Spring's arrival in Manitoba signals a busy time for Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre (WHRC), as a surge of orphaned, sick, and injured wild babies require urgent care. Executive Director Zoe Nakata explains, “At Wildlife Haven, we are there to rescue sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. And spring is such a busy season… we get over 800 babies in, like the very short spring season that we have… it takes so many resources. So we figured why not throw a baby shower?”
On May 24th, the community is invited to the annual “Wild Baby Shower” to support these vulnerable young animals, ranging from baby birds and eagles to bunnies, otters, and beavers. “I mean, you name it… a lot of different species that you know we see in our beautiful province of Manitoba that sometimes need a little bit of extra help,” says Nakata.
Human activities often contribute to these animals' plight. “Just as one example, we actually have 10 baby Fox kits in care right now,” Nakata shares, recounting how a construction zone led to their mother's death and the destruction of their den. “So you've got these, you know, 5 little fox kits that all of a sudden are just completely helpless. So we've got countless of those kinds of stories, unfortunately.”
Wildlife Haven provides crucial second chances. “We know that Manitobans are caring and we're inviting the community to join us in making sure that we can give a second chance to all of these native Manitoba wildlife who really just deserve to be living their lives out in the wild,” Nakata emphasizes.
Rehabilitating these babies demands significant time and resources. “Usually they they need a few weeks just to become stable.” The youngsters require a lot of medication, and a lot of food. But they also need nurturing. “We need to be the mom,” says Nakata. WHRC gives them the enclosures that they need, the opportunities to learn how to hunt and learn their wild instincts. “That takes time you can imagine,” Nakata explains, noting that many stay for three months, making care expensive.
Support can be offered through the Wild Baby Shower registry on wildlifehaven.ca or via cash donations. “These are things that are saving lives right now and that are critically needed for this huge influx of baby animals that are going to help other animals that come in throughout the year,” says Nakata.
The May 24th event offers a chance to see Wildlife Haven's work firsthand. “We've got ambassadors so wild, you know, owls and vultures and salamanders and snakes that you can actually interact with and get to meet.” There will be tours of the facility including exam rooms and the kitchen. There will also be baby shower games and sweet treats too. “It's going to be a really fun,” promises Nakata.
Donations can be made via the registry or by dropping off gifts at WHRC, located at 1028
Arnould Road, Île des Chênes, open 7 days a week between 9 am and 4 pm.
“It's no secret to anybody, but it takes money to be able to have this very specialized and skilled team. So certainly that's what some of the cash donations are going to and really all with the intention of making sure that these wild baby animals go back to nature strong and free where they belong,” concludes Nakata. Join the Wild Baby Shower May 24th, from 1 to 3 at Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. Help give these vulnerable creatures the care they need to return to the wild. Donations accepted at the door.
