News & Events:

Stay informed about what's happening at Wild at Heart Refuge Centre!

Please scroll down to see current and archived media releases and news items.

Page updated: October 15, 2008

Gift Idea! Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Fundraising 2009 Wall Calendars Now Available

Wild at Heart is proud to announce the creation of its 2009 fundraising wall calendar. Filled with wonderful images of wildlife taken by Wild at Heart volunteers as well as the stories of each animal featured (all of whom were treated at Wild at Heart), the calendar is beautiful and functional, but best of all, all proceeds will support Wild at Heart Refuge Centre. Perfect for the nature loveer on your gift list! Supplies are limited. Get yours today!

Calendars are $20 each or 3 for $50. They are available at the following locations in Greater Sudbury or by mail order. Click here to download a printable order form (PDF).

Walden Animal Hospital, Lively

Greeenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies, The Kingsway

LaSalle Animal Clinic, Lasalle Blvd

Peter's Reef Pond, Falconbridge Rd

A&J Home Hardware, Bouchard St

Photo World, Durham St

Curves, Caswell Dr

Talk of the Town Hair Factory, Regent St

Tropics North, Hazel St

Martindale Animal Hospital, Martindale Rd

Lockerby Animal Hospital, Armstrong St

Villeneuve Family Farm & Feed, Massey

Walden Pet Food Plus, Lively

Pet Valu Discount Pet Foods, Regent St

Pet Valu Discount Pet Foods, Lasalle Blvd

Pet Valu, Chelmsford

The Backyard Birder Nature Shop, Paris St

Fresh and Fancy Bakery, Cochrane

Barrydowne Paint & Wallpaper, Barrydowne Rd and Long Lake Rd

Wildlife “Kidnappings” Common Incidents in Spring

When Do Wild Animals Require Human Intervention?

Each spring, well-meaning people find juvenile animals that they believe are abandoned and “rescue” them. Many are brought to Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre. Wild at Heart would like the public to understand when wild animals require human intervention and when they don’t. Like humans, juvenile animals thrive best with their parents, and should not be removed from the wild unless there is evidence that the parent is deceased, the animal is injured or sick. If in doubt, please consult Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre before attempting to remove an animal from its habitat. Do not attempt to rehabilitate the wild animal on your own. Each animal has nutritional and care needs that are highly specific to its species. Also, it is illegal to keep wildlife in your home. For more information, visit wahrefugecentre.org.

Snowshoe hares leave their babies on their own during the day. Before commencing yard work, take a look around to see if rabbits, or any other species, have taken up residence. The babies often scatter when disturbed. It is best to leave the area intact so that the baby hares can return to await the parent. Do not intervene unless there is a dead parent nearby. The mother WILL return at night to care for her babies.

Fawns are born scentless, so deer leave them alone for most of the day to avoid leading predators to the fawn, and only return to feed the fawn for short periods of time. It is best to leave the fawn where you found it unless you are sure that the mother has been killed; the baby is wandering around alone for an extended time, or is injured or obviously sick.

Cats should be kept indoors. Many species of wild birds are especially vulnerable in June and July. The domestic cat is not a natural predator of wild birds, and cats are a serious problem for songbirds whose numbers are already at historic lows – mainly due to habitat loss, pollution, pesticides, and other human impacts. Fledgling birds will soon be hopping around on the ground for days at a time while learning to fly. Rest assured, the parent is nearby and feeding the young bird. These are the most commonly “kidnapped” animals, as people expect birds to fly. If a nest is blown or knocked out of a tree, it can be placed back into a tree. If the nest has been destroyed, pre-fledgling birds can be put in a hanging basket (with drain holes) such as a margarine container, and hung on a nearby tree to allow the parent to continue to feed and care for the youngster. It is not true that the parent will abandon the young bird if it was touched by humans – most birds don’t have a good sense of smell.

