It is Day 6 of the Spirit of Christmas for Mother Nature. We are halfway there! Today, I am highlighting two more fantastic organizations committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of orphaned or injured wildlife.
Alberta Institute For Wildlife Conservation
The Alberta Institute For Wildlife Conservation organization is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife in Alberta, and in Canada.
I love their mission statement: “We encourage children to respect the environment around them by inspiring a passion for conservation and sustainability. We know that children and youth who develop an early understanding of their relationship with nature and wildlife become lifelong advocates for wildlife champions for the care, protection and health of wild animals.” Source- Alberta Institute of Wildlife Conservation
I think it is essential to get children outside and into nature, not only for the physical and emotional benefits but also for the empathy and understanding they will develop for Mother Nature and each other.
If you find yourself in the wilderness and spot an injured animal or an animal in distress, don’t hesitate to contact the Alberta Institute For Wildlife Conservation. Additionally, the organization happily accepts donations to keep their programs funded and many other ways to lend a hand and volunteer, and keep wildlife in Alberta healthy!
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society was founded in 1993 to address the growing need for a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Calgary. Before this, the Calgary Zoo accepted injured wildlife from within the city.
The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society has a fully functional veterinary hospital, staffed with a “team of professional veterinary staff and highly trained volunteers that provide medical treatment and rehabilitative care to injured wildlife.” Source – Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
Did You Know – most “abandoned” wild baby animals have NOT been abandoned by their moms. The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society has produced a very informative pamphlet about what you should do if you see a baby animal that you think is abandoned or if you see a sick or injured animal.
Several permanent residents call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society home. Many have sustained injuries that make it impossible to survive if released back to the wild. Angel is one long-term with a disorder that causes her feathers to grow backwards. This condition is called Angel Wing Disorder. She is a happy surrogate mom for all the little ducklings that are brought to the center.
Angel is an excellent example of Mother Nature giving back….so in the Spirit of Christmas for Mother Nature, let us give back!
Homeschool families – they offer programming that meets school curriculum.
The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation has many different educational programs to help children discover the importance that our local wildlife plays in our ecosystems, and parks in Alberta and Canada. The site has many educational resources fit for homeschooling and also in-class teaching resources and school presentations available, including:
- An in-class visit with three owls to demonstrate owl physiology, behaviour, and contribution to our ecosystem.
- A hands-on program to discuss bird feathers and the effect they have on bird migration.
- And an in-class presentation with the educational skunk, Oliver, to learn about skunks and their habitat.
Check out the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation website for the many ways they help your children meet the school curriculum in a fun, enjoyable way.