While itB次元官网网址檚 not uncommon to happen across a black bear on the North Island, it was clear that the young cub that crossed in front of Dustin Carmen and Shae Greenhorn near Port Alice was in trouble.
With a torn ear and missing fur on its belly and back legs, the orphaned cub was emaciated and had likely fallen victim to a predator when the young couple found it. The two were able to quiet the cub while they waited for the conservation officer, who delivered it to the .
Dubbed B次元官网网址淢uffinB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� short for the ragamuffin she resembled B次元官网网址� with care from the centreB次元官网网址檚 Dr. Malcolm McAdie, medicine and food she quickly rebounded and a few short days later was thriving in the nursery. As she grows, sheB次元官网网址檒l progress first to the juvenile area with a little more room and finally to the release enclosure, which will prepare for her eventual release at about 18 months old, explains Sylvia Campbell, centre co-founder with husband Robin.
Caring for ill, injured or orphaned wildlife
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. The centre also welcomes visitors for self-guided tours and special events.
B次元官网网址淭his little cub really pulled at our heartstrings, so itB次元官网网址檚 exciting to see her do so well,B次元官网网址� Campbell says.
Today, you can come check in on Muffin via the closed-circuit TV, as she wonB次元官网网址檛 have human contact in preparation for her re-release. YouB次元官网网址檒l also enjoy viewing non-releasable animals like resident black bears Knut and Rae, and Dougall the blind raven B次元官网网址� ambassadors for the needs of wildlife and the vital work undertaken at the centre. Glove-trained raptors like Joey the barn own add an exciting element during special events.
B次元官网网址淏ecause weB次元官网网址檙e a unique wildlife rehabilitation centre, where we also have non-releasable wildlife ambassadors, we have become a world-class tourism destination where people can come learn about bears, raptors, deer and other wildlife, which in the end also benefits the animals in the wild,B次元官网网址� Campbell says.
B次元官网网址楾hey depend on us; we depend on youB次元官网网址�
Care for wildlife like Muffin is estimated at about $40 per day, meaning 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, and 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 . And be sure to stay up-to-date on all the happenings on !