In our area, raccoons give birth to their young in the spring and summer months, and they often nest in sheds and other buildings. At this time of year, people regularly (and often unknowingly) orphan baby raccoons when they relocate the parent. If a raccoon nest is discovered, if possible, it is best to wait a few weeks until the young are old enough to leave the nest. If you must remove the nest, leave the young raccoons in a box near the original nest. The mother will retrieve them herself. As a general rule, relocation is not a long-term solution, as another animal of the same species will take up residence in the territory.

Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre is a non-profit organization and a registered charity that provides veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to wild animals that are orphaned, sick, or injured, so that they may be returned to the wild. Wild at Heart also acts as a resource to the public to help find and promote humane solutions to conflicts with wild animals.

For more information, please call (705) 692-4478.

WILD AT HEART WILDLIFE REFUGE CENTRE

Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre is hosting its Annual General Meeting on Monday, April 7th beginning at 7 p.m. at Sixth Avenue Golf & Country Club (320 6th Avenue, Lively). The meeting is open to the public. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit wahrefugecentre.org.

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre is a non-profit organization and a registered charity that provides veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to wild animals that are orphaned, sick, or injured, so that they may be returned to the wild. The centre cares for approximately 500 animals per year – including songbirds, raptors, small and large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The centre has operated in partnership with the Walden Animal Hospital for over 25 years. Wild at Heart is expanding to build a new wildlife facility. The new facility will combine a public education centre and a wildlife treatment centre under the same roof. Wild at Heart also acts as a resource to the public to help find and promote humane solutions to conflicts with wild animals.

For more information, please call (705) 692-4478.

Wish List

Spring & summer are the busy seasons for wildlife rehabilitation, and we're making preparations for animal care. If you'd like to help us help animals in ways other than a donation of your time as a volunteer, or monetary gifts, donations of the following items are always needed and welcome.

Ideally, donations should be dropped off at the Walden Animal Hospital for Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre. Please click here for the hospital's hours of operation.

Please call prior to bringing larger items - (705) 692-7748.

Thank you for your support of Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre.

Click here to download a printer-friendly version of the wish list. (PDF - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

January 13, 2008

Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre Hosts...

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)

Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Course

April 5 & 6, 2008 in Sudbury

Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre is hosting an IWRC Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Course on April 5 and 6, 2008.

This is an introductory course for those interested in wildlife rehabilitation, as well as novice and/or experienced rehabilitators seeking formal education.

Topics include: basic anatomy and physiology, wildlife handling, thermoregulation, zoonoses, euthanasia, etc.

Delivery Methods: classroom setting with lectures and workshops

COST: $165 (includes a catered lunch both days – vegetarian options will be available.)

Click here to download a registration form to complete and enclose with payment.

For more information, contact Catherine at (705) 692-4478 or catherine@wahrefugecentre.org .

January 10, 2008

Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre Seeks Volunteers

Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre is currently seeking volunteers for animal care during the spring and summer of 2008. Orientation sessions will be held between January and March. Training is provided. Only ages 16+ may volunteer for animal care. Animal care will take place in Lively.

Click here for information on other volunteer opportunities with Wild at Heart Refuge Centre.

Please contact Catherine at 692-4778 or catherine@wahrefugecentre.org to sign up for an orientation session today!

2007

December 8, 2007:

GIFT IDEA! 2008 Wild at Heart Calendars: Now Available!

Wild at Heart is proud to announce the creation of its fundraising wall calendar for 2008. Filled with wonderful images taken by Wild at Heart volunteers and the stories of each animal featured (all of whom were treated at Wild at Heart), the calendar is beautiful and functional, but best of all, all proceeds will support Wild at Heart Refuge Centre. Perfect for the nature lover on your gift list! Supplies are limited. Get yours today!

Calendars are $20 each or 3 for $50. They are available at the following locations in Greater Sudbury or by mail order.

To order a copy by mail, please click here* to download a printable order form, or call (705) 692-4478. You may also contact Wild at Heart by e-mail: mail@wahrefugecentre.org. (*PDF requires Adobe Acrobat to view.)

A huge thank you to: the calendar's sponsor, Central Printers; graphic designer, Lisa Palfrey; all our photographers, and calendar sellers, and media outlets that have helped to promote the project.

