Raccoon rescuers back on their feet
Their hearts may be broken, but the resolve of Derek and Barb Zavitsky to help wildlife in crisis remains unshakable.
When Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff raided their Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary near Pontypool on Sept. 26, the couple was devastated.
The warrant and subsequent action, according to the ministry, was precipitated by complaints and alleged violations, even though the centre’s licence was renewed in April.
Over the course of several hours, staff removed 87 raccoons — all of them euthanized by the ministry over the next 2 ½ months — as well as equipment and supplies.
“It was devastating. We have always been involved in animal rescue and protecting wildlife was, and always be, a passion and priority for us,” said Derek Zavitsky, who has launched a revised raccoon rescue venture.
“After the raid, it was like a bomb had gone off,” Zavitsky said.
“Everyone ran for cover. Now, people are starting to come out of the wood and get back to helping animals.”
Legally, anyone can rescue wildlife, but the subsequent care and containment must be done by a qualified rehabilitation service.
Although he currently can’t do the latter — he said legal action is underway to correct this — Zavitsky has continued to do the former with the help of dozens of volunteers and rehabbers from across the province via Mally’s Ethical Rescue Solutions.
He hopes to raise enough funds to retrofit the vehicle he has been using so that rescues are safer for both volunteers and the animals.
“After the raid, it was like a bomb had gone off. Everyone ran for cover. Now, people are starting to come out of the wood and get back to helping animals.
DEREK ZAVITSKY HAS LAUNCHED A REVISED RACCOON RESCUE VENTURE
Zavitsky estimates the cost to purchase specialized equipment such as ladders and poles, as well as an overnight containment and quarantine room — in the event a centre is unable to take the animal right away — at around $10,000.
A number of fundraisers are in the works, including one inspired by 14-year-old Jacob Hunter-Cruz. Stirred by his mother’s support for Mally’s, the youth chose a raccoon portrait for an art class project.
“It just melts my heart,” said Zavitsky.
Jacob has signed the print, his teacher has had it framed and it is now part of an online fundraising art auction set to go live for one hour on March 17.
“There is also a retired person from the police department who would like to host a paint party for her grandchildren and any others that wish to join them to help,” said Zavitsky.
He also hopes to raise funds for other rehabilitation groups. With one less centre to take in injured, ill and orphaned raccoons, the demand on them will undoubtedly increase.
“We know there isn’t going to be enough places for them to go,” said Zavitsky.
According to Ontario Wildlife Rescue, the number of provincial wildlife rehabilitation centres has fallen from close to 200 to less than 50 in a decade.
Anyone wishing to submit their art for the auction is asked to send a message on Facebook.
The link for the auction will also be shared on Facebook in the near future.