New wildlife hospital opens doors to injured and orphaned animals across Ontario

What started with roadside rescues has grown into a fully equipped wildlife hospital now open in Caledon.

A new chapter begins for animal care here in Ontario.

The National Wildlife Centre (NWC) is officially opening its doors to the public at its brand-new wildlife field hospital in Caledon. This milestone marks a turning point for wildlife care across the province, expanding treatment to sick, injured and orphaned animals within the region and beyond.

Launching in 2014, the centre has operated primarily through a mobile hospital and a volunteer-driven network. Despite not having a permanent facility until April, NWC has managed to care for thousands of wild animals from all walks of life.

Volunteers at the centre say they have cared for 8,000 native wild animals, and more than 200 species, including threatened and endangered ones.

CTV News toured phase one of the project last year while construction was still in the early stages.

Now, with the opening of this field hospital, the organization says they can deliver consistent on-site care in a state-of-the-art clinical setting, “We do surgeries all the time, but now we have a location to call home,” shared Tracey Cox interim executive director of the National Wildlife Centre.

The new hospital located on the 100 acre property features isolation units designed to prevent the spread of disease. It is divided into clinical spaces, surgical areas, and public-access zones.

The space will now serve communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario. It will expand to Brampton, Bolton, Orangeville, Caledon, and Guelph.

“It’s always rewarding when you get to help an animal and you actually see it get released. But, it’s also about helping the people. You know, when people call us...they’re desperate. They’re looking for anyone. So when we can help the people, as well, we know that they feel good, we feel good, and the animals going to feel better so it’s a win, win, win,” shared Dr. Sherri Cox, the founder and medical director at the NWC.

When CTV News toured the completed facility, it was packed with injured animals undergoing surgeries and medical treatments.

The new hospital will be open seven days a week through a hotline process which can be reached at [phone].

With rising numbers of injured animals, the demand for services like those offered by NWC continues to grow. The opening of this field hospital is more than a new space but a lifeline.

Members say donations are crucial to help bring the next phase to life.