The Medicine River Wildlife Centre (MRWC) west of Bowden is going green, say officials.
As part of the wildlife hospital's current upgrade and renovation project – launched after a roof collapse due to heavy snow this past winter – the centre has undertaken a funding project with a goal of raising $750,000.
The renovation project includes new animal care facilities, including an upgraded quarantine area.
To date, $325,000 has already been raised, including from Imperial/Esso ($150,000), donated funds ($50,000) and CFEP grant funding of $125,000.
About $400,000 remained to be raised as of last week.
“We will be asked by the public to treat close to 1,600 animals this year,” said Carol Kelly, MRWC executive director. “Wild patients continue to be accepted, but the public facilities are closed until the renovation is complete.
“Construction has begun on a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital. The new facility will be safer, more efficient and built completely green with such things as solar hot water heating and composting toilets.”
Other new features will include a walk-in freezer, a larger, more public- friendly patient receiving area, a larger area for staff and students and eco-tourists, increased storage area, and a quarantine room. “Along with welcoming visitors to our interpretive centre each year, guides present close to 150 formal presentations to schoolchildren, youth groups, seniors and other interested organizations,” she said.
Staff members also answer numerous public inquiries, share technical information with veterinary clinics, Fish and Wildlife offices and other wildlife rehabilitation centres, and conduct research to further the profession, she said.
Live animals are used in MRWC presentations, with current educational animals including Otis the great horned owl, Sullivan the barred owl and Charlie the porcupine.
The centre's overall goals include to “inspire and empower and to foster an appreciation, understanding and respect for all wildlife and our natural environment,” she said.
“The busy season will be upon us shortly when we will be accepting an average of 25 animals per day,” she said. “Providing the best care for the wild patients is our priority. Your support will ensure that Albertans have a place to turn to when finding injured wildlife.”
For more information on the Medicine River Wildlife Centre hospital project, go to http://www.medicineriverwildlifecentre.ca/.
