The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton (WRS) is committed to proper environmental stewardship and recognizes the important role we play in conserving Alberta’s native species through the services and programs we provide to the community.
WRS is a non-partisan, charitable organization that provides compassionate care for injured, contaminated and orphaned wildlife and educates the public on the importance of wildlife in our community. WRS is Edmonton’s only wildlife shelter and the only organization providing care for wild birds and small mammals north of Red Deer; therefore, there is no duplication of service in Edmonton or Northern Alberta.
Mission
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton’s mission is to provide compassionate care for injured and orphaned wildlife and to educate the public on the importance of wildlife in the community.
Vision
Wildlife populations are preserved and protected due to increased public awareness and the work of the WRS.
Our Shelter
We are Edmonton’s only urban wildlife shelter. Our shelter is located in South Edmonton and we accept wildlife patients 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
In order to work with wildlife in Edmonton and surrounding areas, WRS receives annual permits from the Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. WRS is a founding member of the Alberta Wildlife Rehabilitators’ Association and must adhere to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Background
Since 1989, WRS has helped thousands of birds and small mammals receive proper medical treatment with the ultimate goal of returning these wild animals to their natural habitat. WRS is Edmonton’s only wildlife shelter and the only wildlife shelter in the Capital Region that treats birds and small mammals.
Facts and Figures:
- Over 1,000 wildlife patients are treated at WRS annually
- In 2009, WRS treated 109 different species
- WRS annually fields over 5,000 wildlife related calls from throughout the Capital Region
- WRS annually receives over 35,000 hits on our website from community members looking for wildlife related information
- WRS relies heavily on over 220 active volunteers, including post-secondary students, to help run a majority of our programs
- WRS educated over 4,000 Capital Region students (Grades 4-6) in the 2008-09 school year and provided additional educational talks to students (Grades 7-12), post-secondary students, community groups, government(s) and companies
- WRS has partnerships with over 65 organizations and vet clinics around the city of Edmonton and in Northern Alberta, many of which accept wildlife for us and/or partner on programs
- WRS is Edmonton’s only wildlife shelter; therefore, there is no duplication of service in Edmonton, the Capital Region or Northern Alberta
