Search Results

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) is a non-profit, world-class rehabilitation facility situated on 8 acres of immaculately manicured grounds, caring for animals with all types of needs, including birds with broken wings, orphaned black bears, electrocuted eagles and much more! About Us Our Mission To care for ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife and to educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues. Who We Are & What We Do Founded in 1985, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) is a non-profit, world-class rehabilitation facility situated on 8 acres of immaculately manicured grounds, caring for animals with all types of needs, including birds with broken wings, orphaned black bears, electrocuted eagles and much more! Check out our Impact Report . NIWRA’s main goals are to: Reintroduce as many animals back to the wild as possible. Educate the public about wildlife and environmental issues. Our Team Our wildlife recovery centre could not function without the following group of very talented individuals: Dr. Malcolm McAdie, our veterinarian who provides highly specialized care to all our animals volunteer Board of Directors a small dedicated staff more than 80 amazing volunteers who provide: guided public and school tours, animal care, yard/grounds care, gift shop operations, and community outreach Our Programs We are able to offer the most current wildlife care practices from rescue to release thanks to: staff who keep up to date with training and techniques expert veterinary care customized diets specialized handling equipment and housing a graduated system of healing protocols described in our Black Bear Rehabilitation , Bear Cub Program , and Raptor Rehabilitation information This knowledge has allowed us to offer top-notch education programs and tours for our guests. Our Scholarship The Robin & Sylvia Campbell Scholarship to Benefit Wildlife is awarded annually to five university students pursuing careers in wildlife conservation and environmental conservation. These recipients exemplify passion, excellence, and dedication in their studies and future goals. The scholarship is designed to support and recognize emerging leaders who are committed to preserving our planet’s wildlife and natural ecosystems. Check out our 2025 Scholarship Recipients . We invite you to come to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre to learn about wildlife by viewing: the largest eagle flight enclosure of its kind in Canada a Museum of Nature showcasing the animals of Vancouver Island an interactive Learning Centre beautiful enclosures to get close to more than 60 resident, non-releasable animals a native wildlife garden, bird watching and ponds and more! Contact Us: wildlife@niwra.org | 250-248-8534 Address: 1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC CANADA Open Google Map Click Here to see a more detailed history of NIWRA! Meet Our Partners We are grateful to have Partners so committed to wildlife rehab!

Find out all that goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA. Special Events Filter by Story Category Click here to Subscribe to our Latest Stories!

Find out all that goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA. NIWRA News Stories Find out what goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA! Filter by Story Category

EDUCATION > Wild 'n Free (Articles) Wild 'n Free Articles about animal behaviour, habitat, adaptations, and more! By Sylvia Campbell

Find out all that goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA. In Other News Filter by Story Category Click here to Subscribe to our Latest Stories!

EDUCATION > Animals Among Us Animals Among Us Use Our FREE Classroom Resource Today! (If you are unable to view the videos below, please visit Animals Among Us on Youtube ) This 21-minute video can be presented in its entirety or shown in 4 parts: What to do when you find a fawn (at 0:40) What to do when you find a baby bird on the ground (at 3:30) Invasive Species – Leave Bullfrogs where they are (at 7:13) What makes a good pet? (at 18:03)

Find out all that goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA. Wildlife Education Filter by Story Category Click here to Subscribe to our Latest Stories!

Find out all that goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA. Meet the Animals Filter by Story Category Click here to Subscribe to our Latest Stories!

We have an active Facebook page that tracks the activities at the Centre. We also host public events throughout the year and fundraisers. What's Happening Our Latest News Clearing Land During Nesting Season Can Hurt Wildlife What To Know About Baby Deer > View all NIWRA news stories Facebook Facebook Facebook Youtube > Go to our Youtube channel Holiday Gifts That Help Wildlife | Shop at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre Play Video Sounds of the Nighthawk #rarebirds #coolsounds #birdsounds #nighthawk #wildliferescue Play Video Beautiful releases #wildliferescue #flyfree #freeagain #rehabilitation #wildanimals #vancouverisland Play Video Watch Now Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close

Thank You! Your request has been successfully submitted. It will be reviewed and our tour visit coordinator will contact you shortly. If you have any questions or would like to check on the status of your request, please email the NIWRA office at tours@niwra.org.

