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{{Article for deletion/dated|page=OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society|timestamp=20240702195725|year=2024|month=July|day=2|substed=yes|help=off}}
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| founding_location = 3800-72nd Street, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| founding_location = 3800-72nd Street, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| type = [[Non-profit organization]]
| type = [[Non-profit organization]]
| registration_id = 119075026RR0001 <ref>{{cite web |last1=Canada Revenue Agency |title=OWL (ORPHANED WILDLIFE) REHABILITATION SOCIETY — Quick View |url=https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyRprtngPrd?q.srchNmFltr=Orphaned+Wildlife+Rehabilitation+Society&q.stts=0007&selectedCharityBn=119075026RR0001&dsrdPg=1 |website=Government of Canada |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref>
| registration_id = 119075026RR0001<ref>{{cite web |last1=Canada Revenue Agency |title=OWL (ORPHANED WILDLIFE) REHABILITATION SOCIETY — Quick View |url=https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyRprtngPrd?q.srchNmFltr=Orphaned+Wildlife+Rehabilitation+Society&q.stts=0007&selectedCharityBn=119075026RR0001&dsrdPg=1 |website=Government of Canada |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref>
| status = charity
| status = charity
| purpose = Animal rescue, rehabilitation, welfare, education
| purpose = Animal rescue, rehabilitation, welfare, education
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}}
}}


The '''OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society''' is a wildlife rescue and [[raptor rehabilitation]] centre permitted to care for sick, injured, and orphaned [[Bird of prey|birds of prey]] which includes [[eagle]]s, [[falcon]]s, [[hawk]]s, [[osprey]]s, [[owl]]s, and [[vulture]]s.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Grace |title=Helping birds a passion for staff at Delta's OWL rehabilitation centre |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/community/helping-birds-a-passion-for-staff-at-deltas-owl-rehabilitation-centre-2700407 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=September 7, 2018}}</ref><ref name="auto5">{{cite journal |last1=Ludwig |first1=Michaela |title=Spotlight: OWL Rehabilitation Society |journal=British Columbia Magazine |date=March 23, 2019 |url=https://www.bcmag.ca/spotlight-owl-rehabilitation-society/ |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> OWL is located in [[Delta, British Columbia]], [[Canada]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=Raptor meet-and-greet returns with OWL open house |url=https://www.peacearchnews.com/community/fundraiser-is-societys-first-since-pandemic-declared-2878636 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Peace Arch News |date=April 9, 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/>
The '''OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society''' is a wildlife rescue and [[raptor rehabilitation]] centre permitted to care for sick, injured, and orphaned [[Bird of prey|birds of prey]] which includes [[eagle]]s, [[falcon]]s, [[hawk]]s, [[osprey]]s, [[owl]]s, and [[vulture]]s.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Grace |title=Helping birds a passion for staff at Delta's OWL rehabilitation centre |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/community/helping-birds-a-passion-for-staff-at-deltas-owl-rehabilitation-centre-2700407 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=September 7, 2018}}</ref><ref name="auto5">{{cite journal |last1=Ludwig |first1=Michaela |title=Spotlight: OWL Rehabilitation Society |journal=British Columbia Magazine |date=March 23, 2019 |url=https://www.bcmag.ca/spotlight-owl-rehabilitation-society/ |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> OWL is located in [[Delta, British Columbia]], Canada.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=Raptor meet-and-greet returns with OWL open house |url=https://www.peacearchnews.com/community/fundraiser-is-societys-first-since-pandemic-declared-2878636 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Peace Arch News |date=April 9, 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/>


== History ==
== History ==
OWL was founded in 1984 in response to growing needs to help with the care and rehabilitation of raptors. Originally operating out of a small home in Surrey, British Columbia, OWL relocated to its current location at 3800-72nd Street in Delta in 1985.<ref>{{cite journal |title=O.W.L.(Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society v. Beverly Day |journal=Supreme Court of British Columbia |date=October 9, 2018 |volume=2018 BCSC 1724 |url=https://www.bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/sc/18/17/2018BCSC1724.htm |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/>
OWL was founded in 1984 in response to growing needs to help with the care and rehabilitation of raptors. Originally operating out of a small home in Surrey, British Columbia, OWL relocated to its current location at 3800-72nd Street in Delta in 1985.<ref>{{cite journal |title=O.W.L.(Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society v. Beverly Day |journal=Supreme Court of British Columbia |date=October 9, 2018 |volume=2018 BCSC 1724 |url=https://www.bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/sc/18/17/2018BCSC1724.htm |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/><ref name="auto1">{{cite news |last1=Pedersen |first1=Rick |title=Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (O.W.L.) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udDRNwaOFU |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Goes To 11 Media |date=2019}}</ref>
OWL has been in operation for over thirty-five years.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news |last1=Pedersen |first1=Rick |title=Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (O.W.L.) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udDRNwaOFU |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Goes To 11 Media |date=2019}}</ref>


