That does Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary do?Aspen Valley is a 460-acre wildlife sanctuary of natural habitat in Rosseau, Ontario that has been in operation for over 40 years. We are unique in having the opportunity to rehabilitate a number of species in a natural setting.

Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary a zoo?We are not a zoo. We do not keep animals for the sake of entertainment or even education but because the animal had no option to be released.

What kinds of animals do you rehabilitate?Unlike most facilities in Ontario, we have the space and habitat to care for large animals such as moose, deer, bear and wolves as well as aquatic animals such as beavers and otters. Of course we also take in countless numbers of raccoons, squirrels and other small mammals and birds.

What are some of stories about rehabilitated animals?When an animal arrives at our sanctuary, they are at their most vulnerable, many are infants who have been orphaned after their mothers have been killed by vehicles on the road or even shot. Jessie the beaver’s family was killed by trappers and her home was destroyed. She was rescued by a lady in the nick of time, however due to wildfires raging at her home in Iroquois Falls, she had difficulty getting her to the sanctuary.

Thanks to a team of concerned people including an MNR Conservation Officer, and volunteers in Sudbury, she came to us where she joined two other orphaned beavers.Older animals often come in with injuries or diseases that would kill them if they are left without treatment. A hiker walking his two dogs in a forest by Port Sydney came across a hairless sad-looking creature curled up near a log and called Aspen Valley.

When our staff arrived, they realized it was a coyote pup with a severe case of mange. The pup would have died a horrible death if it had not been rescued and treated. Sam is recovering well and has grown his coat back, and next spring he will be well enough to be released back to the wild. Our trained staff provide these vulnerable animals with medical attention and nurture them so that they can be successfully released back into the wild and have a second chance to live free again.

How much does it cost to rehabilitate an animal?Saving animals often requires us to travel long distances to rescue them and to return them to remote areas for release, this adds to the cost of rehabilitation but is a critical part of our work. The following are examples of the costs to rehabilitate some of the various animals we look after:$50 feeds a bear cub for a month$100 feeds a raccoon for a month$200 feeds a deer/fawn for a monthIn addition to our rehabilitation work, we also provide long term care for some animals who cannot be returned in the wild.

How many people work at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary? How many animals are cared for in a year?We now have 3 paid staff and rely on more volunteers and other donated services. The dedication and hard work of our committed staff and volunteers has allowed Aspen Valley to manage over 100 animals again this year including:15 Deer5 bears115 raccoons3 beavers3 coyotes1 fox25 squirrels & chipmunks6 rabbits1 fisher, 1 loon, 1 goshawk, 1 hummingbird.

Where can I find a list of wildlife rehabilitation centres in Ontario?The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) publishes a wide array of information about Ontario wildlife, what to do if you find an orphaned or injured animal. The MNR also publishes a list of.

Are you on Facebook?Yes! Visit us on Facebook at the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary fanpage. Please “Like” and share our page!
Are you on Twitter?You bet! Follow us @aspenvalleywild
How can I help?There are lots of ways to help animals and wildlife through Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Please visit our pages on Ways You Can Help