One of NIWRA’s main goal is to educate the public about wildlife and environmental issues. Discover & Learn Immerse your class in an environment that promotes observation, inquiry, and critical thinking. School Visits Request Your School Visit See our work in action! Video Archive Videos Youtube Channel Use our free K-12 classroom video, "Animals Among Us" to learn about Invasive Species and more! Watch the Free Video Free Resource Wildlife FAQs Animal in distress Litter kills wildlife Avoid rat poison Found a baby animal Unwanted pet turtles Click the bullet points below to find out some interesting information about wildlife: Birds attacked by cats Invasive species Responsible Sportsperson Wild 'n Free Articles BY SYLVIA CAMPBELL Learn about animal behaviour, habitat, adaptations, and more from local wildlife expert, Sylvia Campbell. Go to articles Black Bear Rehabilitation In 1997, NIWRA made the decision to construct and manage a bear program for Vancouver Island bears. A captive-bred bear named Knut came to the centre and helped us perfect the design and operation of our facility by teaching us about: the care and feeding of bears bears' hibernation habits how to mimic an environment in which bears can thrive the influence of human contact, known as imprinting, on animals Read More black-bear-programs Bear Cub Program When a bear arrives at our recovery centre it means something has gone terribly wrong in the wild. Each year, orphaned babies are brought to us, and although we are completely captivated by these adorable, helpless, little creatures, we also feel sadness at the death of their mother. Without its mother, a baby cub has no chance of survival in the wild. Read More Raptor Rehabilitation Thanks to our salmon streams and forests, BC's west coast is one of the few remaining strongholds for bald eagles since they provide good breeding grounds and a place to spend the winter. One of the greatest threats to the survival of BC eagles involves human activity, which can include: gunshot wounds collision with vehicles electrocution lead poisoning from ingesting lead pellets We are happy to report that NIWRA is able to rescue, rehabilitate, and release most of the 50 - 60 eagles brought to us each year. Read More

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HOME > Robin and Sylvia Campbell Scholarship to Benefit Wildlife (2026) The Scholarship: North Island Wildlife Recovery Association will award five $2,000 scholarships to post-secondary students and five $1000 scholarships to high school students in in the summer of 2026. Scholarship recipients shall also receive a one-year membership to North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Are You Eligible to Apply? Are you currently a full-time student registered in one of the following?: a high school in SD69 or SD68 graduating in 2026
 post-secondary (undergraduate or college) program
 graduate degree program
 diploma program Are you enrolled in full-time studies that benefit wildlife? Examples include the study of animal care, biology/ecology, coastal/marine studies, earth science/geology, environmental studies/education, natural resource protection, resource management, veterinary medicine OR other studies that directly benefit wildlife. Are you a Canadian citizen who previously lived or currently lives on Vancouver Island? If you answered 'Yes' to all 3 questions, then we welcome your application. How Will Your Application Be Evaluated? Applications will be judged on: the relevance of the post-secondary academic program in which you are enrolled your transcript and the level of excellence demonstrated in relevant subject areas [High school applicants only] your involvement in volunteer and extra-curricular activities that demonstrate their dedication to wildlife and/or the environment. Five Steps to a Successful Application Download Scholarship Application form Download Reference Request form Download and complete the Scholarship Application form . Write a 400-500 word personal statement describing your educational and career goals as you see them now. Include a current resume that details your education, work experience, honours and awards, extracurricular events and/or community activities, and employment. Provide copies of post-secondary transcripts . High school students : Provide proof of acceptance into a post-secondary program. Download and print 2 copies of the Reference Request form . Include two sealed letters of recommendation that address your academic achievement and potential for success in your post-secondary studies. (**Instructions are provided in the Scholarship Application form.) Mail* or hand-deliver your completed application package with the 5 required components to: Joyce Lee, Executive Director North Island Wildlife Recovery Association Box 364, 1240 Leffler Rd., Errington, BC V0R 1V0 wildlife@niwra.org Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 *NOTE: If you choose to send your application via Canada Post, you are encouraged to track your package so you can ensure it arrives by the deadline. Late entries will not be considered.

