Owls, hawks, falcons, eagles and ospreys are now reaping the rewards of the new Raptor Roundhouse at Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Pefferlaw.
After five years of planning, delays, and material shortages, the 4,000-square-foot Raptor Roundhouse is now up and running, a news release said.
The outer ring of the roundhouse provides these raptors a circular flight path for them to build stamina. After an injury or illness, it’s essential these birds receive pre-release conditioning, which works on their strength, stamina, and agility.
The inner ring consists of large enclosures for birds who’ve overcome their traumas/illnesses, but are not ready for sustained flight. Here they can continue to heal, gain weight, and regain their confidence in a quiet and calming environment.
All wild animals who are brought to wildlife care centres due to injuries or sickness suffer from stress. Some species are more prone than others, and stress can literally kill. Having this roundhouse on site means the raptors in care at Shades of Hope do not have to be transported to another facility to finish their rehabilitation, which gives them a better chance for recovery and release back into the wild.
Shades of Hope thanks the people that made this building feasible: Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation; Kathie Braid; First International Courier; George Gibbons; Erika Heller Foundation; KR Hickling; Jane Richardson; Sally Setchell; Joe Toby and Family; and Walker Wood Foundation.
In 2024, Shades of Hope admitted more than 6,400 orphaned, injured, and sick wild animals. More than 100 of these intakes were raptors.
Shades of Hope is a registered charity dedicated to providing veterinary care, proper nourishment, and a safe environment for orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife to heal and thrive so that they can return to their natural habitats.
Shades of Hope operates entirely on donations. More information about the refuge can be found at www.shadesofhope.ca.