Raptor rescue society displays work at first festival

Get up close and personal with a bird of prey or meet a wolf at the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society’s first Wildlife Festival, Saturday at the Merville Hall in Merville.

The theme of this year’s festival is North Island Wildlife.

You can meet some of the animals that come through the centre, and find out what caused their injuries and how the society protects them. The society serves the Comox Valley.

Handlers will be on site with birds, including Phoenix the eagle, the facility’s mascot. Gary Allan, an expert on wolves will be there, along with his wolf, Tundra.

There will be guest speakers and educational displays. Society members will be available to answer any questions.

You can also take a tour of the society’s new facilities, at 1331 Williams Beach Rd.

The society has broken ground on a new visitors centre and the group that has designed the indoor displays will give you a sneak peek at what they have been up to, and what to expect.

There will be a kids’ zone with activities and face painting. Food and the ever-popular bake table and society merchandise will be available. Visitors can also join the flight club to help build a flight pen for recovering birds.

Admission is $5 for adults, $10 for a family and free for members. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Merville Hall, 1245 Fenwick Rd., Merville.

For more information, call 250-337-2021 or email Lynda at pauljack@telus.net or go to marswildliferescue.com.