~wildlife education~ The mission of the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) and Centre in Errington is to care for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and to educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues. Approximately 800 animals are admitted to NIWRA each year, and we do our best to reintroduce as many as possible back to the wild. But there must continue to be untouched wild areas where we can release animals safely, and where various species can t

~wildlife education~ Since becoming internationally known in January 1989 after rescuing 25 poisoned eagles,   the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) has evolved into a remarkable wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility specializing in black bear cubs and birds of prey. NIWRA’s mission is to care for ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and to educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues. Years of dedication and hard work have resulted in thousa

~wildlife education~ In the dead of winter, most of us are lucky to have heated homes and warm clothes to keep us cozy, but how do wild animals survive in frigid conditions?   Photo credit: istock.com/   Byrdyak Many animals hibernate or go into “winter sleep”. During hibernation, an animal appears to be dead and its heart rate and body temperature and movements slow down.  Creatures like the jumping mouse, little brown bat, and some species of ground squirrels are true hiber