Thumbnail sample of main photos...

March, 2007

Employment Opportunity: Coordinator

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre is a non-profit organization and registered charity which rehabilitates sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals so that they may return to the wild. Our mandate includes providing public educational and ecotourism opportunities related to wildlife. Our organization will develop and build a comprehensive new animal treatment and public education facility beginning in 2007. We are currently seeking a full- time Coordinator who has a passion for wildlife, and is an energetic, organized, self-starter for a rewarding career. This is a one-year contract with opportunity for renewal. Salary commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:

Answering to the Board of Directors, the Coordinator will work with established key volunteers to:

· Coordinate construction of the new facility

· Coordinate animal care operations

· Identify funding prospects, write grant and/or sponsorship proposals, and liaise with sponsors and donors

Qualifications:

· Excellent communication skills: written, oral, and presentation

· Strong project management and organizational skills

· Computer literate (Windows platform)

· Genuine interest in and knowledge of wildlife

· Post-secondary degree/diploma

· Fundraising experience an asset

· Bilingualism (French/English) an asset

· Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy

· Experience in not-for-profit environment an asset

Applications will be accepted by mail or e-mail until April 10, 2007.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone inquiries please.

Contact information:

Dr. Rod Jouppi, President, Board of Directors,

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre

P.O. Box 370, Lively, ON P3Y 1M4

rod@wahrefugecentre.org

February News & Notes...

Many thanks to Theatre Cambrian for inviting Wild at Heart to be a beneficiary of their February 18th performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS. The production was fantastic!! Such talent! Don't miss The King & I - running May 18 to 26, 2007 at Laurentian University's Fraser Auditorium.

Our 2007 wildlife calendar raised $7,000 for Wild at Heart! Thank you to Central Printers, and all the volunteers who helped to create it, and all those who purchased them! Watch for our 2008 calendar in the Fall of 2007!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2007

BENEFIT PERFORMANCE OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S HIT MUSICAL “CATS” TO RAISE FUNDS FOR WILD AT HEART

Sudbury – Wild at Heart Refuge Centre is pleased to announce a benefit performance of Theatre Cambrian’s production of CATS in support of Wild at Heart Refuge Centre. The benefit performance of CATS will be held on Sunday, February 18th at 8:00 p.m. at Sudbury Secondary School’s Sheridan Auditorium. General-admission tickets are $20 each and available at the Walden Animal Hospital (11 White Road, Lively) and Fashion Fair (Walden Plaza, Lively). Visit Wild at Heart’s website for more information wahrefugecentre.org, or call Wild at Heart at (705) 692-4478.

A true musical-theatre phenomenon, CATS opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. The success of CATS in London was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Wintergarden Theatre for over 18 years. Based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. The popular song, “Memory” was written for CATS.

“Wild at Heart is honoured to be chosen as a beneficiary of this performance of CATS. Theatre Cambrian’s work is wonderful!” said Lisa Koski, Wild at Heart Refuge Centre’s Fundraising Chair.

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre is a non-profit organization and a registered charity that provides veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to wild animals that are orphaned, sick, or injured, so that they may be returned to the wild. The centre cares for approximately 500 animals per year – including songbirds, raptors, small and large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Wild at Heart has operated in partnership with the Walden Animal Hospital for over 25 years. Wild at Heart recently announced plans to expand and to build a new wildlife facility in 2007.

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Media Contacts:

Johanne Jamieson Dr. Rod Jouppi

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre President, Wild at Heart Refuge Centre

(705) 692-4478 (705) 692-4478

johanne@wahrefugecentre.org rod@wahrefugecentre.org 

January, 2007

A Holiday Visit With Norman the Moose Calf

Many of you have asked about how Norman the moose calf (Wild at Heart’s Spokesmoose) is doing. We’re pleased to report that Wild at Heart volunteers Denis and Linda visited Norman on Christmas Eve at the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau (south of Parry Sound).

Norman now weighs between 450-500 lbs. He’s eating well; his dew laps are forming, and he’s enjoying his new home complete with 5-acres to roam, a hill with a view, and a water hole. He doesn’t have antlers yet, but the buds are there.

