On April 27, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre (WHRC) held its first annual Solaris Arctic fundraising gala. The centre, located in Île-des-Chênes, had much to celebrate, including more than three decades of work in wildlife rehabilitation and preservation.
“Thirty-five years ago, in 1984, a group of Manitobans and wildlife experts came together and they created an innovative organization to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife using the most current treatments and medical interventions,” WHRC board member David Hunt told gala attendees. “Since that time, the organization has treated over 37,000 animals, many of which are endangered and protected species, and each year the number of animals requiring treatment has been progressively growing. Over the past five years, we’ve seen an increase of patients at a rate of about 11 percent per year… We’ve also recognized the need, value, and demand in developing… education programs for students and the general public. This helps increase our collective knowledge about wildlife and has now become a significant part of what Wildlife Haven does.”
The elegant dinner event, held at the Niverville Heritage Centre, was attended by a sold-out crowd of 200, including volunteers, staff, wildlife supporters, and dignitaries. Guests were welcomed by a selection of rehabilitated owls and hawks on display during the cocktail hour. Stunning owl ice sculptures made the perfect backdrop for photo ops.
A prime rib dinner was served, accompanied by live musicians. Silent auction prizes included a 68-inch TV and two vacation flights anywhere in North America where Air Canada flies.
Beau Fritzsche, radio host of Bob FM, emceed the evening’s proceedings. A video presentation introduced the centre’s beautiful new facility and provided an inside look at the important work done by the WHRC. The centre’s three staff and 92 active volunteers were recognized for their dedication to the centre’s goal.
Dr. Jim Duncan was invited to the podium to receive the first annual Dr. Nero Wildlife Achievement Award, presented by Dr. Nero himself. Dr. Robert Nero was one of the early founders of the centre and remains an honorary board member. He dedicated his life to researching and educating on Manitoba’s great gray owl, becoming a strong advocate for its recognition as the province’s official bird.
A professor at the University of Manitoba, Nero’s interest for the owl species began with his discovery of a young, injured, and starving great gray owl in the early 1980s. Nero and his owl, Lady Gray, became inseparable and visited many a classroom and public event over the next 20 years to generate awareness of the owl species and its habitat.
The recipient of the award, Dr. Jim Duncan, was chosen for his great commitment and passion for the wellbeing and preservation of local wildlife.
“I’ve been working with the government for 22 years in the Wildlife and Fisheries branch and it’s been such a rewarding era,” Duncan said. “It means a lot to get these awards because it continues to give us the energy we need to keep going.”