Wild ARC opens itB次元官网网址檚 doors to the public this weekend, offering a rare look inside the Metchosin wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Usually only staff and volunteers are allowed beyond the front desk. But once per year tour guides show off the animal enclosures and treatment rooms. ItB次元官网网址檚 a chance to see the outdoor flight pens for raptors, the pools for seabirds and a new aquatics facility in the works.
B次元官网网址淧eople are always amazed by how sophisticated and large the facilities are,B次元官网网址� Wild ARC administrator Angela Kendall said.
In the late-spring and summer, the centre takes in about 200 injured and orphaned wild animals per month for rehabilitation. But right now, the slowest time of year, thereB次元官网网址檚 only about 15 animals, which are temporarily moved to a room not open to the public during the tours.
B次元官网网址淭he animals get stressed when theyB次元官网网址檙e around people,B次元官网网址� Kendall explained. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 why the centre isnB次元官网网址檛 usually open to public.B次元官网网址�
But there will still be some wildlife to see. Jeff Krieger of Alternative Wildlife Solutions is bringing a red tail hawk and a gyrfalcon. Both are falconry birds, trained to sit on his gloved hands.
Additionally, Mike Mackintosh of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society is showing off his eight-year-old burrowing owl named Beaker, which he rescued and raised as a pet.
Inside the wildlife enclosures, stuffed animals are taking the place of real ones. The one-hour tours are focused on education.
B次元官网网址淭ours are led by volunteers who work at the centre,B次元官网网址� Kendall said. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檒l talk about caring for the animals and what you should do if you find injured wildlife.B次元官网网址�
The centre expects to see 1,000 visitors over March 26 and 27. Tours run every 20 minutes, from noon until 4 p.m. To ensure everything runs smoothly, tour spots must be reserved in advance.
ItB次元官网网址檚 free to attend, but Wild ARC does ask visitors to bring a donation, such as animal feed, office supplies or Canadian Tire money. Book your tour at www.spca.bc.ca/visitwildarc or by calling 250-382-3919.
Volunteer at Wild ARC
During its peak months Wild ARC relies on more than 150 volunteers to care for animals.
The centre is currently recruiting new volunteers. Orientation sessions are offered throughout April and in early-May.
For descriptions of volunteer positions and to sign up, visit www.wildarc.com/help/volunteer.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com
