Critter Care Wildlife Society needs game meat 鈥� deer, elk, moose, duck, quail, and others.
"Unfortunately, our freezer is almost empty and our wild predators urgently need food," the society announced in its most recent newsletter. "We鈥檙e in serious need of game meat to feed animals like bobcats currently in our care."
The society is also asking people to check in with their friends who may have game meat to donate.
The animals being raised and rehabilitated at the South 91原创 centre have specific dietary requirements:
鈥� Game meat such as elk, deer, or moose
鈥� Large, unseasoned chunks of red meat
鈥� Steaks or roasts (not ground)
The centre can also take lamb, quail, or other game birds such as duck or grouse.
Rod Janz, responsible for donor engagement and communications, explained why the animals need game. He points to the bobcats being rehabilitated at the centre. They share a trait with their domesticated cousins, housecats.
"They're finicky and they seem to know the difference," he said. "And they just like game meat more."
But the animals can't eat domesticated meats, including pork, chicken, turkey, fish, ground meat, or seasoned meat.
Janz said it's always a good idea to contact the centre to ensure the meat is appropriate. People with game meat to donate will be asked to bring it to the centre at 481 216 St. It is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Any questions about meat donations can be emailed to crittercare7@shaw.ca.
"We鈥檙e unable to pick up donations, so we鈥檙e especially thankful when you bring them in person," the website said.
Food is one of the biggest costs for the non-profit. The specialized formula for some of the baby animals costs $3,000 to $5,000 each month, Janz said.
The wildlife rehab facility is also running a 50/50 draw to raise funds for animal care. The provincial gaming licence allows it to go as high as $200,000.
"Every spring, our nursery fills with baby bear cubs, otters and beavers, raccoons, fawns, and more 鈥� all needing round-the-clock care," according to the society
The 50/50 runs from April 15 to May 30 with the winner being chosen May 31.
The society specializes in the treatment and care of sick, injured, and orphaned native mammal species of British Columbia鈥檚 Southern and Lower Mainland with as many released back into the wild as possible. It is one of three bear rehab centres in province and the only mammal care facility.
It receives no government funding. The society relies on public support and grants to do its work.
"We're coming into busy season," Janz noted.
In February, the centre had 80 animals in its care. That balloons in spring and summer.
"Last summer we had 300 animals in care over the summer," he said.
