Blog Layout

SUMMER 2022

A SAD NOTE TO REPORT – ANDRE

Back in 2009 Critter Care received a 5 week old cougar that was found alone on a service road. He was emaciated and dehydrated and was taken for veterinary examination. Andre as we had named him, stayed with us for a few months while we tried to find a home for him.

Critter Care was not allowed to rehab cougars so at the age of 5 months we contacted The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota, USA to enquiry if they would welcome him in. They were happy to have him so arrangements were made to fly him to their centre.

Andre has lived a happy life all these years housed with other cougars he was brought up with but we were informed recently of his passing. Some of you may remember him and some perhaps even got to meet him.

If you would like to learn more of his life at The Wildcat Sanctuary please go to the site below.

https://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/resident/andre-2/

THE IMPORTANCE OF A LEGACY

Legacy Giving helps ensure a future for Critter Care Wildlife Society.

By creating a legacy of compassion and care for Critter Care that lasts beyond a lifetime — you will help ensure wildlife in BC get the second chance they deserve.

ANIMAL STORIES

CHASKA

This little boy was the first cub of 2022 who came in at mere 4 lbs. His past is unknown. He was lonely and hungry, as well as very emaciated.

After our Senior Supervisor bottle fed him for the first time, Chaska bonded immediately. He saw Nathan as his mother and cried when he was away from him. He was one of the neediest cubs we have had!

After being milk fed on the bottle, we decided to call him Chaska, a name given to the first-born son in Siouan culture He has since been introduced to three new cubs. He has a strong personality and is going to be the top-bear of the year.

BLONDE BABY

For the first time in many years, we received a leucistic baby raccoon along with its sibling. Leucism is a wide variety of conditions that result in the partial loss of pigmentation in an animal – causing white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, hair or cuticles, but not the eyes.

These two siblings both carry the gene but only one has this pigmentation. The gene can be passed down but is recessive, so it will only show up occasionally. Both, yet unnamed, babies are strong and full of personality.

It was back in 2011 that we had our first blonde baby and its sibling.

This year we have received two River Otter kits (unrelated) The first was female otter which we named Ethel – due to staff member losing a close family member (Great Auntie Ethel) days before.

A few weeks later, we received a male otter – dubbed “Bill” after “Ethel’s” husband. This rambunctious pair love to play with each other and bring so much life to the centre. They are currently learning how to swim with their adoptive parents!

Hopefully, in September, these two lovebirds will be released back into the wild.

SAKINAW – Bear Release

The year 2021 – 2022 saw an intake of 13 Black Bear Cubs. Throughout this year staff have cared for and fed these cubs everyday, so they can have a second chance at life in the wild.

The picture below, Sakinaw, is the final bear release of the year. Sakinaw came into care at only 14 lbs but grew to a healthy and happy bear back home in the wild to live out his days

All the bear releases went well and they all now have that second chance at life! We wish them all the best of luck. Live long and happy.

BITS AND PIECES:

Why be a volunteer?

It’s not for money, it’s not for fame.

It’s not for any personal gain.

It’s just for love of fellowman.

It’s just to send a helping hand.

It’s just to give a tithe of self.

That’s something you can’t buy with wealth.

It’s not medals won with pride.

It’s for that feeling deep inside.

It’s that reward down in your heart.

It’s that feeling that you’ve been a part.

Of helping others far and near.

that makes you be a Volunteer!

~ Author Unknown ~

Volunteers Needed

Critter Care is in dire need of volunteer help. Our volunteer base has dropped to less than half it was prior to the arrival of Covid. Our intern base for this time of year is also less than half. However, the number of animals and yard work remains the same - LOTS.

We are lucky, we do have a few dedicated volunteers like Christine, Elaine and Wendy just to name a few. The key is dedicated and dependable. But we need more.

If you are interested in volunteering see, https://www.crittercarewildlife.org/volunteer

SORRY – No Open House This Year

As well, it is unlikely there will be any further Open Houses in the future for many and various reasons.

The first and main reason being we’ve come to feel it is too hard on the animals, the staff, interns and those of us who have to plan and set up. As well as those who faithfully worked the Open House in previous years are now not able to do so. There is also many costs to incur to put such an event on and with costs being what they are now days, it is just too much work for the return.

We are a bigger organization now with more space taken up with new animal enclosures.

We know this is probably a disappointment to many of you and we apologize but we need to do what we have to do for the animal’s sake. We extend of deepest gratitude to you all for your support and understanding of our position on this issue and look forward to your support.

Gail Martin/Maureen Binnie

Building A Better Future

Below are some projects completed, on going and just started, yet to begin. These, we hope will give you a better understanding of what’s going on at the Critter Care and why there is no Open House.

Completed Projects

In December 2021/January 2022 the home for our resident Goats, Prince & Violet was torn down and they were temporarily housed in the fawn enclosure. Then in March 2022 work began on their new home and were moved in early April.
Button
Completed Projects

April/May 2022 saw the former Squirrel habitat torn down and rebuilt behind the fawn enclosure and a new beautiful pen for our resident educational skunks, Tabitha & Cruella, which are pictured on the back page and ready for sponsorship.
Button
On-going Projects

Beginning May 2022 two of six raccoon enclosures were taken down and two new redesigned enclosures are under construction and close to being completed. Continuation of the reconstruction of the remaining four enclosures will continue throughout the year.
Button
On-going Projects

As fate would have it, Critter Care discovered back around March that its septic system was in trouble and needed to be rebuilt to todays standard.
After waiting a few months for permits work has now started by Ace Septic and should be completed in a few weeks.

Button
Yet To Begin

A new home for Tucker to built upon completion of the septic. Tucker is currently residing in the Coyote enclosure.
Button

Our Education Skunks

CRUELLA
Button
TABITHA
Button

By donating today you will secure the future for any orphaned and injured animals

DONATE

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Critter Care Wildlife Society News

A raccoon is standing on its hind legs in the water and looking at the camera.

Have You Watched Inside Critter Care Yet?

February 18, 2025

If you love wildlife, you won’t want to miss Inside Critter Care: The Mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Release BC Wildlife!

A.I. created image, for educational purposes, only.

The Truth Behind Fake Animal Rescue Videos

February 17, 2025

Social media is filled with heartwarming videos of animals being rescued from dangerous situations. However, not all of these videos are real. A growing number of content creators are staging fake animal rescues, putting innocent animals in harm’s way for views, likes, and even money.

A black bear is sitting next to a dream catcher.

Hickory the Daydreamer: A Farewell and a Thank You

February 6, 2025

Meet Hickory, a gentle black bear cub who captured the hearts of everyone at Critter Care Wildlife Society. Hickory’s story began when he arrived at our facility, in need of care and rehabilitation.