A bird of prey rescued “by accident” was one of thousands of wild critters helped by Metchosin’s animal rehab centre in 2024.
Staff and volunteers at the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) cared for a total of 2,043 animals last year, says a new release from the organization, which notes approximately 80 per cent of the animals admitted need help because of something related to human activity.
One standout case for the team last year was an American kestrel fledgling, admitted to Wild ARC after it was accidentally rescued from the wild.
“This was the first ever American kestrel fledgling successfully hand-reared at Wild ARC,” said the rehab centre. “After 42 days in care receiving specialized treatment from our wildlife rehabilitators, this fledgling was released for a second chance at life in the wild.”
The American kestrel case offers an important reminder to the public to learn when and how to rescue a wild animal, says the rehab centre, who encourage anyone in doubt about a critter’s need, to call first before attempting a rescue.
“A young animal’s best chance at survival is always with their parents unless they are injured or truly orphaned,” they said.
A total of 132 different species came through the doors of the centre last year, each with their own unique diet, treatment and enrichment needs, keeping staff and volunteers on their toes.
One of the more frequent species needing treatment in 2024 were raccoons, with 99 admitted by Wild ARC.
An adult female raccoon with a severely infected left eye needing to be removed was a stand-out case for the rehab centre due to the severity of her injury.
“If left untreated, her condition would have likely been fatal — painfully worsening until her eye was permanently damaged and the infection spread,” said Wild ARC. “Thanks to the thoughtful finder who contacted Wild ARC, this raccoon did not have to endure unnecessary suffering and has a second chance for a wild life.”
After multiple surgeries, treatment for the infection and a safe place to heal, Wild ARC says the raccoon will hopefully be released back into the wild early this year.
In an average year, 70 per cent of Wild ARC’s patients are birds, and 2024 was no different, with many a feathered friend in need of assistance.
An ancient murrelet was admitted to the rehab centre after colliding with a glass railing on a BC Ferries vessel.
Fortunately, the bird landed on deck while the ferry was en route to Victoria and was taken to Wild ARC immediately after docking.
After two days in recovery, the federally protected species was ready to be released with a local flock.
According to Wild ARC, bird collisions with glass surfaces happen year-round. Anyone who witnesses a bird-window collision should contact Wild ARC or any local wildlife rehabilitation centre for advice.
“Birds can sustain injuries like head trauma or internal bleeding that may not be noticeable but still require life-saving treatment,” said Wild ARC.
Preparing for another busy year ahead, Wild ARC – which relies on public donations to carry out its life-saving work – has said the community can support them by volunteering, donating to their cause or spreading the word about wildlife issues.
"By learning about wild animals and looking out for them in your community, you make a meaningful impact to help them thrive," they said.
Anyone who finds a wild animal in distress should contact the BC SPCA provincial call centre at 1-855-622-7722 for advice.
For more information about Wild ARC, visit their website: https://spca.bc.ca/programs-services/wildlife-rehabilitation/about-wild-arc/.
