The North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) became internationally known in January 1989 when a local farmer unwittingly left a euthanized cow in a field. Eagles fed on it and ingested barbiturates. Neighbours began calling NIWRA when they discovered eagles lying on the ground, dead or on the brink of death. With tremendous support from the community and media, NIWRA volunteers and veterinarians were able to save and release 25 of the 29 eagles that were found. 

Today, NIWRA has evolved into a remarkable wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility specializing in black bear cubs and birds of prey. NIWRAB次元官网网址檚 mission is to care for ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and to educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues.  

Years of dedication and hard work have resulted in thousands of animals being rescued, rehabilitated and released, but our resident animal ambassadors cannot be released back into the wild. Here are a few of the wonderful animals you can meet when you visit the Centre. 

Sandor (bald eagle) 

Sandor was brought to NIWRA in June 2006 as a young bird. He was found on a roadway near Port Alberni where he may have been hit by a car. He suffered from a crushed wing, starvation and seizures. Because of his wing injury, Sandor cannot fly. 

Rae (black bear) 

Rae is a female bear who was found in the Woss area alongside the highway. She was starving and unsteady on her feet, likely due to head trauma. She will require ongoing care for the rest of her life.   

Blizzard (white raven) 

Blizzard came to NIWRA in extremely poor condition, starving, and riddled with infection. Leucism is the partial loss of pigmentation, in this case melanin, the pigment that makes black and brown. We were able to nurse him back to health, but complications due to his leucism prevent him from being a suitable candidate for release.  

Dougal (raven) 

Dougal was young when he was brought to the centre in 2018. He had been abandoned by his parents. NIWRAB次元官网网址檚 veterinarian determined he was blind. B次元官网网址淒ougalB次元官网网址� means B次元官网网址淒ark Stranger.B次元官网网址� 

Farley (great grey owl) 

Farley was found near 100 Mile House, B.C. after being hit by a vehicle. The collision resulted in a badly broken wing which had to be partially amputated.  He cannot fly and is a permanent, non-releasable resident. 

NIWRA, a non-profit organization, is situated in Errington, B.C. We are open to the public daily for viewing of non-releasable animals. Please visit our website at www.niwra.org to learn more about our programs, read stories about our animals, and learn how you can help care for wildlife.