== Activities ==
== Activities ==
OWL is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of raptors only. They mitigate and respond to wildlife emergencies including weather events such as [[Heat wave|heatwaves]],<ref name="auto3">{{cite news |last1=Penaloza |first1=Dani |title=Heat wave leads to record numbers for Delta's OWL Society |url=https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/bc-news/heat-wave-leads-to-record-numbers-for-deltas-owl-society-3932146 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Vancouver Is Awesome |date=July 6, 2021}}</ref> cold snaps, and [[wildfires]], often ending up with over seven hundred raptors in care in a year.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |last1=Booth |first1=Mark |title=More respect for wildlife would mean less work for OWL |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/local-news/more-respect-for-wildlife-would-mean-less-work-for-owl-3462152 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=March 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pawson |first1=Chad |title=Delta rehabilitation centre sees dramatic rise in bird rescues |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/delta-rehabilitation-centre-early-start-to-bird-rescue-season-1.3550622 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=CBC News |date=April 23, 2016}}</ref>
OWL is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of raptors only. They mitigate and respond to wildlife emergencies including weather events such as [[Heat wave|heatwaves]],<ref name="auto3">{{cite news |last1=Penaloza |first1=Dani |title=Heat wave leads to record numbers for Delta's OWL Society |url=https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/bc-news/heat-wave-leads-to-record-numbers-for-deltas-owl-society-3932146 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Vancouver Is Awesome |date=July 6, 2021}}</ref> cold snaps, and [[wildfires]], often ending up with over seven hundred raptors in care in a year.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |last1=Booth |first1=Mark |title=More respect for wildlife would mean less work for OWL |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/local-news/more-respect-for-wildlife-would-mean-less-work-for-owl-3462152 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=March 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pawson |first1=Chad |title=Delta rehabilitation centre sees dramatic rise in bird rescues |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/delta-rehabilitation-centre-early-start-to-bird-rescue-season-1.3550622 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=CBC News |date=April 23, 2016}}</ref> The birds come from all over the province of British Columbia, with the majority coming from the Lower Mainland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Grace |title=Delta raptor rehabilitation society opens for its annual open house |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/news/delta-raptor-rehabilitation-society-opens-for-its-annual-open-house-2687477 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=May 4, 2017}}</ref> On occasion, birds come from neighbouring provinces and the United States of America requiring different permits.<ref name="auto"/> They are transported to OWL by a network of volunteers including trucking companies, airlines, community groups and others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Community Involvement, OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehab |url=https://huffanimalhospital.com/community.html |website=Huff Animal Hospital |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto7">{{cite news |last1=Peebles |first1=Frank |title=Free as an eagle in Quesnel skies |url=https://www.wltribune.com/local-news/free-as-an-eagle-in-quesnel-skies-7347667 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Williams Lake Tribune |date=April 20, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Love has Wings: O.W.L. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngAyBN-hDKw |website=Pacific Coastal Airlines | date=24 February 2017 |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref>


⚫
=== Wildlife hospital ===
The birds come from all over the province of British Columbia, with the majority coming from the Lower Mainland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Grace |title=Delta raptor rehabilitation society opens for its annual open house |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/news/delta-raptor-rehabilitation-society-opens-for-its-annual-open-house-2687477 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=May 4, 2017}}</ref> On occasion, birds come from neighbouring provinces and the United States of America requiring different permits.<ref name="auto"/>
⚫
OWL's hospital is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year to care for raptors in need. Wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers work together to provide care to the bird patients.<ref name="auto6">{{cite journal |last1=Staley |first1=Roberta |title=A Wing and a Prayer, Wildlife hospitals near Vancouver are seeing a huge influx of patients due to climate change, but staff and volunteers remain determined to work miracles |journal=BBC Wildlife Magazine |date=Spring 2024 |volume=42 |issue=4 |pages= 56–63}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{cite web |title=OWL Rehabilitation Centre not just for owls |url=https://talkingenergy.ca/stories/owl-rehabilitation-centre-not-just-owls |website=FortisBC |date=24 September 2019 |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> Local veterinarians assist, donating care and services when a raptor requires surgery. Since its foundation in 1985, thousands of raptors have been treated by OWL.


