Region’s only licensed rehabilitator of wild mammals and turtles will open May 2

April 26, 2012, Ottawa – The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is stunned and delighted by the outpouring of support resulting in $100,000 in donations. On April 1, the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary had raised only $11,500 of a needed $100,000 and sadly informed volunteers and interns that the sanctuary would not be able to admit injured and orphaned wild mammals and turtles this year.

In the weeks that followed, the response from past and new supporters, all across Canada, has been incredible, including single donations of $23,500 and $10,000.

The need for the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’s wild mammal expertise has increased by 447 per cent since first opening in 2005 – that year we admitted 95 sick and orphaned animals and it climbed to 520 animals in 2011.

The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary will open with limited capacity May 2 and will be prepared for full capacity by (or before) May 15.

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