GUELPH – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) has received a Summerlee Foundation grant of $14,500 USD to support its award-winning wildlife program.
In spring, GHS sees an increase in the number of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife needing care, and this grant will help ensure it can support the over 1,200 wild animals admitted to GHS each year.
The money will fund a full-time student or recent graduate, as well as food, medication, field supplies, and equipment to enhance the program.
In 2018, GHS won a Leadership and Innovation Award from Humane Canada for its work with wildlife, which is not traditionally undertaken by local humane societies.
GHS actively provides community education about wildlife through social media, its website, and communication with those calling in with wildlife questions, or stopping into 500 Wellington St. W.
“We have created a framework that allows us to help as many wild animals as possible,” said Lisa Veit, associate director of GHS.
“It’s our busiest time of year for wildlife, so having a dedicated staff person during the spring and summer months to oversee the intake and manage the initial care will have a huge impact on our community.”
GHS is not a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility, and therefore, cannot hold animals for longer than 24 hours. The organization works closely with several specialized rehabilitation centres across Ontario, including the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre and Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge.
GHS relies on volunteer drivers to transport rescued wild animals to licensed rehabilitation centres.
If a wild animal is found in distress, call the Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091 before touching the animal or disturbing a nest.
To learn more about the wildlife program, go to guelphhumane.ca/services/wildlife/.
