This winter has been long and cold for many Manitobans, and it has been tough on some wildlife. During the past few months, a number of animals ended up at Wildlife Haven Veterinary Hospital in Ile-des-Chenes.

“We've had a pretty busy winter considering it’s very cold, very snowy winter," reports executive director Zoe Nakata. "We're not having a tonne of intakes, but we’ve got a good number of animals that are spending the winter here that require some pretty intense care and surgeries. We're getting ready for what we’re sure will be a very busy spring and summer season.”

She says that's the reality of living in Manitoba, that there will be an influx of animals in spring and summer. In May of last year, the Wildlife Haven took in 100 new patients within a seven-day period. 

animals helped with this fundraising event by creating some artwork that was sold in an online auction.

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This patient will be released back to the wild this spring. (Photo Credit: Facebook/WildlifeHaven.ca )
This Pelican has been struggling with a condition called pododermatitis - commonly known as bumblefoot in animals, which could be compared to pressure sores in humans.
Thankfully, this can be reversed through a medical procedure called 'debridement' - which you see in these photos! Once the procedure is complete, the Medical Team then covers the wound with protective booties to allow for healing and recovery.
We are happy to report, that the Pelican is doing great, and the wounds are healing nicely.
The patient has been transferred back into the Waterfowl Building and we look forward to releasing them back to the wild this Spring!
All of this is possible, thanks to a VERY generous community. Thank you for helping these vulnerable animals return back to the wild, where they belong.

 

This happy patient does not mind a blizzard! He was released earlier this winter after spending a few weeks in care at the Wildlife Haven Hospital.