The Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. Once rehabilitated, these animals are released back into the wild for a second chance.
Most of them have been hit by a vehicle, separated from their mother, or even evicted as a ‘nuisance.’ “All are doing their best to co-exist with humankind,” explained Alison Withey, director of advancement and communications at the Sanctuary.
She said in 2021, over 1,100 animals, made up of 103 different species, were admitted to the Sanctuary, the highest in the Sanctuary’s 50-year history, and the numbers keep rising.
This year, five orphaned moose calves landed on the Santucary’s doorstep. Two of them were involved in a collision.
“Mayve, one of the five moose calves, was expelled from her mom who (pregnant with Mayve at the time) was hit by a vehicle crossing the road. Her mom died instantly leaving Mayve in need of urgent care. Maverick (to the right of Mayve in the photo) was hit by a transport truck and injured. The other three were found alone with no mom in sight,” explained Withey. “The good news is that they are all doing well and will remain in our care for an entire year before being released. This is the length of time they would have remained with their mom in the wild before stepping out on their own.”
Sadly, the moose is in serious decline in Ontario. Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is attuned to this fact and knows that every moose truly matters, said Withey. “Our Sanctuary is licensed to rehabilitate moose and we are the only Sanctuary actively rehabbing moose in Ontario. Our work is around the clock as we care for these calves in addition to hundreds of other animals, including bear cubs, otters, deer fawns, fox and more. Each animal requiring an individualized plan of care specific to its situation and species,” she explained.
But caring for the injured animals is expensive. First aid, species-specific formula/food, vaccinations, and size-appropriate enclosures (indoor and outdoor) are all requirements for successful rehabilitation and cost a great deal of money. “Case in point, the five moose calves in the Sanctuary’s care are anticipated to consume over 930 litres of milk, 900 cups of moose breeder pellets and 405 bushels of fresh browse (twigs / tree buds) in as little as three months. Factor in hundreds of other hungry babies that require sustenance and accommodation, and the picture paints itself,” wrote Withey in a letter appealing to community members for support.
The not-for-profit registered charity’s goal is to raise $50,000 for its wildlife rehabilitation program this year.
The Sanctuary is solely dependent on the support and generosity of individuals. You can get more information or make a donation online here. Alternatively, you can write a cheque payable to “Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary” and mail it to: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Attn: Year of the Moose, 1116 Crawford Street, Rosseau ON., P0C 1J0
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Click here to support local news
Join the discussion: