Search Results

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

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 What does a wildfire mean to wildlife? When Snowy Owls Venture South > View all NIWRA news stories Facebook Facebook Facebook Youtube > Go to our Youtube channel A great blue heron is released back into the wild after rehabilitation for a broken wing! Play Video Rae at work Play Video To Fly Again Play Video Watch Now Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close

No product

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. Meet the Animals Filter by Story Category Click here to Subscribe to our Latest Stories!

Opt-In to Subscribe today to keep up to date with our news and activities!

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!

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we are not offering guided tours until further notice. To schedule your group visit and learn about costs and other details, please send an email to tours@niwra.org. 2025 Guided Tours Update For information and to schedule your group visit and learn about costs and other details, please send an email to tours@niwra.org . NOTE: To qualify for group rates, you MUST have a minimum of 15 people and be paying in ONE transaction Maximum # of students per visit = 45 Please book a minimum of 2 weeks in advance Bookings are processed on Mondays and Tuesdays We try our best to accommodate all visits, but only book one group per day See you soon!

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a non-profit facility that cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and educates the public about wildlife and environmental issues. Visitors can see non-releasable Vancouver Island wildlife in peaceful and rustic surroundings. Take a walk on the wildside in Parksville Owls • Bears • Eagels • Hawks • Falcons • Ravens Turkey Vultures • Wildlife Garden & More! Hours Open 9am-4:30 Daily Admission Adult $15+tax Children 4–16 $6+tax Children 3 & under FREE Veterans and Military FREE Location 5 Minutes from Parksville! 1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC Locate Us on Google Maps They depend on us. We depend on you! Donate Now Stay Connected View our latest Facebook posts Read our Tripadvisor reviews See the latest on Twitter Watch our Youtube videos Visit us on Instagram Subscribe to our newsletter Adopt an Animal View Adoption Animals in Shop

Animal Care & Facility Technician Are you passionate about wildlife? Are you looking for your "Dream-Come-True" Job? Join Our Team! 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 full-time Animal Care & Facility Technician(s) 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: communicating with the public about wildlife in need of rescuing; ensuring safe wildlife intake and transportation to the facility, assessment of the animals 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. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position requires a mature and responsible 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. 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 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. Euthanize animals when required under the direction of the Wildlife Veterinarian and/or Animal Care Supervisor. Follow treatment protocols for all birds and animals in rehabilitation. 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 (ie: radiographs, cleaning of wounds & enclosures). Cleaning, mopping and preparing 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 determine 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, protective gloves as well as protective eye-wear 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: $19.00 per hour to start with raise to $24.00 per hour 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 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.

Application Here

SHOP > Adoption Animals Adoption Animals Quick View Bean (Barn Owl) Quick View Boo (Great Horned Owl) Quick View Casey (Bald Eagle) Quick View Cinnamon (Barn Owl) Quick View Dougal (Raven) Quick View Eyegone (Barred Owl) Quick View Farley (Great Gray Owl) Quick View Gambit (Long-eared Owl) Quick View Igor (Turkey Vulture) Quick View Jelly (Barn Owl) Quick View Loki (Raven) Quick View Mango (Red Tailed Hawk) Quick View Oliver (Barred Owl) Quick View Oneye (Barred Owl) Quick View Patrick (Peregrine Falcon) Quick View Quinn (Barred Owl) Quick View Rae (Black Bear) Quick View Ralph (Raven) Quick View Sandor (Bald Eagle) Quick View Spook (Great Horned Owl) Quick View Spulqwitth'e' (Western Screech Owl) Quick View Thor (Raven) Quick View Vladimir (Turkey Vulture) Quick View Yuki (Great Horned Owl)

Do you enjoy wildlife education? Join our team. Apply today. Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Join Our Team! Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator The Organization: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a well-established wildlife rehabilitation and education facility in Errington, BC, on beautiful Vancouver Island. Founded in 1984 and overseen by a Board of Directors, Senior Director of Operations and Executive Director, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) has continued to grow due to the dedication of staff, fantastic 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 Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator will work under the direction of the Executive Director. The incumbent must be professional in appearance and in all aspects of his/her work to emulate the high standards NIWRA sets. The Education Program is integral to NIWRA's mission to educate the public on wildlife and nature issues. The Wildlife Education Program Coordinator provides leadership and guidance to the education program volunteers (adult and youth) and will also assist the Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities are performed with considerable independence and reviewed periodically. This full-time position has three components that support NIWRA's established programs. Responsibilities: Wildlife Education Program Coordinator Become certified as a NIWRA tour guide Train education volunteers Work collaboratively with the NIWRA education volunteers Display proficiency in the NIWRA narrative Play a significant role in all NIWRA tours Represent and reinforce/enforce the NIWRA narrative and expected conduct Monitor progress and organize training opportunities through shadowing, training tours, and extra engagement events (on and offsite). Biofacts: Responsible for maintenance, storage and inventory (including taxidermy mounts/displays) and ordering, developing and/or procuring new (and replacement) items. Manage in-house communications platform: post shifts for tours and pair shadows with appropriately trained guides. Answer questions. Provide animal care updates. Schedule orientation and training sessions Develop and update educational manuals as necessary Microscopes: Train volunteers to use the microscopes with the public and organize various education opportunities (for volunteers and visitors). Other duties as required. Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Assists the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and onboard volunteers Receive volunteer applications Conduct reference checks and handle follow-up calls Send RCMP Police Information Check package Schedule meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator and Department Heads Arrange and provide orientation tours for new volunteers Create name tags for volunteers Promote NIWRA’s volunteer program to community groups Green Teen Coordinator The Green Teen Coordinator is responsible for the safety and support of our youth docents, whether onsite or offsite. Proficient in all things Green Teen (youth docents) Lead trainer of Green Teens, coordinating and providing support to volunteers. Communications: Applications. Intake/orientation in spring. Maintain the current active wait list of youth volunteers. Onboard youth to in-house communications platform and train on use. Organize pre-season training (with the help of returning members) and prepare for the annual Eagle Release event in April. Post shifts throughout summer. Ensure opportunities and engagement for Green Teens. Plan for appropriate adult support. Coordinate Green Teens to assist Animal handler presentations in the Learning Centre and at occasional offsite events. Handle end-of-season arrangements (letters/gifts, certificates, celebration). Address issues regarding appropriate behaviour as warranted. Research various forms of education and engagement techniques Other duties as required Qualifications: This rewarding position requires a mature person who works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances. It requires attention to detail. One year experience in administration Completed High School diploma Strong knowledge of Vancouver Island wildlife and nature Must be able to work weekends and evenings when required Must be willing to get an RCMP Police Information Check as a condition of employment Must have a valid BC Driver’s license with a clean driving abstract Must be able to speak and write English fluently. Preferred Skills and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal, communication and public relations skills Background in education an asset Experience working with volunteers Experience in public speaking and leading groups Knowledge or experience with educational programming Ability to follow directions Strong leadership skills Attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills Excellent teamwork skills and a strong work ethic Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs Highly organized with the ability to multi-task Willingness to learn. Compensation & Work Schedule: $21.00/hour to start and $23.00/hour upon successful completion of the probation period. Benefits: Extended health benefits upon successful completion of the probation period. Full-time position FORTY (40) hours per week. Must be flexible to meet the needs of the organization. Some weekends and evenings required. To apply: Please email a cover letter, your resume and two professional references via email to wildlife@niwra.org Attention: Joyce Lee . Please write "Education Program Coordinator" 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.