VISIT > Group Visit Request So much to see and learn! Bring your group for a day of discovery, connection, and shared experiences. Whether you’re visiting with a school, organization, or team, we’ll help you plan a smooth and memorable group visit tailored to your interests. Begin by downloading the Group Visit Trip Planner . (It is required reading for your Group Visit Request below.) Group Visit Request Type of Tour Requested* Guided Self-Guided Name of Group and Location* Name of Trip Organizer* Trip Organizer's Email* Name of Leader in Charge* Phone Number of Leader in Charge* Total Number of Adults/Seniors* Minimum 15 to maximum 45 Total Number of Children* Children 12 &under require one adult for every 5 students. Children 13+ require one adult for every 10-15 students. Age(s) of visiting children* 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 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 Group Visit Trip Planner. * Submit Your Group Visit Request

SHOP > Memberships Annual Passes Quick View Adult Annual Pass | $45 Add to Cart Quick View Child Annual Pass | $18 Add to Cart

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.

Terms & Conditions By using this website and/or placing an order you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set out below. At NIWRA, we want our supporters to feel happy and satisfied with their purchases. Therefore, each product offered for sale has a detailed description so that you know exactly what you are purchasing. Please ensure that you thoroughly check the item description before you buy it. If you have any questions or queries regarding an item, please contact us at 250-248-8534 or wildlife@niwra.org . Order Information To order, please read through each item description carefully before adding it to the shopping cart by using the “Add to Cart” button. When you have finished shopping, you can review and/or modify your purchases in the Cart on the top of the Checkout page. If you are happy with the contents of your Cart, you can then proceed further down the Checkout page where you will be asked for the Donor's Address, Recipient's Address (if different from Donor's Address), adoption certificate information and whether or not you would like to subscribe to our newsletter. Continue further down the Checkout page to view your 'Final Order Confirmation,' which reflects the order that will be sent to both NIWRA and PayPal. (If you wish to modify your purchases at this point, you must return to the top of the page and make changes to the Cart.) Please remember to check the "Terms and Conditions" box on the Checkout page before clicking the “Proceed to PayPal” button. You will then be taken to the PayPal secure site to make the payment. Please note that NIWRA does not have any access to your bank or card details. These are held solely at the PayPal secure payment site. Therefore, any trouble with PayPal payments will need to be resolved through PayPal. The only details we request are those appearing on the Checkout page. If you select the option to 'Create an account,' these details will be stored securely on our server using Secure Socket Layer protocol (SSL). This will allow you to return to our site, log in, then access past Orders as well as modify Addresses and Account Details on the My Account page. All prices stated on this website are in Canadian dollars. We only ship to addresses in Canada. You will receive a confirmation e-mail from NIWRA outlining your purchase details and from PayPal about your payment once you have completed your transaction. Payment NIWRA uses PayPal for all its ordering and online payments. PayPal is a safe and secure payment gateway that accepts credit and debit card payments. PayPal no longer requires you to have an account with them to use their services, which means you can use them like any other secure payment gateway using your credit or debit cards. PayPal handles all of NIWRA's payments and is secure and safe. They use 128-bit encryption which is the highest level commercially available. What is PayPal? PayPal is a third-party payment processor that enables online credit and debit card payments over a secure system. PayPal automatically encrypts your confidential information in transit from your computer to theirs using Secure Socket Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption length of 128-bits (the highest level commercially available). Once your information reaches PayPal, it resides on a server that is heavily guarded. PayPal servers are not directly connected to the internet in order to protect your details. Only PayPal has access to your confidential credit/debit card details. No credit or debit card details are ever seen by NIWRA. For more information regarding payments via PayPal, please read PayPal's security information . Presentation Each product purchased will be presented as outlined on the product description page. Shipping and Handling charges are added to the purchase price if the purchase is being mailed. Delivery Purchases are usually dispatched within 7 working days from receipt of Paypal payment or sooner if we are able. Any inquiries regarding the shipping of your package may be made by contacting NIWRA directly at 250-248-8534. Delivery/handling charges will be added to the purchase of the adoption package. Local pickup is free. Please call NIWRA (250-248-8534) to arrange a pickup time.

