Wild ARC year-in-review - 2,043 animals treated in 2024 - BC SPCA
Search by
postal code:
Search our site:
Donate
BC SPCA Logo

Animal Helpline:

1-855-622-7722

For all other calls and inquiries
see our contact details.

Find a BC SPCA location in your area:

Wild ARC year-in-review – 2,043 animals treated in 2024

January 21, 2025

Another incredible year at the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) has come to an end! While staff are already preparing for the busy season ahead, let’s reflect on some notable cases and hard work that went into treating wild animals last year. Thanks to the dedication of staff, volunteers and our community, Wild ARC was able to care for 2,043 animals last year from 132 different species, each with their own unique diet, treatment and enrichment needs.

In an average year, 70 per cent of our patients are birds, and the remaining 30 per cent are mammals, only occasionally admitting amphibians or reptiles. Learn more about Wild ARC’s statistics.

Approximately 80 percent of the animals admitted at Wild ARC need help because of something related to human activity. We aim to reduce this impact by doing our part to help wildlife in need.

This year an American Kestrel fledgling was admitted to Wild ARC after being accidentally rescued from the wild. This was the first ever American Kestrel fledgling successfully hand-reared at Wild ARC. After 42 days in care receiving specialized treatment from our wildlife rehabilitators, this fledgling was released for a second chance at life in the wild. This case offers an important reminder to learn when and how to rescue a wild animal. When in doubt, contact Wild ARC or your local wildlife rehabilitation centre before rescuing wild animals to make sure help is truly needed. A young animal’s best chance at survival is always with their parents unless they are injured or truly orphaned.

Raccoons are frequent visitors at Wild ARC with 99 admitted for treatment in 2024. This adult female raccoon was one stand-out case due to the severity of her injury. A diligent Vancouver Island resident contacted Wild ARC after noticing that a raccoon, which had previously visited their yard, seemed to have an infected eye. Wild ARC assisted in getting the raccoon into care and quickly discovered that her left eye was severely infected and needed to be removed. After multiple surgeries, treatment for her infection, and a safe place to heal, this raccoon is preparing to be released back into the wild early this year. If left untreated, her condition would have likely been fatal — painfully worsening until her eye was permanently damaged and the infection spread. Thanks to the thoughtful finder who contacted Wild ARC, this raccoon did not have to endure unnecessary suffering and has a second chance for a wild life!

Some cases serve as important reminders about what we can do in our daily lives to reduce the suffering of wild animals. An Ancient Murrelet, like the one pictured here, was admitted to Wild ARC after colliding with a glass railing on a BC Ferries vessel. Fortunately, the bird landed on deck while the ferry was en route to Victoria and was taken to Wild ARC right away. Bird collisions with glass surfaces happen year-round and can even occur at our homes. Luckily, there are many things we can do to reduce the risk of bird-window collisions. After two days at Wild ARC to recover and heal, this federally-protected species was ready to be released with a local flock. If you witness a bird-window collision, contact Wild ARC or your local wildlife rehabilitation centre for advice. Birds can sustain injuries like head trauma or internal bleeding that may not be noticeable but still require life-saving treatment.

Thank you for another successful year

No two species or situations are alike, and with so much variety, Wild ARC rehabilitators need to be ready for different challenges each day. Remaining up-to-date with memberships to provincial and international wildlife rehabilitation organizations and regularly receiving professional training ensures our staff are ready for each individual case.

Successful wildlife rehabilitation also relies on dedicated volunteers to operate. Our team of volunteers collectively donated 16,380 hours of their time in 2024 towards animal care and transport, maintenance, fundraising and outreach. Although spring and summer are often known as the “busy season”, much of the necessary cleaning and maintenance work occurs over the fall and winter to keep the centre well-maintained and prepared. We are so grateful for the amazing people who come together year after year to ensure Wild ARC can continue caring for wild patients.

The BC SPCA relies on public donations to carry out its life-saving work to help the province’s most vulnerable wild animals. You can make 2025 another successful year for Wild ARC by volunteeringdonating to our cause or helping us to spread the word about wildlife issues. Follow us on Facebook, subscribe to the BC SPCA’s WildSense e-newsletter and share what you learn with your friends, family and colleagues. By learning about wild animals and looking out for them in your community, you make a meaningful impact to help them thrive.

Big news! The BC SPCA is tackling the root causes of animal suffering with our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

X