EDUCATION > Our Video Archive Our Video Archive (If you are unable to view the videos below, please visit our Video Archive on Youtube)

EDUCATION > School Visit Request Participate in an unforgettable educational experience! Bring your class for a fun-filled day of close-up animal encounters and hands-on learning that sparks curiosity, builds a connection to nature, and inspires students to care for and protect our wildlife and the environment. Begin by downloading the School Visit Trip Planner . (It is required reading for your School Visit Request below.) School Visit Request Type of Tour Requested* Guided Self-Guided Name of School and Location* Name of Trip Organizer* Trip Organizer's Email* Name of Teacher in Charge* Phone Number of Teacher in Charge* Total Number of Students* Minimum 15 to maximum 45 Total Number of Adults* Children 12 &under require one adult for every 5 students. Children 13+ require one adult for every 10-15 students. Grade(s) of Visiting Students* Will you need bus parking?* Yes No Requested Tour Date* Second Choice for Tour Date* Preferred Tour Start Time* Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your start time. Departure Time from NIWRA* Your Payment Type* Cheque Debit Credit Card What is your specific learning objective for the visit?* Please notify us of any special needs your participants have and how you will support them while onsite.* Mark n/a if this does not apply. Do you have any additional questions or information to share with us? REQUIRED: Read and check the following statements to acknowledge roles and responsibilities. I UNDERSTAND that my tour is not confirmed but has been submitted as a request. NIWRA administration will contact me with confirmation that my tour is scheduled and any required volunteer tour guides have been requested. * I UNDERSTAND that Adults and Parents are responsible for the supervision of children/students before, during and after the tour. * I UNDERSTAND that it is my responsibility to call NIWRA if we are going to arrive more than 10 minutes late. * I have read and agree to the terms above. * I have read and agree to the terms detailed in the School Visit Trip Planner. * Submit Your School Visit Request

Animal Care & Facility Technician Animal Care & Facility Technician (full-time ) The Organization: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, a world-class wildlife rehabilitation centre, located in Errington, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and educates the public on wildlife and environmental issues. The Position: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is accepting applications for a full-time Animal Care & Facility Technician to join our team and support the maintenance and operation of the Centre. The position works under the direction, support and supervision of the Operations Manager and Animal Care Supervisor. Summary of Role: As an Animal Care Technician, you will be responsible for: ensuring safe wildlife intake and transportation to the facility; assessment of the animal's needs during intake and throughout its care; daily food preparation and nourishment of all animals in care; providing daily medical care and administering medications; and cleaning all animal enclosures. You'll also be responsible for communicating with the public about wildlife in need of rescuing. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position requires a mature and responsible person that works well both within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances. It is physically demanding and requires attention to detail. Animal Care: below are examples of Animal Care duties Follow feeding protocols and diet formulas for birds and other animals in rehabilitation. Move injured animals in and out of the enclosures for cleaning or according to the needs of the animal. Clean all enclosures each day and ensure the facility is hygienic for birds, animals, staff and the public. Assess the birds and animals in care each day and report any changes to the supervisor and obtain instructions for change in medical care/ medications. Follow treatment protocols for all birds and animals in rehabilitation. Euthanize animals, when required, under the direction of the Wildlife Veterinarian and/or Animal Care Supervisor. Adherence to all safety protocols in the administration of medications and medical care to birds and animals. Adherence to all safety protocols when carrying out any required medical procedures in the care of the birds and animals (i.e.: radiographs, cleaning of wounds & enclosures). Cleaning, mopping and preparing the facility for the next day. Animal Care Safety Protocols You are required to follow the below safety protocols: When in an animal/bird enclosure, you must wear: a HARD HAT and PROTECTIVE GLOVES. Masks are optional but are available. Animal Intake: below are examples of Animal Intake duties Each morning when you arrive, you will be responsible for checking the phones and determining if there are any messages from the public with respect to injured wildlife. You will call them back and retrieve/ provide information about rescue. When obtaining information from the public about injured animals, you will inquire about: the location, description of bird/animal, potential risks/hazards, if there will be a helper available on site. Rescue of injured and wounded wildlife (assessment of any dangers prior to rescue, minimizing stressors to animal, securing the animal in crate, securing the crate for transportation). Providing instruction to any helper at the rescue site of the safety procedures and limited role they have in supporting the Animal Care & Facility Technician during the rescue. Adherence to all safety protocols prior to and during transportation (following speed limits, safe driving practices, securing crate to avoid shifting). Collaboration with and cooperative/respectful attitude when working with animal rescue/transport volunteers. Must be able to work on short notice and in emergency situations. Help ensure safety of the public and of resident animals. Upon arrival at the centre, assessment of the injured bird/animal. Ensure that after each intake the recovery rooms are ready for the next bird/animal. Animal Rescue and Transportation Safety Protocols You are required to follow the below safety protocols: When participating in a bird/animal rescue, you must have and wear: a net and protective gloves, as well as protective eyewear and masks, when necessary. Care of Facility: below are examples of Facility duties As part of the Animal Care team, maintain washrooms, Museum, Learning Centre, Treatment Centre, Recovery Room and Eco Centre. Assist Yard Foreman with site maintenance duties as required. Open/Close the Gift Shop and Eco Centre, turn off alarms for volunteers in the absence of Executive Director. Participation in Education Programs: Work alongside Education Volunteers with educational birds and programs. Provide information to the public. QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Must have a valid BC Driver’s license with clean driving abstract (proof required) and reliable transportation. Must be able to fluently speak and write English. Must be willing to get a Police Information Check as a condition of employment. Must be in excellent physical health. Must have WHMIS or be willing to obtain certification as condition of employment. Excellent “people skills” and communication capabilities. Must be able to follow direction well. Excellent time management. Willingness to learn and grow into roles with more responsibilities. Willingness to follow strict protocols and procedures. Excellent teamwork skills and good work ethic. Ability to be flexible to meet the needs of the organization HOURS, WAGES AND BENEFITS Full Time Hours: 40 hours per week - working weekends Wage: $24.00 per hour to start, with raise and health benefit package upon successful completion of probation period. To apply: Please email cover letter, resume and 2 references (at least one from a workplace) to wildlife@niwra.org Attention Joyce Lee . Please write Animal Care & Facility Technician in the subject line. We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We reserve the right to close vacancies early depending on the number of applications received, so you are encouraged to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

