New drop-off site for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife opens at Assiniboine Park Zoo
Facility breaks ground in hopes of conserving wildlife by making care more accessible
A new facility where sick, injured or orphaned wildlife can be dropped off is opening up its doors at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo.
Animals can get temporary care at the drop-off centre before they are transferred to Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chênes, about 20 kilometres south of Winnipeg.
The new facility was launched as a partnership between the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and Wildlife Haven in hopes of conserving wildlife and their natural habitats by making animal care more accessible in the city, they said in a joint news release on Thursday.
Anyone who finds an injured or orphaned animal should call Wildlife Haven at 204-202-3806 for guidance.
Staff will determine if the animal is eligible for care and provide advice on next steps. In some cases, human intervention may not be recommended, the release said.
Animals eligible for care can be droped off at the facility at Assiniboine Park Zoo, which will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It is accessible to the public on the west side of the main entrance parking lot at 2595 Roblin Blvd.
Volunteers will manage the intake process with guidance from the zoo's veterinary team, who will provide health and welfare assessments along with temporary care as needed, the release said.
After hours, wildlife can be dropped at Winnipeg's Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital at 100-350 North Town Rd.