Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary has been caring for wildlife for almost 50 years. It started as the passion of one woman – Audrey Tourney – a high school teacher from Parry Sound, Ontario who was well known for her love of animals. Since she first took in an orphaned raccoon, Audrey nursed many more animals back to health as they were brought to her doorstep in increasing numbers over the years. Today, her legacy has been expanded upon by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers.
Located on 460 acres of pristine habitat in Rosseau, Ontario, Aspen Valley’s primary goal is to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. Once rehabilitated, these animals are released back into the wild to give them a second chance. This year, the Sanctuary has taken in over 1000 animals – many orphaned and in need of around-the-clock care and feeding.
Aspen Valley’s year-round staff consists of 3 full-time and 3 part-time employees. “It’s a small team with a big task – one that requires a lot of heart and a great deal of support from the community,” said Executive Director, Linda Glimps.
Well over 100 volunteers work alongside its skeleton staff each year. In the summer months, when animal admissions are at their highest, 16 full-time volunteers live at the Sanctuary for a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks. Many of these volunteers come from around the world and are responsible to fund their own transportation to Canada. Part-time volunteers from the local community selflessly give the gift of their time to help with an endless variety of tasks. There are many full-time, part-time, or project-based volunteer opportunities available each year.
While Aspen Valley is not open to the public, reservations can be made in advance at www.aspenvalley.ca to experience a guided tour. These tours are a unique opportunity to see the Sanctuary’s permanent residents, hear their stories, and learn how to live in harmony with wildlife.
Aspen Valley has moose, coyotes, bears, and a wolf pack in residence, to name a few of the animals you may meet on any given day. Sadly, the majority of these animals came to Aspen Valley as a direct result of human interference. Many were born or raised in captivity and were later seized by authorities who then approached Aspen Valley to provide them with forever homes. Animals in rehabilitation are not a part of these tours. In addition, Aspen Valley does not buy, breed, or sell wildlife.
Many individuals have unknowingly made poor choices when it comes to interacting with wildlife and would have acted differently if they only knew what to do. Whether the situation is an animal in distress, or the animal is orphaned, injured, or considered a nuisance, concerned citizens are encouraged to contact 705-644-4122 for expert wildlife advice. Information on “Living with Wildlife” can be found at www.aspenvalley.ca under educational resources.
As a not-for-profit with no government funding, the work at Aspen Valley would not be possible without the generosity of the public for support. Typically, it costs $40 to $125 a week to feed each animal in their care, with some species, including moose and beavers, remaining at the Sanctuary for one to two years before they are ready to be released.
Please consider a gift to Aspen Valley. Visit www.aspenvalley.ca to discover ways to support the animals. If you are interested in unique opportunities to create a powerful philanthropic legacy, please call Linda Glimps at 705-732-6368. Linda will work with you to help make a direct impact on a native animal species in a way that is important to you and your family.
