Every cage, pen and aviary at the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (GWRC) is full. “And the wildlife continues to come to us for help,” says a press release from the 34-year old local animal-saving non-profit.
The centre, which cares for wild birds and small mammals in distress, closed its doors to new patients at the end of August and plans to stay closed through the rest of the year, says the press release. “This will enable us to raise and treat the wildlife presently in our care.”
Long-time animal welfare advocates Irene and Clint Davy founded the centre out of their home just off Veterans Road back in 1988. Clint died in January 2020 and Irene has carried on running the centre.
But over the decades, the need for the centre has grown. “With the number of people coming to live on the Coast increasing each year, this means more wildlife needing help is being found,” said the release. “The centre has always admitted every wild creature in distress but GWRC has outgrown the facility.”
The centre is looking for more room for the wildlife and the equipment and supplies required to care for them. They’re renting a storage unit at the moment, but are looking to move to a larger facility. They’re looking for five acres of land – to buy or perhaps have donated or leased – hopefully between Gibsons and Sechelt. A building fund has been set up to help if they have to buy land.
While the centre is closed and if one finds a wild creature in distress, call Conservation Officer Services at 1-877-952-7277, and they may be able to help.
For more information about Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or to donate, visit www.gibsonswildliferehabcentre.org/.