VISIT > Services & Facilites Services & Facilities Wheelchairs/Access Our paths are graveled and wheelchair accessible. Two wheelchairs are available for visitor use at no charge. Caregivers A caregiver accompanying a disabled person who requires assistance receives FREE entry. Participant in the Easter Seal Access 2 Card program. Parking Parking is free. Reserved parking spots for the disabled are available in the main lot near the entrance. Gift Shop Bear Den Gifts is open daily and features unique clothing, wildlife & nature books, and other unique souvenirs to remember your visit. Washrooms Washrooms are wheelchair accessible and have one baby changing station. They are located in the Eagle Flight Enclosure building. Picnic/Play Areas Picnic areas with tables and benches are scattered around the grounds for your enjoyment. The Field of Stones playground is located near the Wildlife Garden and picnic areas.

Seeking an experienced Animal Care Manager to oversee daily operations, staff supervision, and animal welfare at our facility. Animal Care Manager Join Our Team! Animal Care Manager Job Posting Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 (CDN) The North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) seeks an Animal Care Manager to join our team. Based in Errington on beautiful Vancouver Island, NIWRA is a well-established, non-profit, registered charity focused on the rehabilitation of injured, ill and orphaned wildlife and public education on wildlife and environmental issues. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Animal Care Manager will lead the animal care team in delivering exceptional care to wildlife patients and permanent residents. This role is essential in supporting our facility's programs, operation, development and integrity. What We're Looking For We seek a confident, experienced manager and leader who communicates effectively, demonstrates professional maturity, and thrives in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment. While a background in wildlife rehabilitation or conservation is a definite asset, it’s not essential—we’re ready to train the right person who brings a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to animal care. Key Responsibilities Wildlife Care: Supervise, support, and mentor the animal care team Collaborate with NIWRA’s wildlife veterinarian and the Ministry of Environment Oversee wildlife intakes, treatment, and rehabilitation Follow established treatment protocols and diet plans Lead and grow our Black Bear Rehabilitation Program Manage wildlife transport between rehab centres Ensure the safety and well-being of both the centre's wildlife and the visiting public Oversee ongoing care for both rehabilitation patients and permanent residents Facility & Program Support: Help maintain the high expectations of the centre's leadership Provide daily motivation to staff to follow animal care protocol, safety techniques (animal & public) and time management, following the centre's policy and procedure manuals Maintain accurate records, files, and reporting for management and the Board of Directors Working with staff, provide multimedia content (stories, videos) for social media and promotional use Ensure facility cleanliness and adherence to health and safety protocols Recruit, train, and supervise animal care staff, volunteers, and interns Oversee the Discover Bear Program and educational bird presentations Who You Are Key Attributes: Mature judgment, integrity, and professionalism Strong interpersonal and team-building skills Passionate about wildlife care Physically fit and comfortable in hands-on animal care role Willingness to be hands-on in learning all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation Education & Experience: 3+ years of proven and relevant management/supervisory experience Proven ability to lead teams and manage challenging or sensitive situations Required Skills: Highly organized and adaptable to changing priorities Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities Strong verbal and written communication across all organizational levels Capable of working independently and under pressure Flexible availability, including for emergencies Technically proficient with Microsoft Office and digital tools Why Join NIWRA? Be part of a mission-driven organization making a real impact on wildlife Work with a supportive, values-based team in a unique environment Enjoy a competitive salary and extended health benefits Live and work on beautiful Vancouver Island, surrounded by nature North Island Wildlife Recovery Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. To apply for this position, please respond by email to Joyce Lee, Executive Director at wildlife@niwra.org citing NIWRA - Animal Care Manager in the subject line. Please submit a cover letter, resume and two professional references (with contact phone numbers). Detail your experience and qualifications, and outline why you are interested in this position. We would like to thank all applicants. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.