People looking for a place to drop off sick, injured or orphaned wildlife can now do so at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy announced Thursday that they have teamed up with the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre to offer a new public drop-off location in Winnipeg.
The new space will provide temporary care for the wildlife before they are transferred to Wildlife Haven's facilities in Île des Chênes, Manitoba.
"Educating visitors about how they can safely co-exist with wildlife is an important part of what we do here at Assiniboine Park and Zoo," said Dr. Charlene Berkvens, Director of Animal Health and Nutrition, Assiniboine Park Zoo. "We are very pleased to partner with Wildlife Haven and support the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife when they need our help."
The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding in August 2023, which in part notes they will jointly advocate for and take action to conserve wildlife in and their natural habitats within Manitoba.
"We’re proud to launch this new drop-off location in partnership with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. It’s a natural extension of how well our organizations already work together," said Zoe Nakata, Executive Director, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. "By making it easier for the public to bring in sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, we’re removing a barrier to care, and ultimately giving more wild animals a second chance."
The new Wildlife Rescue and Drop-off Centre is located on the west side of the Assiniboine Park Zoo's main entrance at 2595 Roblin Boulevard. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with volunteers on hand to do the intake process.
The only animals they are able to care for include mammals, songbirds, reptiles, raptors, and waterfowl. They do not accept skunks, raccoons, mice, wolves, bears, fish, invertebrates, or hooved animals such as deer, moose, or elk.
Anyone who finds an injured or orphaned animal is asked to call Wildlife Haven in advance at (204) 202-3806 for guidance.