Where you can drop off sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in Winnipeg

An owl is seen at Manitoba's Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in undated photo. (Wildlife Haven)

Winnipeg is home to all sorts of critters, but there are few places to take sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife to.

That’s why Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) and Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre have opened a new drop-off location in the city.

“We’re removing a barrier to care and ultimately giving more wild animals a second chance,” Zoe Nakata, Wildlife Haven’s executive director, said in a joint news release.

The Wildlife Rescue and Drop-off Centre is located west of Assiniboine Park Zoo’s main entrance on Roblin Boulevard. The centre is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It is staffed with trained volunteers who will help provide temporary care for animals until they’re taken to Wildlife Haven’s facilities in Île des Chênes, Man. Zoo veterinarian team members will also be on-site to handle health and welfare assessments.

If you find an injured or orphaned animal, you’re asked to call Wildlife Haven ahead of time for guidance. The rehabilitation centre states human intervention isn’t always the best course of action to help wildlife.

APC and Wildlife Haven note:

• They do not accept skunks, raccoons, mice, wolves, bears, fish, invertebrates, or hooved animals such as deer, moose, or elk.
• They also do not take in cats, dogs, domesticated animals, exotic reptiles, or invasive species.

More information can be found online through the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and Wildlife Haven websites.