The SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) helped a record-breaking number of animals in 2017.
The centre, based in Metchosin, admitted 3,066 “patients,” including a bald eagle who fractured her wing after a collision with a car, 125 garter snakes who were brought in after the space they congregate over winter was disturbed by construction, as well songbirds, small mammals and others.
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Most recently, volunteers cared for a brown booby seabird, a rare tropical bird found at Ogden Point on Jan. 29. However, the bird, that was in a “severe state of emaciation and weakness,” has since succumbed to its injuries.
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Meghan Hatch, assistant manager with Wild ARC, said it’s the dedication of its 256 volunteers, as well as donations from the public, that help keep the centre running.
“I am constantly awe-struck by the commitment of our volunteers,” she said in a post on the centre’s website. “Last year we had a volunteer who biked almost 100 kilometres round trip to come and care for the animals, people who used their personal airplane or helicopter to transport animals long distances, volunteers who worked three jobs … The list of selfless deeds performed by our amazing volunteers is seemingly endless.”
For more information about the SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre or to volunteer visit spca.bc.ca/locations/wild-arc.