Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in crisis
The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society says it is facing an existential crisis as expenses rise and the donations it relies on to keep operating fall.
Calgary Wildlife cares for injured and orphaned wildlife in the region.
Executive director Beki Hunt says increased regulatory pressures, coupled with the escalating costs associated with wildlife care, have led to a 30 per cent increase in expenses.
At the same time, she says, the organization is facing a 40 per cent decline in contributions during the first three months of 2024.
"As an organization committed to the welfare of wildlife, we find ourselves at a critical juncture," Hunt said.
"The combination of increased expenses, regulatory pressures and the reduction in donations has left us with no choice but to take immediate action to mitigate our financial challenges."
In response to this financial crisis, Calgary Wildlife is implementing measures to reduce costs, including limiting the number of animal patients it can accommodate and reducing its operating hours.
Hunt says the decisions are necessary to ensure the organization's sustainability, despite spring and early summer being the busiest stretch, as animals migrate back to the area, many with offspring.
She says the agency's future now hinges on donors returning to fund its operations.
"We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support we have received from our community over the years," Hunt said.
"We appeal to the generosity of individuals and organizations to rally behind us and help us continue our crucial work of rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife and releasing them back into their natural habitats.
"If 500 wildlife lovers could commit to a regular monthly donation of $25, the price of four coffees, it would definitely put us in a better place."
Calgary Wildlife responds to help injured wildlife and to facilitate their return to the wild.
It operates a fully functional veterinary hospital, staffed with a veterinarian and veterinary technologists who perform surgeries on-site.
It also collaborates with veterinarians at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and shares information with other wildlife rehabilitation centres in North America.
For more information about the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, its services or how to donate, visit https://www.calgarywildlife.org/.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cisco reveals security breach, warns of state-sponsored spy campaign
State-sponsored actors targeted security devices used by governments around the world, according to technology firm Cisco Systems, which said the network devices are coveted intrusion points by spies.
I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'oesn't get' the global phenomenom.
Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality
A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.
Loud boom in Hamilton caused by propane tank, police say
A loud explosion was heard across Hamilton on Friday after a propane tank was accidentally destroyed and detonated at a local scrap metal yard, police say.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
Student anti-war protesters dig in as faculties condemn university leadership over calling police
Students protesting the Israel-Hamas war at at universities across U.S., some of whom have clashed with police in riot gear, dug in Saturday and vowed to keep their demonstrations going, while several school faculties condemned university presidents who have called in law enforcement to remove protesters.
'Do I ghost her again?': Quebec minister's office ignores questions on housing as a human right
The office of Quebec Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau prefers to openly ignore journalists' requests.
Decoy bear used to catch man who illegally killed a grizzly, B.C. conservation officers say
A man has been handed a lengthy hunting ban and fined thousands of dollars for illegally killing a grizzly bear, B.C. conservation officers say.
opinion RFK Jr.'s presidential candidacy and its potential threat to Biden and Trump
Although it's still unclear how much damage Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy can do to either Joe Biden or Donald Trump this election, Washington political columnist Eric Ham says what is clear is both sides recognize the potential threat.