Dr. Sherri Cox
Comments by Heather Woodley
Did you know that there is a National Wildlife Centre in Caledon? At the March Probus meeting Dr. Sherri Cox told us of the founding of this centre ten years ago. Dr Cox, a wildlife veterinarian, is the founder of the NWC. At a small field hospital on highway #124 Dr. Cox and other wildlife veterinarians seek to save wildlife that are sick, injured, or orphaned. They have performed surgery on birds that have swallowed fish with hooks in them, animals that have been shot with arrows or bullets, and animals that have been hit by vehicles. The animals are treated, rehabilitated and then released into the wild.
The NWC works closely with other rehabilitators such as the Ministry of Natural Resources to relocate animals such as moose that in their search for food have wandered into community neighbourhoods. The goal of the the team at NWC is to train other veterinarians all across Canada so that they can then go on and teach others. On a recent Zoom call 185 veterinarians participated.
Dr. Cox reminded the audience of the importance of keeping pet cats from killing birds as 25 million birds are killed annually by cats. She also mentioned that if we see a dead turtle on the side of the road we should take it to the field hospital where if the turtle is female the eggs can be harvested. All of the eight turtle species in Ontario are endangered! Also if we are hiking and see a fawn, do not assume it has been abandoned by the mother. She will be nearby. Only intervene if the animal is injured or bawling.
The National Wildlife Centre is funded by government grants and private donations as there is no government funding.
The National Wildlife Centre is located at:
Box 192, Caledon East, L7C3L9
If you are a hiker please add this phone number to your contact list in the event that you should see a wild animal in need of assistance: 416-795-5334