Nestled outside of Newmarket, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge stands as a sanctuary for injured, orphaned and sick indigenous animals.
With a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release native wildlife, the refuge has become a beacon of hope for animals in need and the people who care for them.
Founded by Gail Lenters in 2013, Shades of Hope has grown into a vital resource for the community, providing compassionate care to thousands of animals each year.
From tiny songbirds to majestic raptors and timid fawns, the refuge opens its doors to a wide array of species.
Most notably they've recently opened their Raptor Roundhouse that will play a crucial role in rehabilitating Ontario’s sick, injured and orphaned birds of prey.
“We don’t have a designated region—we take in wildlife from all over, including Sudbury, Timiskaming, the GTA, and even Hamilton and St. Catharines when other rehab centres can’t accept them,” Lenters explained.
The goal is always to return animals to their natural habitat, which sometimes means coordinating their return to the exact region they came from.
Every animal that comes through the doors has a story.
Whether they’ve been injured by human activity or separated from their parents, the team does everything possible to give them a second chance.
Lenters describes their efforts, saying, “We work with municipalities and the public to assess injured or orphaned animals. If they need care, we provide full medical assessments, treatment plans and feeding programs to prepare them for release.”
Shades of Hope is not only a rehabilitation centre but also an CVO-certified veterinary hospital, specializing exclusively in the care of indigenous wildlife.
“Success isn’t just about releases—it’s also about relieving suffering,” Lenters noted. “Some animals arrive with severe injuries and in those cases, a peaceful passing is the most humane outcome.”
The dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure each animal receives specialized care.
Around-the-clock feeding, medical treatment and careful monitoring are all part of the process.
For some animals, the road to recovery can be long, but the reward of seeing them return to the wild makes every effort worthwhile. “Our goal is always to get them back into the wild,” Lenters emphasized.
Shades of Hope is open for wildlife intake seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with phone support available until 8 p.m.
“Our staff often works beyond those hours to ensure animals receive the care they need,” Lenters said.
Their passion and dedication are evident in the long hours they put in, driven by their love for the animals.
Beyond their rehabilitation efforts, Shades of Hope also plays an essential role in educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Lenters reminds people to stay mindful of the creatures they share their environment with. “Wildlife is just as excited about spring as we are. When cleaning sheds, raking lawns, or moving boats, always check for nests before disturbing an area.”
The refuge also fosters the next generation of wildlife caretakers through its internship program.
“We run a summer internship program for university students in pre-vet, biology, and conservation fields, providing hands-on experience in wildlife care,” Lenters shared.
These experiences offer invaluable training for students who are passionate about animal welfare and conservation.
Shades of Hope relies heavily on donations and volunteers to continue their lifesaving work.
“As a non-profit, we rely entirely on donations. People can contribute by purchasing from our wishlist, donating, or even organizing third-party fundraising events,” Lenters said.
Support from the community ensures they have the necessary supplies to care for the animals, and every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
To learn more about Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, volunteer opportunities, or how to contribute, visit their website at www.shadesofhope.ca.
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