Northern Ont. wildlife centre calls for support with online auction

A volunteer with a Blanding's Turtle that was hatched at the centre and will be released in the summer. (Supplied)

A young owl from North Bay, a fox with mange from Onaping and a wolf struck on Highway 17 – three very different wild animals with one thing in common: they are alive today because people acted quickly, worked together and got them to Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre for care.

Now, that centre is asking communities across northern Ontario to rally once again – this time to raise the funds needed to keep that care going through its 7th Annual Caring for Our Wildlife Online Auction, running April 23 - 26.

Human activity vs. compassion

In each recent case, concerned members of the public, first responders, and volunteers stepped in to help: coordinating transport, calling ahead and doing what they could to give these animals a chance.

Human activity often lies at the root of the injuries Turtle Pond sees, the centre said. But human compassion, coordination and generosity are what make recovery possible.

“Human interaction is the reason so many of our patients are hurt, but it’s can also be the reason they survive,” said Ali Kimmel, the auction’s coordinator.

“When a wolf is hit on Highway 17 or a young owl is found grounded in North Bay, it’s people who make the calls, drive the miles and help us save them.”

More than 1,000 animals treated in 2025

Based in the Greater Sudbury community of Val Caron, Turtle Pond provided care to more than 1,000 injured, orphaned and ill wild animals from across northern Ontario in last year.

The annual online auction is the centre’s largest fundraiser and a well-supported event, featuring original work by local artists, handcrafted items from northern crafters, experiences from local businesses and unique donations from individuals.

Bidders can join in from across Ontario, Canada and beyond.

Some highlights include a two-night stay at an eco resort, locally curated honey, personal training and an escape room adventure.

‘The busy season is just around the corner’

“This year, fundraising is more critical than ever,” said Kimmel.

“The busy season is just around the corner this auction helps ensure that when those calls start coming in, we have the medical care, food, and supplies we need to say ‘yes’.”

The centre responds to hundreds of wildlife emergencies across an expansive 130,000 square kilometre region, caring for animals from Kenora to Timmins, North Bay to Manitoulin Island and throughout the Sudbury and Killarney areas.

The centre told CTV News that with wildlife intakes continuing to grow, community support has never been more critical.

Funds raised through this auction directly support urgent medical care, specialized nutrition, habitat enclosures, and the centre’s long-term vision of expanding its facilities to meet increasing demand and improve outcomes for wildlife in northern Ontario.

Bidding opens April 23

Bidding is easy and entirely online, making it possible for anyone from across the region or the world to take part.

Bidding starts at noon on April 23 and continues through 6 p.m. on April 26.

For more information on the wildlife rescue, visit its website.

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