lot quicker.”
This also means staff can send a digital image quickly to its supporting veterinarians for evaluation.
“What a game changer!”
So far, Hartmann said they have see 90 wildlife admissions this year, with 1603 inquiries replied to.
In comparison with last year’s numbers, the society said 44 admissions from Jan-June, with 665 inquiries replied to.
“As we’re getting more known, our services are requested more often every year,” Hartmann added.
In the Okanagan, Interior Wildlife is the only centre that cares for ‘water birds’ (swims or eats fish), reptiles and small mammals. They admit about 100 animal patients every year, including displaced bats, injured beavers, porcupines, turtles and swans.
In order to keep the centre going Hartmann says they need at least $50,000 annually.
If anybody finds a wild animal in distress that they think might need help, they are encouraged to send an email at [email protected]
For more information on Interior Wildlife’s operations and how to support the society, click here.