brainspace SUMMER 2019 23Fundraising the $300,000 they need each year, says Gail,
“is my job.” She has said the words “my job” a lot, I realize.
Cutting the truckloads of branches for the deer to browse
is her job. Figuring out where to release the animals is her
job. Handling phone calls is shared with just three other
people. She must never stop, I think. When she adds that
she has a full-time job in Toronto, my jaw drops. “How is
that possible?”
She shrugs. “I have to,” she says. This whole sanctuary
is built on her property, and is her dream. “I saw the
need, I had the space, and I wanted to do something to
help,” she says simply. “This is what I can do.” Shades of
Hope opened just six years ago, with one small building.
Now they treat 4,000 animals a year. It’s an amazing
accomplishment, but also sad proof of how big a problem
this is. So many animals are harmed by human buildings,
cars, and pets. The lucky ones who end up at Shades of
Hope get a second chance.
HELP YOUR LOCAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
If you have a wildlife refuge near you, you
might want to help by:- collecting towels, polar fleece blankets, and
cleaning supplies like paper towels, javex,
and unscented laundry detergent to donate - go foraging as a class for “wild” animal
foods: pine cones, acorns and chestnuts
that can be stored and used for feed - hold a fund-raising activity and donate the
money
h
elp
If you find a injured
bird or animal
Safety first! Wild animals in pain are terrified of
humans and can bite or scratch. Get a grownup
to help. If you can cover the animal’s head with
a towel or jacket, that will calm it down. Gently
place an injured bird in a box with a towel at
the bottom and air holes poked in the sides and
top. Then phone a wildlife rehab for advice.
If you find a baby animal
Don’t jump to the conclusion that the baby
needs rescuing. Mom is likely not far off.
People often come across bunny nests – do not
touch! Baby bunnies have no scent so they are
“hidden in plain sight.” Mom will return to feed
them. If you’ve accidentally exposed them, you
can turn a wheelbarrow over the nest so Mom
can get in but adog can’t. Baby deer are also
“stashed” on their own while Mom forages. If
in doubt, call a refuge for advice.
If you find a baby bird
No feathers: If you find a baby bird on the
ground that is still mostly fluffy, put it back in
the nest if you can. If not, you can make a fake
nest out of a basket or margarine container
with holes punched in the bottom. Line it with
twigs and grass and fasten it to a tree as close to
the original nest as possible. The parents will
continue caring for the baby.
With feathers: Fledglings leave the nest
before they can fly and spend several days on
the ground. This is normal. Unless they are
injured, they don’t need help. The parents will
keep feeding them.