⚫
=== Wildlife helpline ===
OWL has a strong network of volunteers who make sure the raptors in need get help. OWL also receives help from conservation officers, veterinary clinics,<ref>{{cite web |title=Community Involvement, OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehab |url=https://huffanimalhospital.com/community.html |website=Huff Animal Hospital |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="auto2"/> police officers, firefighters, highway maintenance workers, trucking companies,<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto7">{{cite news |last1=Peebles |first1=Frank |title=Free as an eagle in Quesnel skies |url=https://www.wltribune.com/local-news/free-as-an-eagle-in-quesnel-skies-7347667 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Williams Lake Tribune |date=April 20, 2024}}</ref> airlines,<ref>{{cite web |title=Love has Wings: O.W.L. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngAyBN-hDKw |website=Pacific Coastal Airlines | date=24 February 2017 |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> and community groups.

⚫
== Wildlife hospital ==
OWL's hospital is open 7-days a week, 365-days a year to care for raptors in need. Wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers work together to provide care to the bird patients. The goal is always to release the rehabilitated raptors.

⚫
OWL's hospital houses a small surgical room, an intensive care unit (ICU), isolation rooms, a kitchen where the raptors’ food is kept, and an office area. OWL also has its own x-ray machine<ref name="auto6">{{cite journal |last1=Staley |first1=Roberta |title=A Wing and a Prayer, Wildlife hospitals near Vancouver are seeing a huge influx of patients due to climate change, but staff and volunteers remain determined to work miracles |journal=BBC Wildlife Magazine |date=Spring 2024 |volume=42 |issue=4 |pages= 56–63}}</ref> and equipment to test for lead poisoning.<ref name="auto4">{{cite web |title=OWL Rehabilitation Centre not just for owls |url=https://talkingenergy.ca/stories/owl-rehabilitation-centre-not-just-owls |website=FortisBC |date=24 September 2019 |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> Local veterinarians assist, donating care and services when a raptor requires orthopedic surgery.

OWL has specialized enclosures to help raptors with their rehabilitation and conditioning prior to release. One of the enclosures houses a live trout pool (Pool Cage) where ospreys and bald eagles can practice fishing, while another enclosure, the length of a football field with multiple rooms and movable barn doors (Field Flights), is used for pre-release flight conditioning of bald eagles, golden eagles and other raptors.

Since its foundation in 1985, OWL has treated thousands of raptors, and treats an average of seven hundred birds every year.

⚫
== Wildlife helpline ==
OWL is available 7-days a week, 365-days a year to answer calls from the public with questions regarding raptors in need. During events such as a heat dome,<ref name="auto3"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Diakow |first1=Thor |title=Hot weather brings record numbers to Metro Vancouver wildlife rehab centre (VIDEO) |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/local-news/hot-weather-brings-record-numbers-to-metro-vancouver-wildlife-rehab-centre-video-3936580 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=July 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto6"/> forest fires or cold snaps, phone calls from the public increase dramatically.
OWL is available 7-days a week, 365-days a year to answer calls from the public with questions regarding raptors in need. During events such as a heat dome,<ref name="auto3"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Diakow |first1=Thor |title=Hot weather brings record numbers to Metro Vancouver wildlife rehab centre (VIDEO) |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/local-news/hot-weather-brings-record-numbers-to-metro-vancouver-wildlife-rehab-centre-video-3936580 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=July 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto6"/> forest fires or cold snaps, phone calls from the public increase dramatically.


