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Home to more than sixty resident, non-releasable animals as well as raptors, bears, and other Vancouver Island wildlife who will return to the wild, we welcome families, individuals, school tours, and community groups to visit us 7 days a week. Hours 9:00 am - 4:30pm Daily Admission Adult $15 Children 4–16 $6 Children 3 & under FREE Veterans & Military FREE Our Location 1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC Locate Us on Google Maps Plan Your Visit Our self-guided map will show will help you make the most out of your visit. NIWRA Map Download Map Learn More Find out about our facility, accessibility, parking, picnic areas, and more. Onsite Services Book a guided tour for your group or organization (15 to 45 people) . Group Tours Request Your Group Visit Meet Our Animals Home to more than sixty resident, non-releasable animals as well as those who will return to the wild Eagles - Owls - Black Bears - Hawks - Turtles - Ravens - Turkey Vultures and more! Symbolic adoptions support the care of our non-releasable animals View Adoption Animals in Shop Dan's Nook Wildlife Garden Visit Our Garden Enjoy local wildlife in their natural habitat, including a mini-wetland, featuring: tadpoles hatching dragonfly nymphs emerging bees pollinating Marsh Marigolds blooming hummingbirds feeding Bear Den Gifts Looking for the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life? Or just looking for a unique gift? Bear Den Gifts has you covered: books on animals and the environment local wildlife-themed art clothing home decor and much more... Visit us in person or online! Let's Get Shopping!

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Privacy Policy Our Privacy Commitment North Island Wildlife Recovery Association is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, volunteers, donors and patrons. Protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information is fundamental to our relationship with you. At no time will any personal information or contact information be passed from this website to a third party. We do not disclose any information about our supporters to anyone else. The data that we collect from you is used solely for Order notifications, Delivery, or if you have signed up to receive our newsletters and periodic notifications. This information is kept for that purpose ONLY and is confidentially destroyed/deleted from our system periodically when the data is no longer required, or you choose to Unsubscribe from the newsletter or delete your account. Cookie Policy What are Cookies? – A cookie is a text file that is stored on your computer or mobile device by a website's server. It allows a website to remember things like what is in your shopping cart. Without cookies, a web server cannot distinguish between different users or determine any relationship between page visits made by the same user. What Cookies do we use and why? Session Cookies – Without Session Cookies most sites won’t work. They allow you to add things to the shopping cart and to remember where you are on a website. They also help the webserver to distinguish between different users. Google Analytics – This cookie tells us how you got to our website, for example, Google search, etc. It helps us analyze how visitors to our site are using the site and the number of visitors. This cookie also helps us analyze the performance of our website. Please note that our cookies do not collect any personal information that could identify visitors and is therefore anonymous. How to restrict Cookies – If you wish to restrict or block web browser cookies which are sent to your device, you can do this in your browser settings. The Help function in your browser should tell you how. You may also wish to visit www.aboutcookies.org which contains comprehensive information about how to do this on a variety of browsers. External Links This website contains links to other websites. NIWRA is not responsible for the privacy policies, practices, or content of those websites. Other Information All rights, including copyright, of the content found on this website are owned by NIWRA. Any use of the site or its contents, including copying or storing in whole or in part, other than for your own personal, non-commercial use is prohibited without the permission of NIWRA. Contact Information Questions or concerns relating to North Island Wildlife Recovery Association’s privacy policy on the treatment of personal information should be directed to: Privacy Officer – Office Administrator North Island Wildlife Recovery Association wildlife@niwra.org

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.

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

Summer Front Desk Position Join Our Team! Front Desk Gift Shop staff (full-time, eight weeks ) 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 Gift Shop Manager and the executive Director. 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 Answer phones and perform other administrative tasks as required Perform duties in other departments as needed Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Requirements: 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. 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 Eligibility: These positions are funded through the Government of Canada Summer Jobs Grant. Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment Must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada Number of Weeks: 8 weeks (May & June OR July & August) Hours: 35 hours per week Wage: $22.60 per hour To apply: Please email a cover letter stating availability dates, your 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 you are encouraged to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

Do you have a passion for wildlife? Become a Green Teen Youth Docent 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 > Green Teens GREEN TEEN YOUTH DOCENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Requirements and How to Apply Applicant Requirements: Must be between 12 - 18 years of age and must complete and submit a Green Teen Volunteer Application (download) and Parent Agreement (will be provided to successful applicants) Applicants and a parent/guardian must be able to attend an interview and orientation/meet and greet session Successful applicants must attend all orientation and training sessions Provide own transportation to and from NIWRA and offsite events Commit to volunteering at least thirty (30) hours during the season of March - August For Parents and Guardians: Our Volunteer Green Teen Docent Program involves the whole family. Committing to the minimum hours will require your assistance, cooperation, support, encouragement and transportation. Volunteers unable to meet the standards may be asked to leave the program. How to Apply: Download the application form Complete all sections of the application form and email to education@niwra.org 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 Download Application

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.

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SHOP > Adoption Animals Adoption Animals Quick View Zephyr (Great Horned Owl) Quick View Anastasia (Turkey Vulture) Quick View Pepe (Striped Skunk) Quick View Opal (White Raven) Quick View Oates (American Crow) Quick View Onyx (Raven) 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) Load More

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

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!

SHOP > Bear Den Gifts Bear Den Gifts Quick View NEW! NIWRA Gift Card Quick View Bear Shares | $50 each Quick View Wellness to Wilderness DVD | $5