Erie Wildlife Rescue (EWR) members are dedicated to the treatment and temporary care of injured, sick or orphaned wildlife, and the subsequent release of healthy animals into appropriate habitats in the wild. Animals are brought to EWR for a multitude of reasons: birds hit windows; a tree with a nest of squirrels or raccoons is chopped down; our cats and dogs bear gifts of young cottontails; a hawk is found convulsing after coming into contact with pesticide; a dazed owl is found lying beside the road, the unfortunate victim of a hit and run. These scenes are repeated every day. EWR tries to give these animals a second chance.
Our Organization
In 1978, a small group of people who saw a need to improve the care of wildlife in southwestern Ontario formed Erie Wildlife Rescue. Since then, EWR has grown into an organization of both paid members and volunteers working more than 8,000 hours annually. EWR is operated by volunteers with the exception of three part-time Animal Care workers who provide continuity of care for the wildlife.
- Registered charity
- Canadian Wildlife Service permit to care for migratory birds
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Wildlife Custodian Authorization
EWR collaborates with New Beginnings, the University of Windsor Volunteer Internship Program, the GECDSB Public Alternative Secondary School (PASS) and other area secondary schools in providing a unique co-op and volunteer experience for the youth of the area.
Animal Care
EWR offers rehabilitation services to all species of wildlife native to this area. The programs of Erie Wildlife Rescue are varied: medical treatment, housing and care of wildlife, training and education. EWR assists the public with wildlife inquiries, responding to thousands of inquiries each year; concerns for the wildlife itself, for personal safety, or for the safety of property. Almost 500 birds, mammals and reptiles required treatment from EWR in 2016.
The Wildlife Rescue Community
EWR is not alone in its efforts; wildlife rehabilitation is an enormous field with professionals and non-professionals world-wide, all with one goal in mind, to take an injured, orphaned or sick animal and return it to the wild. EWR receives no government funding for operations, relying solely on donations to make the organization a success.
In Their Best Interest
While we realize that our rehabilitation efforts are interesting, the animals in the Centre must have limited human contact to minimize stress, and ensure their speedy recovery and a successful release back to the wild. Please allow EWR to act in the best interests of the animals in care. To this end, NO TOURS are given.
Join Us
Become an Erie Wildlife Rescue Member today! Contribute to the financial support of EWR, receive newsletters, mailings, vote at EWR meetings. Download a membership form by clicking the link below.