=== Education programs and events ===
== Programs ==
⚫
OWL provides education resources through their onsite and offsite education programs,<ref name="auto4"/> their virtual education program,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Munteanu |first1=Nina |title=Learning About Raptors with OWL |url=https://themeaningofwater.com/2023/08/27/learning-about-raptors-with-owl/ |website=The Meaning of Water |date=27 August 2023 |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/> their public tours and their social media. OWL provides work experience to high school and veterinary students, and volunteers from various Canadian provinces and other countries.
OWL has expanded its programs and the facility through public donations and the support of private companies who provide monetary donations, sponsorships of raptors in permanent care, materials and supplies to include a wildlife museum to the existing onsite and offsite education programs and to increase public awareness of the environmental impact people have on raptors and their natural world.

Through its volunteer work experience program, OWL helps provide practical skills to veterinary students, high school students, and volunteers from other countries.

=== Onsite and offsite education programs ===
OWL's primary goal is to rehabilitate and release sick, injured or orphaned raptors back into the wild. However, when a raptor suffers a permanent injury making them unable to survive in the wild and they adjust well to human contact, OWL gives them a second chance. They may become educational ambassadors, helping educate the public about raptors and environmental conservation or become foster parents to orphaned babies of their species and companions to other raptors undergoing rehabilitation at OWL.<ref name="auto4"/>

⚫
OWL offers in-person presentations to schools and other venues such as libraries, long-term care facilities, day cares, and work gatherings all over the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, and beyond. They also offer their education program virtually.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Munteanu |first1=Nina |title=Learning About Raptors with OWL |url=https://themeaningofwater.com/2023/08/27/learning-about-raptors-with-owl/ |website=The Meaning of Water |date=27 August 2023 |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/>

=== Work experience program ===
OWL provides work experience to veterinary students, high school students, and volunteers from various Canadian provinces and other countries who come to OWL to obtain practical skills in raptor rehabilitation, and raptor medical care and handling.

== Events ==
⚫
Every year, OWL hosts an Open House – its largest fundraiser. The two-day event includes education talks about raptors, the release of a raptor on each day, meet and greets of the raptor ambassadors and other family-friendly activities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jonca |first1=Lukasz |title=OWL gets by with a little help from its friends |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/opinion/owl-gets-by-with-a-little-help-from-its-friends-3027050 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=July 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=Get up close with birds of prey at OWL open house in Delta |url=https://www.surreynowleader.com/community/get-up-close-with-birds-of-prey-at-owl-open-house-in-delta-7346755 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Surrey Now-Leader |date=April 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kinnear |first1=Jim |title=Gallery: PHOTOS: OWL Open House |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/in-the-community/photos-owl-open-house-8705491 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=May 8, 2024}}</ref>

OWL hosts a winter fundraiser where individuals can have their picture taken with Santa and his owl helper.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=Winter fundraiser returns to raptor-rehabilitation centre |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/community/winter-fundraiser-returns-to-raptor-rehabilitation-centre-7110404 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=November 20, 2023}}</ref>


⚫
Every year, OWL hosts an Open House, a two-day event that includes the release of a raptor on each day,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jonca |first1=Lukasz |title=OWL gets by with a little help from its friends |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/opinion/owl-gets-by-with-a-little-help-from-its-friends-3027050 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=July 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=Get up close with birds of prey at OWL open house in Delta |url=https://www.surreynowleader.com/community/get-up-close-with-birds-of-prey-at-owl-open-house-in-delta-7346755 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Surrey Now-Leader |date=April 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kinnear |first1=Jim |title=Gallery: PHOTOS: OWL Open House |url=https://www.delta-optimist.com/in-the-community/photos-owl-open-house-8705491 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Delta Optimist |date=May 8, 2024}}</ref> and a one-day winter fundraiser,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=Winter fundraiser returns to raptor-rehabilitation centre |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/community/winter-fundraiser-returns-to-raptor-rehabilitation-centre-7110404 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=November 20, 2023}}</ref> usually in December.
During July and August, OWL offers daily tours to the public. From September to June, the facility is only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.<ref name="auto1"/>


