Swinimer passionate about Hope for Wildlife rehabilitation facility
An internationally-renowned woman living in Nova Scotia is not only unstoppable, she also performs compassionate life-saving work on behalf of animals every day. Most likely, you already know her name, which is Hope Swinimer.
Swinimer is the founder/ director of Hope for Wildlife (HFW), a rehabilitation facility she created in scenic Seaforth, N.S. She is the most down to earth, easy-going, modest woman you may ever meet. She is brilliant and speaks to the public with great ease and humour. She is the first person to admit she truly feels fortunate to be living the life she does.
As a shy young girl growing up in Argyle, N.S., Swinimer found great comfort with everything nature had to offer. She spent most waking moments outside in the solace of her natural surroundings. Swinimer furiously read every book she could get her hands on about nature and kept personal notes on every animal she came across.
Not many people get to live out their dream like Swinimer. She is the first person to admit she truly feels fortunate to be living the life she does. She has accomplished so much by doing all of the hard work, which did not happen overnight. Swinimer was a certified veterinary practice manager (CVPM) for 22 years. The designation is the highest credential for professional veterinary managers, and she was one of only two individuals who held the title in Nova Scotia.
Swinimer fondly remembers her time in the veterinary clinic and how calls were directed to her about natural habitat animals in need. Every bird, squirrel, raccoon or skunk would benefit from her expertise, which finally led her to establish HFW.
Swinimer is gracious and respectful of people who visit her rehab centre. She glides through the buildings, point
ing out precious animals rehabilitating or creatures like Oliver Twist, the blind owl who lives at HFW full-time. Oliver Twist has his daily routine and dedicated perch but seems to prefer the clothcovered chairs on site.
Annually, HFW will treat and rehabilitate an estimated 4,500 animals. Since the
COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the Maritimes, her intake is up 27 per cent and as of this week, HFW hit a record 5,000 count. Swinimer believes this is because people are spending more time at home, with many opting to do more home renovations or landscaping. This work results in more creatures being discovered in their habitats.
Outside of the raccoons, snapping turtles, various birds, squirrels and skunks currently at her facility, the team is now rehabilitating a four-month-old male bobcat. Until he is healthy enough to return to his natural habitat, the bobcat will be cared for and nursed back to health, no matter how long it takes.
Swinimer talks about her three-pronged approach at the centre, namely education, rehabilitation and research. She firmly believes that the education component is the most crucial step to preserving nature.
Swinimer has enormous respect and appreciation for the natural wildlife in our province. She will undoubtedly continue her selfless efforts to rehabilitate animals that arrive at her doorstep. Nova Scotia, and the world at large, are fortunate to have a woman of Swinimer’s sympathetic and kindhearted character caring for wildlife in need.
Please be kind to animals.
Tracy Jessiman is a pet portrait artist who lives in Halifax with her husband and their three pets. She is a volunteer with Animal Rescue Coalitions of Nova Scotia. She has been rescuing animals most of her life, but more intimately, animals rescued her.