Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation - Helping the Wildlife in Your Community

The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation needed some help after the devastating hailstorms that hit Airdrie recently. Strong winds and hail stones that were the size of golf balls damaged a lot of property but also took its toll on wildlife in the area. As well, this facility that helps to rescue injured wildlife suffered its own damage from the hail.

The great horned owls had to be removed from their enclosures by volunteers and staff members during the storm. None of these birds were injured as a result, fortunately, but they were quite stressed. The hail destroyed the facility's roof and some of the other enclosures were also damaged.

This hospital for wildlife relies on donations and on volunteer workers to stay open. There are only a few paid staff that work for this non-profit organization. Any public donations are always appreciated at any time of the year, but especially now. This is the busy season with newborn babies coming into the centre and migratory animals nearby that need a helping hand.

The Alberta Institute accepts animals from any areas in the province. Animals are commonly brought in for care from Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane, Calgary and High River. The facility is also caring for and rehabilitating an eagle that came in from the Northwest Territories.

For more information about donating either some funds or your time, you can visit www.aiwc.ca for more details. You may also want to consider becoming a foster parent of a wild animal through the conservation's adoption program. When you donate a certain amount you receive a certificate of adoption, a tax receipt and a photograph of the animal. These adoptions also make a wonderful gift for the people in your life that are diehard animal lovers.