== Notable rescues ==
== Notable rescues ==
* OWL volunteers used a volleyball net, a front-end loader, a fire truck and six hundred feet of marine rope to rescue a juvenile bald eagle stuck in a water treatment settling pond in Richmond in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=James |title=Video: Delta raptor rehab group rescues bald eagle from sewage treatment pond |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/news/video-delta-raptor-rehab-group-rescues-bald-eagle-from-sewage-treatment-pond-2719066 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=November 28, 2019}}</ref>
* OWL volunteers used a volleyball net, a front-end loader, a fire truck and six hundred feet of marine rope to rescue a juvenile bald eagle stuck in a water treatment settling pond in Richmond in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=James |title=Video: Delta raptor rehab group rescues bald eagle from sewage treatment pond |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/news/video-delta-raptor-rehab-group-rescues-bald-eagle-from-sewage-treatment-pond-2719066 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=November 28, 2019}}</ref>
* In 2020, a northern saw-whet owl surrounded by a thick pile of feathers indicative of a cat attack was picked up by a volunteer for PROWLS on Old Mine Road, north of Powell River. It was flown to OWL in Delta to be treated. After seven weeks of rehabilitation, it was flown back to Powell River by Pacific Coastal Airlines and released back into the wild.<ref>{{cite web |title=PROWLS and Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society treat northern saw-whet owl |url=https://prowls.org/rescue-of-the-week/prowls-and-orphaned-wildlife-rehabilitation-society-treat-northern-saw-whet-owl/ |website=PROWLS |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref>
* In 2020, a northern saw-whet owl surrounded by a thick pile of feathers indicative of a cat attack was picked up by a volunteer for PROWLS north of Powell River. It was flown to OWL in Delta to be treated. After seven weeks of rehabilitation, it was flown back to Powell River by Pacific Coastal Airlines and released back into the wild.<ref>{{cite web |title=PROWLS and Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society treat northern saw-whet owl |url=https://prowls.org/rescue-of-the-week/prowls-and-orphaned-wildlife-rehabilitation-society-treat-northern-saw-whet-owl/ |website=PROWLS |access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref>
* In 2021, a barn owl being attacked by crows flew into the gap between pallet stacks at Art Knapp in South Surrey. OWL volunteer June Young attended & with the help of an Art Knapp worker using a forklift to move the first layer of pallets, June tried to ease the barn owl backwards. She had hold of the owl's wings and one leg, but the owl grabbed hold of June's bare arm with the free leg and buried its claws completely in June's arm. The owl was rescued and taken to OLW and June had to go to the emergency where she was prescribed antibiotics for her wound.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=PHOTOS: Barn-owl rescue in South Surrey ends with hospital visit for OWL volunteer |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/news/photos-barn-owl-rescue-in-south-surrey-ends-with-hospital-visit-for-owl-volunteer-2738186 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=July 8, 2021}}</ref>
* In 2021, a barn owl being attacked by crows flew into the gap between pallet stacks at Art Knapp in South Surrey. OWL volunteer June Young attended and with the help of an Art Knapp worker using a forklift to move the first layer of pallets, June tried to ease the barn owl backwards. The owl grabbed hold of June's bare arm with its free leg and buried its claws in June's arm. The owl was rescued and taken to OWL and June had to go to the emergency.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Tracy |title=PHOTOS: Barn-owl rescue in South Surrey ends with hospital visit for OWL volunteer |url=https://www.northdeltareporter.com/news/photos-barn-owl-rescue-in-south-surrey-ends-with-hospital-visit-for-owl-volunteer-2738186 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=North Delta Reporter |date=July 8, 2021}}</ref>
* Matt Pistell was driving 25&nbsp;km north of 100 Mile House in the Interior in British Columbia one dark night in December 2022 when a large owl flew into his windshield. Pistell called his mom in a panic who told him to call his uncle who is a volunteer with OWL. Through the truckers who often assist OWL, the owl, referred to as Lucky, was transported to OWL in Delta. She had a concussion, damage to her right eye, and injuries to her left leg. In March 2023, after several months of rehabilitation, she was transported back to the Interior where she was released.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dickson |first1=Courtney |title=After getting hit by a truck, this great horned owl has been rehabilitated and released back into the wild |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/after-getting-hit-by-a-truck-this-great-horned-owl-has-been-rehabilitated-and-released-back-into-the-wild-1.6789403 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=CBC News |date=March 26, 2023}}</ref>
