Wildlife rehabilitation is an enormous field with professionals and non-professionals world-wide, all with one goal in mind, to take an injured, orphaned or sick animal and return it to the wild.

Erie Wildlife Rescue (EWR) is the only all-species wildlife rehabilitation organization in southwestern Ontario. Each year we record approximately 6,000 phone calls and 1,500 animal intakes. Animals are brought to EWR for a multitude of reasons: birds hit windows; a tree with a nest of squirrels or raccoons is chopped down; our cats and dogs bear gifts  of young cottontails; a hawk is found convulsing after coming into contact with pesticide; a dazed owl is found lying beside the road, the unfortunate victim of a hit and run. These scenes are repeated everyday. EWR tries to give these animals a second chance.

In 1978, a small group of people who saw a need to improve the care of wildlife in southwestern Ontario formed EWR. Since that time we have grown to an organization of approximately 80 volunteers and over 8,000 personnel hours. We are a not-for-profit registered charity, licensed and permitted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Wildlife Service. EWR is operated by volunteers with the exception of seasonal employees during the summer months. Many people contribute to make this organization a success.

The practice of wildlife rehabilitation is becoming increasingly more scientific. Nursing mammals are given a diet which closely approximates the nutritional makeup of the mother’s milk. Values for fat content, vitamins and minerals and caloric content are carefully analyzed. Older animals are given diets which are age and species appropriate; a bird in the nest does 
not necessarily eat the same as an adult. As the animal matures, great care is taken to introduce natural foods, so the animal will be prepared to survive in the wild. Housing requirements are carefully considered. The animals must have the correct amount of space to develop properly. A bird must have room to learn to fly and a squirrel must learn how to climb.

The ultimate goal of wildlife rehabilitation is the successful release of an animal. We try to ensure that an animal is both physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenge of release. They must be mature enough or fully recovered from an injury, are capable of recognizing and obtaining food on their own, are capable of recognizing and interacting with others of their own species, and most importantly, have a healthy fear of humans.

To accomplish this last requirement, we place all animals with siblings or cohorts (animals of a similar age), and limit the amount of human contact to only those times when it is necessary, such as feeding. There is no social interaction allowed between animal and human. These animals are not pets; they are wild animals and shall be treated accordingly.

EWR wants what is best for an animal. With all the time, and energy, and oftentimes money, that has been invested in an animal, we would not presume to release it if was not prepared. Animals are released in areas where proper food and cover are present in adequate amounts. Careful records are kept on all animals so that they may be released within close proximity of where it was found. All release sites are given careful consideration so that an area will not be overloaded.

Since its incorporation in 1979, EWR has continued to develop and expand its programs. In 1990, EWR opened its first permanent office on Pelissier St. in Windsor. After quickly outgrowing those facilities, EWR moved to its present location on Chappus St. in Windsor in 1993. After several years of leasing from the Roman Catholic School Board, EWR purchased the property in 1997. Since that time, numerous improvements have been made to the facility, including several outdoor housing areas and the acquisition of a permanent sales area for fundraising. Many other projects are in the planning stages, and over time EWR continues to develop its facilities and programs for the orphaned, injured and sick animals of southwestern Ontario.

Wildlife Custodian Permit
Issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Professional Affiliations
Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Network (OWREN)
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA)
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)