Manitoba Gives $650K to Wildlife Haven for Injured Animals

When Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre opened its doors in 1984, staff cared for about 200 animals each year. Today, that number has soared past 2,000, and help has finally arrived to meet the growing need.

The Manitoba government just announced $650,000 in funding to expand the centre's capacity to rescue injured and orphaned wildlife. Over nearly four decades, the facility has cared for more than 55,000 animals.

"These upgrades to the centre will help support long-term sustainability and our shared stewardship of Manitoba's wildlife," Premier Wab Kinew said. The investment will pay for crucial infrastructure improvements that ensure the centre can handle increasing demand.

Executive Director Zoé Nakata says the funding marks an exciting turning point. "We're excited for the first step in working with the Manitoba government to continue protecting the wild animals of our beautiful province," she said.

The Ripple Effect

The centre's work extends beyond immediate animal care. Staff collaborate with Indigenous communities to incorporate traditional knowledge into wildlife rehabilitation and release practices, creating a more holistic approach to conservation.

The timing couldn't be better. As environmental pressures on wildlife intensify across the province, having robust rehabilitation infrastructure becomes increasingly vital for protecting Manitoba's biodiversity.

The province also announced a separate $5 million investment in Assiniboine Park Zoo for animal health care improvements. Together, these investments signal a broader commitment to wildlife protection across Manitoba.

For the thousands of animals that will pass through Wildlife Haven's doors in coming years, this funding means a better chance at recovery and return to the wild.