The team is passionate about supporting Island wildlife, but each spring, they see many more fawns than they should as well-meaning animal lovers jump to the B次元官网网址渞escueB次元官网网址� too soon.
Located in Errington, a few minutes outside Parksville, the centre takes in ill, injured or orphaned wildlife, rehabilitating those that can be released back to the wild and providing a home to those that canB次元官网网址檛. Non-releasable animals become ambassadors for the needs of wildlife and the vital work undertaken at the centre, which welcomes visitors for self-guided tours and special events.
But while the centre exists to help local wildlife, the key message each spring, as we begin seeing more deer grazing, is this: If you see a fawn, leave it alone, says Sylvia Campbell, association co-founder with husband Robin.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a huge issue,B次元官网网址� Campbell says. B次元官网网址淭his time of year, as people start hiking more and spending time in the garden, they come across healthy fawns they believe are orphaned or abandoned, and bring them in thinking theyB次元官网网址檙e rescuing them.B次元官网网址�
More often that not, however, the fawns are just fine and need to be returned where they were found.
In a unique adaptation, much like their spots, fawns carry no scent, Campbell explains. Their mothers will often leave them hidden in grass or shrubs for a day or more while they leave to feed without drawing the attention of predators.
Similarly, young fawns may appear injured as they toddle across the road after their mother, but rather than being picked up, should be gently herded across to where the doe is likely waiting.
If uncertain about a fawn, call the centre at 250-248-8534 before moving it.
Discover the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association
ItB次元官网网址檚 this kind of essential information the shares through events like , coming up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22.
The kick-off to the summer season, Discovery Day is chock full of events and activities for all ages. B次元官网网址淏ring the family for a day of discovery!B次元官网网址� Campbell says.
In addition to visiting animals like Knut, the centreB次元官网网址檚 black bear ambassador, and Dougal, their beautiful blind raven, visitors can take in scavenger hunts, a reptile presentation, and drumming with Indigenous artist Bill Helin. Explore Turtle Town, the wildlife garden and the volunteer-led B次元官网网址淟earning from the Bones,B次元官网网址� sharing fascinating facts revealed by animal skeletons, and have a bite from the on-site food trucks.
Come explore with a special $5 Discovery Day adult rate, with those 12 and younger free.
Throughout the year, donations and volunteers are essential to making the centreB次元官网网址檚 work possible. to learn about how you can contribute B次元官网网址� remember, B次元官网网址淭hey depend on us; we depend on you,B次元官网网址� Campbell says.
Learn more at , call 250-248-8534 and visit at .