2006

December, 2006:

2007 Wild at Heart Wall Calendars! Only a few copies remain. Get yours today!

Calendar Sponsor:

December, 2006:

Wild at Heart is proud to announce the creation of a new fundraising calendar for 2007. Filled with wonderful images and the stories of each animal featured (all of whom were treated at Wild at Heart), the calendar is beautiful and functional, but best of all, all proceeds will support Wild at Heart Refuge Centre.

Calendars are $20 each or 3 for $50, and are now available at the following locations in the City of Greater Sudbury:

Lively:

South End:

New Sudbury:

Chelmsford:

You can also order by mail. To order a copy, please click here* to download a printable order form, or call (705) 692-4478. You may also contact Wild at Heart by e-mail: mail@wahrefugecentre.org. (*PDF requires Adobe Acrobat to view.)

A huge thank you to: the calendar's sponsor, Central Printers; graphic designer Lisa Palfrey; photographers Paul Smith and Gaetanne Gladu, and writer, Allison Muckle. Thank you!

Thumbnail sample of main photos...

Buy A Bale Campaign:

Wild at Heart is getting a new home! Because we have outgrown our current home within the Walden Animal Hospital, Wild at Heart will soon be constructing a brand new wildlife rehabilitation and education centre that will be open to the public! Our new wildlife centre will combine a public education centre and a wildlife treatment centre under the same roof!

Education Centre:

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre:

Our New Centre will be “Green”!

Wild at Heart is committed to protecting wildlife and the environment. Therefore, our new wildlife centre will be built using environmentally-friendly materials and methods, including:

Why Use Straw Bales?

How You Can Help:

Buy a Bale!

Wild at Heart needs help from people like you to build our new home! You can help by “buying a bale” of straw. This symbolic donation will be put towards the cost of our new facility.

We need 1,000 bales to get our building up, so spread the word!

Donors who “buy a bale” will receive:

Reasons to Buy a Bale:

How to Buy a Bale:

To participate, mail your contribution and a note indicating how to list your contribution on the plaque. (Eg. John & Jane Doe or In Loving Memory of John Doe). Please ensure that you include your return address and your e-mail address if you'd like to receive periodic updates about Wild at Heart.

Our mailing address is: Wild at Heart Refuge Centre, Box 370, Lively, ON P3Y 1M4

You may also Buy A Bale over the phone (Visa or MasterCard) by calling Johanne at 705.692.4478.

For more information about donating to Wild at Heart, please click here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2006

NEW WEB SITE FOR WILD AT HEART REFUGE CENTRE

wahrefugecentre.org

Lively, ON – As human populations in Northern Ontario continue to expand into wild spaces, more wild animals will be injured or orphaned as a result of human activity. The demand for wildlife rehabilitative services can only increase over the coming years. Wild at Heart Refuge Centre is the only wildlife rehabilitation facility in Northern Ontario, and it has a brand new Web site: wahrefugecentre.org.

Encountering a wild animal in distress is a stressful situation for both human and animal. Would you know what to do? “Wild at Heart’s Web site is a resource for the community in regard to wildlife issues,” said President, Dr. Rod Jouppi. “While spring and summer are our busiest seasons for animal rehabilitation, in fall and winter we’re concentrating on raising public awareness of wildlife issues that affect us here at home,” he added. The public is encouraged to visit the site wahrefugecentre.org to learn more.

Wild at Heart’s volunteers are willing to work with the public to find humane solutions to conflicts with wild animals. The site will be continually evolving to reflect the public’s needs.

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre is a non-profit organization and a registered charity that provides veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to wild animals that are orphaned, sick, or injured, so that they may be returned to the wild. The centre cares for approximately 500 animals per year – including songbirds, raptors, small and large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Wild at Heart has operated in partnership with the Walden Animal Hospital for over 25 years. Wild at Heart recently announced plans to expand and to build a new wildlife facility in 2007 with the financial assistance of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the community.

