Region’s only licensed rehabilitator of wild mammals and turtles still facing $35,000 shortfall

April 20, 2012, Ottawa – As of April 1, the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary had raised only $11,500 of a needed $100,000 and sadly realized we would not be able open this year. With heavy hearts we told our interns and volunteers to seek alternate placements.

The need for our wild mammal expertise has increased by 447 per cent since we first opened in 2005 – that year we admitted 95 sick and orphaned animals and it climbed to 520 animals in 2011.

We were stunned and delighted this week to receive $53,500 in donations (including single donations of $23,500 and $10,000), putting us 65 per cent of the way towards being able to open and save more wild mammals and turtles this year.

The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary can open if an additional $35,000 is donated by Friday, April 27. We are grateful for donations, which can be made through our website: www.rideauwildlife.org.

About the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a registered charity that treats and cares for injured or orphaned wild mammals and turtles until they are healthy enough to be returned to their natural habitats. The Sanctuary is the only licenced rehabilitator of wild mammals and turtles serving the Ottawa and Rideau Valleys. We also offer advice on co-existing peacefully with wildlife and provide humane, cost-effective ways to prevent or solve wildlife conflicts. The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary has cared for more than 2,000 animals since 2005.

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Journalists, to request an interview, please contact:
Heather Badenoch, 613-859-8232