Lack of vet services impacts intakes at Wildlife Centre

The Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre says it can no longer care for most injured wildlife because it no longer has access to veterinarian services.

The Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre in Val Caronsaw-whet is facing a new challenge.

A lack of veterinary services for the wildlife it is caring for means it can no longer take in animals that require veterinary services, with the exception of reptiles.

The centre is caring for a saw-whet owl with a wing injury. It’s healing, but the centre can no longer take in animals that require veterinary services like examinations, X-rays or pain management.

“Our wonderful vet that I have worked with for 10 years, you know, I have finally worn her out and she would like to take a step back and just reduce the species of animals that she deals with,” said Gloria Morissette, Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre Founder.

Morissette said that leaves a void in the centre’s ability to provide services for mammals and birds, since the vet will continue to treat reptiles.

“Because we don’t have the ability to treat trauma cases -- especially severely hurt or animals that require a humane euthanasia, we can’t provide those services right now,” said Morissette.

Katriena Vandeligt is an animal caregiver who has seen many animals recover or grow from being orphans.

“It’s the best part is to see them come in and you get to see them progress and then you get to release them back out into the wild,” said Vandeligt.

“Yes, it’s what I am here for.”

Morissette said she is hopeful that, in time, the centre can resume caring for all wild animals that need care.

“What I would really like to see happen is multiple vets get involved where it’s not going to be such a burden on one individual,” she said.

“Vets are strapped here in Sudbury as well as across the province.”

Right now, the centre has 140 orphaned, injured, or sick animals under care and maintenance.