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October 1 – 7, 2006 is Animal Health Week

Media Contact: Dr. Rod Jouppi

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre

(705) 692-4478

rod@wahrefugecentre.org

Article from The Sudbury Star, "Critterfest Set To Go". Click here to download PDF. (2MB)

Wild at Heart Newsletter - Summer 2006 (Click here to download PDF.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 8, 2006

Teddy Bear Surgery and "Critterfest" to Benefit Wildlife Centre

Lively, ON - On Sunday, October 1st, 2006 the staff of the Walden Animal Hospital will be holding a “Teddy Bear Surgery” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit the Wild at Heart Refuge Centre . For a $2 donation, children can bring their teddy bears and other stuffed animals for treatment by Walden Animal Hospital staff. “Children can bring their plush animals to the reception desk, explain the ‘symptoms’ and assist with their animal’s surgery” says Allison Muckle, Wild at Heart Coordinator. All proceeds will support the care of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife at the Wild at Heart Refuge Centre.

The Teddy Bear Surgery is just one part of Critterfest 2006 , the annual joint open house of the Walden Animal Hospital and the Wild at Heart Refuge Centre . The event is in celebration of Animal Health Awareness Week. Critterfest will also feature tours of both facilities, a barbeque, yard sale, information booths and much more! Admission is free, and all are welcome. Critterfest will take place at the Walden Animal Hospital ( 11 White Road , Lively – near the intersection of Hwy 55 and 24) on Sunday, October 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wild at Heart is seeking donations of gently-used items to sell at the yard sale. If you would like to donate an item, please contact Gloria at gloria@wahrefugecentre.org .

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre is a non-profit organization and a registered charity that provides veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to wild animals that are orphaned, sick, or injured, so that they may be returned to the wild. It is the only facility of its kind in Northern Ontario. The centre cares for approximately 500 animals per year – including songbirds, raptors, small and large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Wild at Heart has operated in partnership with the Walden Animal Hospital for over 20 years.

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Contact:

Rod Jouppi

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre

(705) 692-4478

rod@wahrefugecentre.org

Article from Northern Life

Courtesy: http://northernlife.ca

Teddy bear surgery teaches kids about vet work

Date Published | September 28, 2006

By Heidi Ulrichsen

Kids will get a chance to learn what a veterinarian does during a “teddy bear surgery” event at the Walden Animal Hospital Oct. 1.
For a $2 donation, children can bring their teddy bears and other stuffed animals for treatment by the animal hospital's three veterinarians between 11 am and 1 pm.

“It's mostly to expose the children to the types of things that their pets might go through one day. It gives them a hands-on approach to surgical instruments and techniques,” says Dr. Andrea Danyluk, a veterinarian at the animal hospital.

“In my experience, the kids just eat it right up. They just make up the most wild stories about what's wrong with their animals and what might have happened to them, and why their arm is broken and why their eye has fallen off.”


The event is part of Critterfest 2006, which takes place between 10 am and 3 pm at the animal hospital, located on White St. in Lively. People can also enjoy a barbeque, yard sale, information fair and free tours of the adjoining Wild at Heart Refuge Centre. The event is being held in honour of Animal Health Week, which runs Oct. 1-7. Proceeds go towards food, supplies and building new animal enclosures for the non-profit refuge centre, which takes care of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Last year, the event raised about $2,500. Danyluk, who graduated last spring from the University of Guelph, says she got the idea from the school, which holds a yearly teddy bear surgery.

“We will use real suture. We'll probably use the anesthetic masks, with no drugs in them of course. The children's job will be to monitor the patient during the surgery. They'll be given a stethoscope and a gown and gloves,” she says. “They'll make sure that the patient is breathing and the heart is still beating, at least in their minds, while more skilled hands do the sutures or put on popsicle sticks for splints...The children are obviously only given things that won't hurt them.”

Wild at Heart Refuge Centre co-ordinator Allison Muckle hopes the open house will encourage citizens to bring wildlife in need of veterinary care to her staff.

