A wildlife rescue centre Greater Naoanee that began with four orphaned raccoons is now helping roughly 6,000 animals every year.
Kelly Fraser of Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre said the organization first started in 1994 when founder Sue Meech accepted a request to care for four baby raccoons. From there, it’s grown to 6,000 admissions per year.
There aren’t many “normal” days at the centre, as they never know who will walk through their doors, Staff arrive early each morning to feed animals, treat injuries and respond to new wildlife emergencies.
The centre handles a wide range of wildlife cases each year, from birds and raccoons to more unusual rescues like bobcats and bears.
One rescue that stayed with Fraser involved a bear cub that survived after its mother and siblings were struck by a truck. The cub arrived with head injuries before being transferred to another rehabilitation facility for long-term care. “She was fully rehabilitated and released,” Fraser said. “We were able to help her get back home.”
Fraser also highlighted the importance of volunteers, including drivers who transport injured animals to the centre and community members who help rescue wildlife across the region.
She encouraged residents who find injured wildlife to contact Sandy Pines for guidance and prioritize safety when handling wild animals.
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