* Matt Pistell was driving 25&nbsp;km north of 100 Mile House in the Interior in British Columbia one dark night in December 2022 when a large owl flew into his windshield. Through the truckers who often assist OWL, the owl was transported to OWL in Delta. She had a concussion, damage to her right eye, and injuries to her left leg. In March 2023, after several months of rehabilitation, she was transported back to the Interior where she was released.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dickson |first1=Courtney |title=After getting hit by a truck, this great horned owl has been rehabilitated and released back into the wild |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/after-getting-hit-by-a-truck-this-great-horned-owl-has-been-rehabilitated-and-released-back-into-the-wild-1.6789403 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=CBC News |date=March 26, 2023}}</ref>
* OWL treated a trio of golden eagles for lead poisoning in 2024. All three were found near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. They were lethargic and not flying away. OWL believes the primary suspect of the lead poisoning is from ammunition used in hunting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Paul |title=Eagles and death metal: Trio of raptors found on Sunshine Coast with lead poisoning |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10403167/ealges-poison-lead-sunshine-coast/#:~:text=A%20B.C.%20bird%20rehabilitation%20organization,OWL)%20in%20Delta%20for%20treatment |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Global News |date=April 4, 2024}}</ref>
* OWL treated a trio of golden eagles for lead poisoning in 2024. All three were found near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. They were lethargic and not flying away. OWL believed the primary suspect of the lead poisoning was from ammunition used in hunting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Paul |title=Eagles and death metal: Trio of raptors found on Sunshine Coast with lead poisoning |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10403167/ealges-poison-lead-sunshine-coast/#:~:text=A%20B.C.%20bird%20rehabilitation%20organization,OWL)%20in%20Delta%20for%20treatment |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Global News |date=April 4, 2024}}</ref>
* On January 9, 2024, residents of Quesnel noticed an eagle who had been shot. The eagle suffered from lead poisoning and was shipped to OWL for rehabilitation via Bandstra Transportation Systems who provided the services pro bono. On April 11, 2024, the rehabilitated eagle was released at the West Fraser Timber Park in Quesnel where it was reunited with its riverside friend.<ref name="auto7"/>
* On January 9, 2024, residents of Quesnel noticed an eagle who had been shot. The eagle suffered from lead poisoning and was shipped to OWL for rehabilitation via Bandstra Transportation Systems. On April 11, 2024, the rehabilitated eagle was released at the West Fraser Timber Park in Quesnel where it was reunited with its riverside friend.<ref name="auto7"/>
* In January 2024, Fort St. James residents Brad Hoy and his wife rescued an injured eagle, braving snowbanks to reach it. The Hoys secured the injured eagle in a dog crate and transported it to OWL. The eagle suffered from lead poisoning and a broken wing. The eagle was successfully rehabilitated and released back in the Fort St. James community in May 2024, where it soared back to freedom.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paul |first1=Binny |title=Fort St. James community celebrates as rehabilitated bald eagle soars back to freedom |url=https://www.ominecaexpress.com/local-news/fort-st-james-community-celebrates-as-rehabilitated-bald-eagle-soars-back-to-freedom-7353576 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Vanderhoof Omineca Express |date=May 3, 2024}}</ref>
* In January 2024, Fort St. James residents Brad Hoy and his wife rescued an injured eagle, braving snowbanks to reach it. The Hoys secured the injured eagle in a dog crate and transported it to OWL. The eagle suffered from lead poisoning and a broken wing. After five months of rehabilitation, the eagle was successfully released back in the Fort St. James community.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paul |first1=Binny |title=Fort St. James community celebrates as rehabilitated bald eagle soars back to freedom |url=https://www.ominecaexpress.com/local-news/fort-st-james-community-celebrates-as-rehabilitated-bald-eagle-soars-back-to-freedom-7353576 |access-date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Vanderhoof Omineca Express |date=May 3, 2024}}</ref>