People will only get to see a few wild animals during the tour of the facility, she says. “We won't have any animals that will be released back into the wild on the tour. It will just be animals that can't be released,” says Muckle. “It will be more a tour of the facility. We'll have stuffed animals in the cages, and we'll have the cages set up as if there's animals in them.” However, they will get to meet a baby raccoon named Scruff. The animal cannot be released back into the wild because he has developed cataracts and is almost blind. “We're hoping that we can keep him as an ambassador. Raccoons are an animal that people don't generally enjoy having that much around their house. He can hopefully help teach people what we can do to prevent these conflicts with raccoons and other animals,” she says.

“We live in Northern Ontario, and I think we're lucky to have wildlife at our doorstep. But it's a privilege that comes with some responsibility. We need to learn to co-exist with wildlife. I think a lot of people live here because they have an opportunity to see so much wildlife.”

The refuge centre will be expanding soon. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation gave the centre $165,300 last spring to construct better facilities.

The money will also be used to build an education centre where people can get a peek at the patients. The project is expected to be completed in October 2007.

For more information about CritterFest or the Wild at Heart Refuge Centre, phone 692-4478.

Article from Northern Life

Province provides aid to animal refuge

Date Published | June 27, 2006

Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci feeds a moose calf at the Wild at Heart Refuge Centre while talking to employee Sarah Moulaison. The centre is operated by veterinarian Dr. Rod Jouppi, three staff members and many volunteers.

Twenty-five years ago, Lively veterinarian Dr. Rod Jouppi treated his first wild animal, a rough-legged hawk.

“I probably did everything wrong. At that time there wasn’t much known, but I was successful,” he says.

“I released the hawk. He didn’t say thanks, he didn’t give me any money, but I think I got enough personal satisfaction to continue treating wildlife for the next 25 years.”

Jouppi’s passion for taking care of sick and injured wildlife has grown over the years, and led him to found the Wild at Heart Refuge Centre.

The back of his animal clinic has become overrun with cages holding everything from injured birds to baby raccoons. There’s even two baby moose - Norm and Cliff – who live in a large cage in the backyard.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation gave Jouppi $165,300 Tuesday to construct better facilities for the 400 animals he cares for each year. The money will also be used to build an education centre where people can get a peek at the patients. The project is expected to be completed in October 2007.

Jouppi donated two acres of his own land to build a 2,400 square foot building, which will hold an intensive care and surgery unit, as well as the education centre.

The vet will work with local school boards and post-secondary institutions to develop educational programs for students.

“There will be a lot of one-way glass and video systems so that we can actually educate people without distressing the wildlife,” he says.

“Along with that, we’re going to have an outdoor area where we’re going to have avaries, small enclosures and a large flight pen about 100 feet long so that eagles and hawks can go through rehabilitation and learn how to fly again.”

If he manages to get more funding, Jouppi will build a large pen for deer, moose and elk where they can browse in a natural setting.

Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, who made the funding announcement, remembers bringing injured and orphaned wild animals to Jouppi when he was a teacher at a nearby school. The vet never charged the school for his services, says Bartolucci.

“He said we need to foster a love of animals, and if we foster a love of animals, we foster respect for animals,” says the MPP.

“I think this is the example everyone should live by when it comes to the care, concern for and treatment of animals.”

The animals at the Wild at Heart Refuge Centre are cared for 24 hours a day by Jouppi, three staff members and about 30 volunteers.

Before Norm the moose was joined by Cliff, volunteers slept with him in his cage at night so he wouldn’t get lonely.

University of Guelph wildlife biology student Sarah Moulaison has worked at the refuge centre for the last few summers. She’s excited about the construction project.

“We can have habitats that are clos er to what they have in the wild, and it will be easier for us to work in.”

Funding for young northerners who wish to remain in Northern Ontario while completing their internships and work placements was made at another funding announcement attended by Bartolucci Tuesday.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is investing $1.6 million for 94 internships and work placements.

Adam Malolepsky, who completed an internship with the Regional Business Centre and who has now been hired as a full-time account manager with Atlas Copco, is grateful for the skills and experience he’s gained through his placement.