COVID-19 Update As of September 13th, 2021, NIWRA is not requiring proof of vaccination to visit our facility. To protect everyone, all NIWRA visitors must wear a face-mask that covers the mouth and nose when in the Gift Shop and other buildings. High contact touch-points are cleaned and sanitized regularly. Hand sanitizer is available in the gift shop. Regrettably, we are not offering guided tours until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. We encourage guests to pay for admissions and purchases in our gift shop with cards or tapping devices, however we are accepting cash payments.

Wildlife Garden Caretaker and Host Join Our Team! Front Desk Gift Shop staff (part-time, seasonal ) The Organization: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, a world-class wildlife rehabilitation centre, located in Errington, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and educates the public on wildlife and environmental issues. The Position: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is accepting applications for full-time summer Front Desk staff to work in our gift shop, meeting and greeting visitors and offering outstanding customer service and sales to visitors. Successful applicants should possess previous experience in customer service and retail sales. The position works under the direction, support and supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer. Responsibilities: Welcome visitors to the Centre, presenting a positive, professional deportment as a first point of contact Sell admission tickets, annual passes, animal adoptions and process donations Stock and sell merchandise, handling cash, credit and debit transactions on a Point of Sales system Answering phones and performing other administrative tasks as required Perform duties in other departments as needed Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Requirements: This rewarding position requires a mature person that works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances. It is physically demanding and requires attention to detail. Must be able to communicate fluently in English Must be able to work 5 days a week with 2 consecutive days off Must be reliable and dependable Previous retail and merchandising experience preferred Self motivated, demonstrates initiative, ability to work alone and in teams Flexibility to work weekends, weekdays and holidays Strong time management skills Seasonal 2024 Hours: 24 hours per week Wage: $18.00 per hour To apply: Please email cover letter, availability dates, resume and 2 references to wildlife@niwra.org Attention Joyce Lee . Please write Front Desk Summer Position in the subject line. We appreciate all applications, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We reserve the right to close the vacancies early depending on the number of applications received, so encourage you to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.