Critter Care Wildlife Society

• 1. Critter Care Wildlife Society Meghann Cant January 21, 2008

2. Overview

• What is Critter Care?

• What does Critter Care do?

• How is Critter Care run?

3. 1. What is Critter Care?

• Provides short and long term care to native mammal species

• Provides public education

4. History

• 1984

• Started by Gail and Richard Martin

• 1993

• Registered as a nonprofit charitable society

• 1998

• Formed a partnership with the GVRD

5.

• Rescue

• Rehabilitation

• Release

• Education

2. What does Critter Care do? 6. Rescue

• Examples:

• • Hit by a car

• • Attacked by a cat or dog

• • Orphaned

• • Nest site or den disturbed

• • Kept as a pet

7. Rehabilitation

• Assessment

• Treatment

• Feeding

• Housing

• Grouping

• Enrichment

8. Release

• Health status

• Size

• Weight

• Age

• Species-specific behaviours

• Survival skills

• Family or social groups

9. Education

• School and senior groups

• Presentations

• Community events

• Media interviews

• Phone calls

10. 3. How is Critter Care run?

• Funding

• Fundraising

• Staff

• Volunteers

• Interns

11. Funding

• No government funding

• Grants

• Donations

12. Fundraising

• Open House

• Golf Tournament

• Silent Auction

13. Staff

• 2 to 3 paid staff members

• Summer versus winter

14. Volunteers

• Clean cages

• Make up diets

• Fundraise

• Pick up animals

• Construction

• Community events

15. Interns

• International program

• Hands on experience

• Supplied with food and housing

• Provide around the clock care

• Stay for a minimum of2 months

16. Challenges

• Urban wildlife conflicts

• Non-native species

• Release sites

• Urban development

17. Future Directions

• Addressing the urban black bear issue

• Finding sustainable sources of funding

• Sharing experience and expertise

18. Any questions? Photos courtesy of Critter Care Wildlife Society