SHOP > Bear Den Gifts Bear Den Gifts Quick View NEW! NIWRA Gift Card Quick View Bear Shares | $50 each

Do you have retail management experience and enjoy working with people? Join our team. Apply today. Gift Shop Manager Join Our Team! Gift Shop Manager The Organization: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a world-class wildlife rehabilitation and education facility located in Errington, BC, on Vancouver Island. Founded in 1984 and overseen by a Board of Directors, Operations Manager and Executive Director, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) has continued to grow due to the dedication of staff, amazing volunteers and incredible community support. NIWRA is a not-for-profit registered charity that advocates for the well-being of Vancouver Island wildlife, and strives to educate the public about wildlife and related issues. The Position: The Gift Shop Manager will work under the direction of the Executive Director and Gift Shop Committee Board Member. The Gift Shop Manager must be professional in appearance and in all aspects of his/her work to emulate the high standards NIWRA sets. The Gift Shop is the first point of contact for the public visiting the centre. The Gift Shop Manager is directly responsible for the overall management and operation of the gift shop, including sales, profitability, purchasing, customer service, visual strategies, marketing, operations and inventory management. She/He provides leadership and guidance to gift shop volunteers that create an environment focused on NIWRA’s mission, customer satisfaction, maximum productivity, and profitability. Responsibilities are performed with considerable independence and reviewed periodically. Responsibilities: Prepare short and long-term goals and objectives and review them with the Executive Director and Gift Shop Committee Board Member Prepare monthly and quarterly reports to the Board of Directors Gift shop sales/ cashier duties Marketing Ensure gift shop POS system data is correct and up-to-date Data entry Work in collaboration with the bookkeeper to ensure all financial requirements are fulfilled Ensure purchases/expenditures comply with the annual budget Train and supervise gift shop volunteers Schedule gift shop volunteers to ensure appropriate coverage and cover vacant shifts as needed Be a constant sales floor presence to ensure excellent customer experience and maximum sales Open/Close the Centre Act as NIWRA host (greet and direct visitors) Organize/manage physical inventory checks Ensure the cleanliness of the gift shop and surrounding areas Merchandise displays Other duties as assigned Qualifications: This rewarding position requires a mature person who works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances. It is physically demanding and requires attention to detail. College degree in business or related field an asset 3+ years experience in retail operation and shop management Proven track record in achieving sales results Strong communication skills, both verbal and written Superior customer service skills Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment Experience with retail merchandising and display management Proven success in working with people, preferably with volunteers Working knowledge of social media (Facebook) marketing Good stamina and health Capable of standing, walking, bending, lifting, reaching, moving supplies, setting up tables/chairs/displays, etc. Preferred Skills and Abilities: Proficient with Point of Sale (POS) systems and inventory management Excellent people/customer service skills Superior communication capabilities High-level problem solving skills Comfortable with public contact Pleasant telephone manners and ability to provide specific information Ability to multi-task and prioritize; well-organized, effective time management skills Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel Knowledge of inventory, security, staging, up-selling, promotion, advertising Excellent teamwork skills and good work ethic Compensation & Work Schedule: $40,000 to $50,000 per year commensurate with experience and education Benefits: Extended health benefits following a successful probation period Full-time position FORTY (40) hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday. May need to provide staffing back-up in an emergency or absence of volunteers. To apply: Please email a cover letter, your resume and two professional references via email to wildlife@niwra.org Attention: Joyce Lee . Please write "Gift Shop Manager" 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 you are encouraged to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre would not be possible without the generous support of donors, volunteers, and a small staff of animal care workers and office personnel. Give & Volunteer Make a Gift to Wildlife Today Your donation helps us care for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife. Send an e-Transfer Make a General Donation Donate Securities Donate Online CanadaHelps allows small charities like us to accept secure donations online. Donate instantly. Send an e-Transfer to: wildlife@niwra.org Download Form (PDF) Please download, print and complete our donation form. Then mail it, along with your payment, to us at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Tax receipts will be provided for donations of $10 or more. Donate by Mail Leave Your Wildlife Legacy A charitable bequest is a form of planned giving: a deferred or future gift described in a donor’s will. Such gifts allow us to initiate projects otherwise beyond our reach while providing you with immediate and long-term tax advantages. Learn More View Our Amazon Wishlist View Our Wishlist We gratefully accept non-cash donations as well as Amazon purchases of our Wishlist items. Please contact NIWRA administration prior to donating if you would like a tax receipt to see if your donation qualifies. Our Wishlist Donors wishing to see a copy of our financial statements are asked to contact our office. Volunteer at the Centre At North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, we couldn’t operate without our amazing volunteers. We’d love to welcome you to the team! Contact us if your passions include: working at a gift shop education (being a tour guide, 'Ask Me' Ambassador) wildlife gardens grounds and yard maintenance animal care Learn More Green Teen Youth Docent Program Our Green Teens are passionate about wildlife and want to inspire others to learn about wild animals and their environments. Are you between 12 & 18? Are you looking for a great summer experience? Do you want to meet people from all over the world? Learn More Become a Student Intern (Spring & Summer) Interns receive hands-on training and experience at a wild animal rehabilitation and education centre and provide support to staff. We are on the lookout for individuals interested in an internship involving animal rehabilitation and care Learn More Adopt an Animal Your 'symbolic' adoption of an animal that is unable to return to the wild provides: food medical care & annual check-ups “toys” to enrich and stimulate natural behaviours Give the gift of a symbolic adoption to the animal lover in your life: birthday or Christmas gifts any special occasion View Adoption Animals in Shop NOTE: No government funding is available, so your support is critical. Purchase "Bear Shares" Bear Shares are important to us because: ~$40 per day is needed to meet the needs of one bear that arrives at the centre bears usually spend several months with us until they can be released we’ve had as many as 22 bears in one season! donations are our sole source of funding to care for the bears Purchase Bear Shares in Shop Live Nearby? Purchase an Annual Pass Adult | $45 Purchase in Shop Child | $18 Purchase in Shop Mail Order Download Form

