Walk on the wild side
Local wildlife rehab site celebrates 20 years of lifesaving work
Even after 20 years of saving wildlife, there are still new things being seen at the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (CWRC).
An unusual looking bird recently arrived at the centre in Hilden. He had a large, flat head with an enormous mouth, a long tail and wings, and was very thin. He was identified as a Chuck-will’swidow, a bird very rarely seen in Nova Scotia.
The bird was discovered on a doorstep in Cape Breton in November and brought to the centre by Department of Lands and Forestry workers.
“He’s the first of his kind to receive care here and it’s touch and go over the winter with southern birds,” said Brenda Boates, operations manager at the CWRC. “I contacted rehab friends in the U.S. for information on caring for him. In the wild, they fly through a swarm of insects with an open mouth so we can’t feed him from a dish.”
Boates feeds the bird insects by hand and plans to release him in the spring, once other members of the nightjar family have returned to Nova Scotia.
Along with the Chuckwill’s-widow, 10 eagles, four owls, two falcons, 12 other birds, a porcupine and a skunk were receiving care at the centre as 2022 arrived. In the past, squirrels, foxes, groundhogs, snakes and turtles have also been in care.
“I’ve been working here for seven years,” said Boates, who is the only full-time employee. “I started as a volunteer and learned so much from Helene.”
Dr. Helene Van Doninck and her husband, Murdo Messer, founded the CWRC in 2001. At first, Van Doninck, a veterinarian, set aside space in their home for the animals. As more animals were brought in, a few outdoor buildings were added. Seeing many raptors who needed treatment, she and Messer decided a flyway was needed. He designed a building and fundraising continued for about six years, with the facility that is known as the Big Jeezley being constructed in 2013.
The oval-shaped flyway offers continuous flight, allowing birds to strengthen their muscles before being released back into the wild. The Jeezley is the only one of its kind in Canada, and one of only five in North America. Another building was constructed on the property to house smaller animals and provide treatment, office and storage space.
At the time of her death, in 2018, Van Doninck was internationally recognized as an expert on the treatment of
oiled birds and had provided presentations across North America on the dangers of using lead in hunting and fishing.
“She was well known in the rehab community worldwide,” said Boates. “I get calls from all over the world about the Jeezley. I also get a lot of calls for advice about raptors.”
Messer is pleased with what has been accomplished and appreciates the support the centre has received.
“It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since Helene and I started the CWRC,” he said. “In that time, we have saved the lives of thousands of animals.
This is an achievement I am most proud of. We could only reach this anniversary because of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, staff, board members and the generosity of those who have supported the work we do through those years. I am forever thankful for all the kind people who make it possible.”
Boates, now International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council certified, has noticed an increase in the number of eagles coming in since she’s been at the centre.
“I believe it’s due to people’s awareness and stopping when they see something’s not right,” she said.
“Animals can often get some help before they arrive here. We have seven veterinarians across the province, all experienced with wildlife, who will triage animals. They’re able to do things to make transportation to the centre more comfortable or to put them down if necessary.”
Although the CWRC doesn’t take in raccoons, Boates is often able to provide advice to people who want them off their property.
“People can encourage raccoons to relocate instead of trapping them,” she said. “Females build extra nests and will move if people bother them with lights and noise. Basically, be a bad neighbour. This way, the animals have a much better chance of surviving.”
Because animals being treated at the centre will be returned to the wild, it’s important they don’t become accustomed to human interaction. Human faces are often hidden when interacting with young animals and handling is limited.
“We handle the animals as little as possible, but as much as we need to,” said Boates.
In order to keep the animals as wild as possible, the centre cannot offer tours, but the public can view eagles in the flyway live online at https:// www.cwrc.net/basic-01
The CWRC is a registered charity and relies on donations, fundraising and volunteers to continue operating. Anyone interested in learning more can visit the website at https://www.cwrc.net/ or the Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/CobequidWildlifeRehabCentre/