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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 2025 Group Tour Update 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

EDUCATION > School Visits Plan Your School Visit Step 1: Choose Your Tour Type General Guided 1 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Self-Guided 1 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Discover Bear 2 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Discover Owl 2 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Proceed to Step 2

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.

Emergency Info Wildlife Emergencies Direct Line for ANIMALS IN DISTRESS | 250-927-6025 Wildlife drop-off is available on-site every day, year-round. Staff are on-site from 9am – 4:30pm. After hours, place wildlife in the red animal admissions drop-off building (east end of parking lot). Please DO NOT use email or Facebook message to send wildlife emergency information. Circumstances regarding injured bears or suspected orphan bear cubs : Please report to the Ministry/Conservation Officer service at: 1-877-952-7277 Also report to NIWRA at: 250-927-6025 or animalcare@niwra.org What to do if you encounter injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife Once you have determined an animal is orphaned or injured … If it is safe to do so, capture the animal using a towel or blanket. You may wish to wear gloves as well. If you need assistance or advice (e.g. handling raptors), call the Emergency number. Transport the animal to the Centre in a well-ventilated box that is lined with a towel. Keep contact with wildlife to a minimum to eliminate stress. Do not give the animal any food or water. Do not place the box in your vehicle trunk or leave in a vehicle with the windows closed. If you come across an injured seal, the first thing to do is call for help. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Pacific Region), seal pups should be left alone unless intervention is necessary. Please call their “Observe, Report and Record” line at 1-800-465-4336 if you need help. NOTE: The Centre is not permitted to admit domestic or farm animals, including rabbits. Leave fawns where they are unless they are injured or you know their mother is dead. If you find a baby bird that has fallen from its nest, you can return it to the nest unless it is injured, cold or wet. After returning it to the nest, watch from a discreet distance to be sure the parent accepts it. Don’t alarm the parent more than necessary. IMPORTANT : Wildlife rescue is ONLY NECESSARY when an animal is clearly orphaned or injured . In many cases, baby animals appear to be alone but the parents are nearby — just not visible.

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

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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.