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) members are dedicated to the treatment and temporary care of injured, diseased or orphaned wildlife, and the subsequent release of healthy animals into appropriate habitats in the wild. 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 every day. 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 Erie Wildlife Rescue. Since then, EWR has grown to an organization of approximately 50 paid members, 80 volunteers, and over 8,000 annual personnel hours. EWR is a not-for-profit registered charity, with a license for migratory birds issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service and a Wildlife Custodian permit issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. EWR is operated by volunteers with the exception of 2 Animal Care workers who provide continuity of care for the wildlife. EWR collaborates with New Beginnings, the University of Windsor Volunteer Internship Program, and area high schools in providing a unique co-op and volunteer experience for the youth of the area.

EWR offers rehabilitation services to all species of wildlife native to this area. The programs of Erie Wildlife Rescue are varied: medical treatment, housing and care of wildlife, training and education.  EWR assists the public with wildlife inquiries, responding to thousands of inquiries each year; concerns for the wildlife itself, for personal safety, or for the safety of property. Close to 600 birds, mammals and reptiles required treatment from EWR in 2009.

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 a remodelled school building on Chappus St. in Windsor in 1993. After several years of leasing from the Roman Catholic School Board, EWR purchased the property in 1997 and went on to improve the facility, with the construction of several outdoor housing areas and the acquisition of a permanent sales area for fundraising. In January 2011 EWR was required to move to make way for the future Detroit River International Crossing project. After a year-long search, a temporary location was found at 11168 Tecumseh Road. This move is expected to be a short-term relocation as we work with the City of Windsor to find a permanent home.

EWR is not alone in its efforts; 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. EWR receives no government funding for operations, relying on donation make the organization a success.

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)