“I think it’s great that full-time employment is made available here in the north,” said Malolepsky.

News Release

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

June 27, 2006 - 109

Wild At Heart Refuge Takes Flight - #40098

Investment Will Promote Public Education and Wildlife Preservation

SUDBURY – Both wildlife and people will benefit from the Wild at Heart Wildlife Refuge Centre being developed with the help of an Ontario government investment, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“We’re proud to help northerners who have a vested interest in preserving and protecting our wild creatures,” said Bartolucci, who is also chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). “That’s why we’re investing in this facility which will blend care and rehabilitation of wild life with a unique program of public education that will attract both local residents and tourists.”

The NOHFC will invest $165,300 towards the construction of a new wildlife rehabilitation facility on a site adjacent to the Walden Animal Clinic, a unique facility in Greater Sudbury that treats about 400 animals annually. The centre will provide care and rehabilitation for rescued wildlife as well as a program of public education and opportunities for viewing wildlife in a natural setting.

“Our government is committed to helping northern communities develop exceptional enterprises that will foster economic growth and prosperity,” said Bartolucci. “We are working with northerners to create a stronger, more prosperous North.”

Other McGuinty government initiatives for northerners include:

• Opening the first Northern Ontario School of Medicine, to help alleviate the doctors shortage;

• Investing $1.8 billion over five years in the expansion and rehabilitation of northern highway;

• Launching Ontario’s first biodiversity strategy to protect the province’s plants and wildlife and the habitats that support them;

• Investing in northern health care, including $25 million to reduce wait times in the North, $6.6 million for telemedicine, and major hospital expansions and improvements across the North.

These initiatives are part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. The Northern Prosperity Plan has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau

Minister’s Office – Sudbury

(705) 564-7454

Michel Lavoie

MNDM/NOHFC – Sudbury

(705) 564-7125

www.nohfc.com 

www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca 

Source: http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/MNDM/pub/newrel/NRView.asp?NRNUM=109&NRYear=2006&NRLAN=EN&NRID=3971 

Article from The Sudbury Star - Monday, September 05, 2005

Reprinted with permission.


Veterinarian Rod Jouppi, well known for his caring of injured wild animals through his Walden Animal Hospital, is expanding that work through a not-for-profit wildlife refuge, Wild at Heart.

Over the last year Jouppi and a group of tireless volunteers have cared for an estimated 400 animals — everything from birds and raccoons to bear cubs and even a baby moose.

The centre is equipped for various medical procedures, including suturing, cleaning, setting broken bones and surgery. The goal is to nurture injured or orphaned wildlife and return them to their natural habitat.

Jouppi has frequently been invited to talk to students in their classrooms about the centre, what it does, and the animals it cares for. But he has plans to take the work of the centre and its volunteer core much further. For starters, the centre has recently become recognized as a charitable organization. That, Jouppi hopes, will allow it to secure government funding and donations in order to build an accessible facility that would accommodate more animals and more visitors.

He already has plans for a new building to be located next door to the Walden Animal Hospital. The new facility could accommodate and care for as many as 1,000 animals a year. Plans call for the new centre to be equipped with one-way mirrors and video systems so visitors can learn about the animals without disturbing their care or routines.

Over the years, Jouppi, through his work, has become known to a great many people and organizations. As a result a number of relationships have been made, and he wants to build on those relationships for the benefit of the animals in his care and the community as a whole.
Science North, for example, already refers many people to the refuge centre when an animal is in need.

But a stronger link between Jouppi’s wildlife centre and Science North is possible and desirable. The two facilities have much in common. Both provide an educational experience to visitors, and both have the capacity to pull in more tourists to the city. Furthermore, both are part of a growing ecotourism industry in the North.

As Jouppi points out, visitors to Science North are introduced to the wild animals there, and they can in turn visit wild at heart and learn more about how animals live in the wild and how they are cared for when human intervention is needed. It’s a venture worthy of community support. The benefits to the animals are obvious. The economic and educational benefits to the community should be just as obvious.

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