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

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Do you have a passion for wildlife? Become a volunteer at a world-class rehabilitation centre where we help ill, injured and orphaned wildlife and educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues. GIVE-VOLUNTEER > Volunteer MAKE A DIFFERENCE: VOLUNTEER Volunteers make the world go 'round at NIWRA! What is the perfect role for you ? Gift Shop - Front Desk: located in the main building, this position is the first contact with our visitors. Volunteering in the Gift Shop is a great fit for someone who enjoys interacting with visitors and has previous retail and customer service experience. Education Program: have fun while you lead school and community groups on tours of the centre. This position is a great fit for those who enjoy interacting with visitors. Grounds and Yard: help our yard crew look after our meticulously manicured grounds. This position is a great fit for someone who likes working outside. Wildlife Garden Host: see to the needs of our Wildlife Garden's well-being and greet garden visitors. This position is a great fit for someone with a green thumb and who loves learning about plants. Animal Transport: we are always looking for volunteers to transport animals between other locations and our facility. Animal Care: volunteers who work in our Animal Care department do a variety of tasks to care for our animals and enclosures. Animal Care volunteers are often chosen from experienced education volunteers who have demonstrated a commitment to our programs and have logged hours being trained and mentored by our staff. We ask that prospective volunteers commit to one four-hour shift per week and are willing to get a Police Information Check. Join Our Team: Please email your completed application to wildlife@niwra.org Attention Joyce. You can also bring your application to NIWRA or mail to: North Island Wildlife Recovery Association Box 364, 1240 Leffler Rd., Errington, BC V0R 1V0 We appreciate all applications, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Download Application

GIVE/VOLUNTEER > Leaving a Gift to NIWRA in Your Will Leaving a Gift to NIWRA in Your Will It's easy. It won't cost you a thing. You can secure the future of wild animals for generations to come! A Gift to NIWRA in Your Will Saves Lives ! No matter the size of your estate, you can make a world of difference in the lives of Vancouver Island wildlife. Ready to Save Lives? Learn How We're Here to Help If you have already included NIWRA in your Will, or plan to do so, please call Joyce to arrange a visit so we can thank you in person. Joyce Lee Executive Director 250-248-8534 ext 4 joyce.lee@niwra.org Charitable Business Number: 11906 0549 RR0001