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Patient Success Stories

Preserving the legacy of wildlife

By rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife.
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animals admitted into care since our founding, representing 250 Alberta species

Our actions impact the environment and its wildlife. Our province is home to 587 wildlife species — one of the most diverse areas in the world. Wildlife health is an important indicator to the health of our environment. 

95% of animals admitted to AIWC’s care are injured or orphaned due to human activity. Wildlife is critical to our survival, and with your support, we are working to ensure future generations can enjoy the animals that call our province home.

Patient Success Stories

2024 Patients

great horned owl 23-1592

This feisty great horned owl was admitted October 20, 2023 with soft tissue injuries from being tightly tangled in string, and then caught on a barbed wire fence. Early treatment included removing the string, following by cleaning and bandaging the wounds.

Although he showed early signs of progress, with most of the injuries healing, one large wound remained that eventually required suturing.

This owl’s intense personality made it an extra challenge to reapply bandages and clean the incision. As is the case with many wild animal patients, the stress of handling can lead to some feather damage, and this patient’s tail required imping: the replacement of broken feathers with healthy donor feathers.

Even so, the clinic team (and the owl) persevered, and after nearly 80 days in care, the wound had finally healed. Great horned owl 23–1592 was released on January 7, 2024.

Swainson's Hawk 23-1476

Swainson’s hawk 23-1476 came to us in September with a ruptured and infected crop. This muscular, pouch-like organ stores food before it’s passed to the stomach. 

After surgery, bandages, and lots of cleaning, this hawk slowly but surely recovered well enough to be moved to an outdoor pre-release enclosure. There, they began eating on their own and maintained good weight.

As migration for his species was already in full swing, it was important for this patient to be released ASAP. After nearly 50 days in our care, Swainson’s hawk 23-1476 was returned to the wild! 

2023 Patients

American black bear triplets

These nine week-old black bear siblings came to AIWC on March 19, 2023 after their den site was disturbed and their mother was scared away. Over the next eight months the trio packed on the pounds, and — just before our first dump of snow — they were ready. After some pre-release exams, the cubs were driven near where they were originally found and returned to the wild on October 18, 2023.

We’re happy to report the cubs have all denned down for their winter sleep, and we wish them well on each of their wild bear journeys.

Swainson's Hawk 23-1476

Swainson’s hawk 23-1476 came to us in September with a ruptured and infected crop. This muscular, pouch-like organ stores food before it’s passed to the stomach. 

After surgery, bandages, and lots of cleaning, this hawk slowly but surely recovered well enough to be moved to an outdoor pre-release enclosure. There, they began eating on their own and maintained good weight.

As migration for his species was already in full swing, it was important for this patient to be released ASAP. After nearly 50 days in our care, Swainson’s hawk 23-1476 was returned to the wild! 

Great Horned Owl 23-1531

This tenacious great horned owl stunned our team with his recovery, as he came to the clinic, unable to fly or stand on his own due to spinal trauma.

Initial treatment involved fluids medication and rest. Two weeks after intake he began feeding on his own, and a few days later, it came time to stretch his wings again. Flights started out short but vigorous, and the team noticed his left wing drooping, possibly as the result of overexertion.

But, a few days of rest later and he was fully flying and ready to be returned to the wild. Great horned owl 23-1531 was happily released on October 21, 2023.

Pine Grosbeak 23-1603

This immature male pine grosbeak arrived after striking a window in the town of Balzac.

Pine grosbeaks rear their young high in the Rockies, but come down to prairie towns during winter to frequent birdfeeders. That means, individuals less than a year old don’t encounter many human-made structures until their first descent down the mountains.

Luckily, this young male bounced back quickly, and was released on October 29,  2023, just three days after intake.

Common loon 23-1611

Common loon 23-1611 arrived at AIWC on October 27, 2023 dehydrated and trapped on dry land. Loons can only take off on open water, and are at risk of stranding during a sudden freeze, as suspected with this patient.

After receiving fluids and a few days rest, common loon 23-1611 was released to Glenmore Reservoir three days after intake on October 30, 2023.

Western Grebe 23-1573

Western grebe 23-1573 was admitted on October 8, 2023 with a fractured left wing, an injury that takes a significant time to heal.

Western grebes are among several diving bird species that often refuse to eat in care, which required our clinic team to force-feed this patient during the healing process. While this isn’t ideal, force-feeding can prevent weight loss during care.

Thankfully, western grebe 23-1573 healed well enough to be released thirty-three days after intake on November 10, 2023.