TRURO, N.S. — Caring for injured eagles and homeless cats has become more difficult than ever since COVID-19 changed the world. Fundraisers have been cancelled and there are restrictions for staff and volunteers, but suffering animals still need help.
“We have 10 eagles, four owls and five merlins we’re caring for now,” said Brenda Boates, operations manager at the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (CWRC). “April is baby season and we always get a lot of young animals then, but the bulk of our volunteers are students who have to go home because they can’t stay in the dorms.”
To minimize the risk of disease, no new volunteers are being taken into the facility and donations of supplies cannot be accepted.
“We had to cancel fundraisers, including our spring baby shower – which was one of the biggest,” said Boates. “We’re still getting some things from our Amazon wish list, which is a big help.”
The list is being regularly updated.
“We’re pretty good for non-food supplies at this time but going into baby season we’re concerned about maintaining stock,” said Dr. Jessica Rock, a veterinarian who volunteers at the CWRC. “If people are able to provide something through the Amazon list, or send a donation, every little bit helps a lot during baby season.”
The centre is still accepting wildlife in need of help. However, they ask that anyone bringing an animal call them ahead of time so arrangements can be made for the handover to be done with minimal contact.
The SPCA has also taken steps to keep people and animals safe. Anyone interested in adoption must call ahead to arrange a time to visit the shelter; volunteers are no longer going in
during the day and donations of supplies can no longer be accepted.
“We’re a large organization that cares for a lot of animals and we don’t have the option to close,” said Sandra Flemming, provincial director of animal care for the SPCA. “We take in 6,000 animals per year. They need help regardless but we’re mitigating the risk to staff as much as we can.”
The SPCA’s financial situation is also affected by the cancellation of fundraising events and an uncertain financial climate, so any monetary donations are greatly appreciated.
“Adoptions are down as well,” said Flemming. “It would be nice to get the cats currently in shelters homes before kitten season is here.”
She feels, with people home much of the time now, it could be an ideal time to fit a new pet into the family.
Carma Cat Rescue Maritimes, which focuses on helping feral cats, is limiting its programs for now and will only respond to emergency cases.
Rock points out that people can help by sharing posts from animal rescues on social media
“It goes a long way to getting the word out and reaching more people who might be able to help,” she said.
“With so many people home now, the centre’s webcams can provide entertainment and a way to teach children about eagles.”
Most of the eagles at the centre are recovering from lead poisoning.
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