== Funding ==
== Funding ==

Revision as of 21:38, 10 July 2024

OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society
AbbreviationOWL
Formation1985
Founded at3800-72nd Street, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
TypeNon-profit organization
Registration no.119075026RR0001[1]
Legal statuscharity
PurposeAnimal rescue, rehabilitation, welfare, education
Region served
British Columbia, Canada
ServicesRescue, treatment and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey; public education including school and community groups; on-site education and public tours; wildlife museum; advice and guidance to the public on wildlife issues.
Staff
2 full-time, 4 part-time
Volunteers
500 + (as of 2024)
Websitehttps://www.owlrehab.org

The OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society is a wildlife rescue and raptor rehabilitation centre permitted to care for sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey which includes eagles, falcons, hawks, ospreys, owls, and vultures.[2][3] OWL is located in Delta, British Columbia, Canada.[4][3]

History

OWL was founded in 1984 in response to growing needs to help with the care and rehabilitation of raptors. Originally operating out of a small home in Surrey, British Columbia, OWL relocated to its current location at 3800-72nd Street in Delta in 1985.[5][3][6]

Activities

OWL is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of raptors only. They mitigate and respond to wildlife emergencies including weather events such as heatwaves,[7] cold snaps, and wildfires, often ending up with over seven hundred raptors in care in a year.[8][9] The birds come from all over the province of British Columbia, with the majority coming from the Lower Mainland.[10] On occasion, birds come from neighbouring provinces and the United States of America requiring different permits.[2] They are transported to OWL by a network of volunteers including trucking companies, airlines, community groups and others.[11][8][12][13]

Wildlife hospital

OWL's hospital is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year to care for raptors in need. Wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers work together to provide care to the bird patients.[14][15] Local veterinarians assist, donating care and services when a raptor requires surgery. Since its foundation in 1985, thousands of raptors have been treated by OWL.

Wildlife helpline

OWL is available 7-days a week, 365-days a year to answer calls from the public with questions regarding raptors in need. During events such as a heat dome,[7][16][14] forest fires or cold snaps, phone calls from the public increase dramatically.

Education programs and events

OWL provides education resources through their onsite and offsite education programs,[15] their virtual education program,[17][3] their public tours and their social media. OWL provides work experience to high school and veterinary students, and volunteers from various Canadian provinces and other countries.

Every year, OWL hosts an Open House, a two-day event that includes the release of a raptor on each day,[18][19][20] and a one-day winter fundraiser,[21] usually in December.

Notable rescues

  • OWL volunteers used a volleyball net, a front-end loader, a fire truck and six hundred feet of marine rope to rescue a juvenile bald eagle stuck in a water treatment settling pond in Richmond in 2019.[22]
  • In 2020, a northern saw-whet owl surrounded by a thick pile of feathers indicative of a cat attack was picked up by a volunteer for PROWLS north of Powell River. It was flown to OWL in Delta to be treated. After seven weeks of rehabilitation, it was flown back to Powell River by Pacific Coastal Airlines and released back into the wild.[23]
  • In 2021, a barn owl being attacked by crows flew into the gap between pallet stacks at Art Knapp in South Surrey. OWL volunteer June Young attended and with the help of an Art Knapp worker using a forklift to move the first layer of pallets, June tried to ease the barn owl backwards. The owl grabbed hold of June's bare arm with its free leg and buried its claws in June's arm. The owl was rescued and taken to OWL and June had to go to the emergency.[24]
  • Matt Pistell was driving 25 km north of 100 Mile House in the Interior in British Columbia one dark night in December 2022 when a large owl flew into his windshield. Through the truckers who often assist OWL, the owl was transported to OWL in Delta. She had a concussion, damage to her right eye, and injuries to her left leg. In March 2023, after several months of rehabilitation, she was transported back to the Interior where she was released.[25]
  • OWL treated a trio of golden eagles for lead poisoning in 2024. All three were found near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. They were lethargic and not flying away. OWL believed the primary suspect of the lead poisoning was from ammunition used in hunting.[26]
  • On January 9, 2024, residents of Quesnel noticed an eagle who had been shot. The eagle suffered from lead poisoning and was shipped to OWL for rehabilitation via Bandstra Transportation Systems. On April 11, 2024, the rehabilitated eagle was released at the West Fraser Timber Park in Quesnel where it was reunited with its riverside friend.[12]
  • In January 2024, Fort St. James residents Brad Hoy and his wife rescued an injured eagle, braving snowbanks to reach it. The Hoys secured the injured eagle in a dog crate and transported it to OWL. The eagle suffered from lead poisoning and a broken wing. After five months of rehabilitation, the eagle was successfully released back in the Fort St. James community.[27]

Funding

OWL is a not-for-profit charitable society that relies on donations from the public and the support of companies and corporations who provide donations, sponsorships, material, and supplies.

References

  1. ^ Canada Revenue Agency. "OWL (ORPHANED WILDLIFE) REHABILITATION SOCIETY — Quick View". Government of Canada. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b Kennedy, Grace (September 7, 2018). "Helping birds a passion for staff at Delta's OWL rehabilitation centre". North Delta Reporter. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d Ludwig, Michaela (March 23, 2019). "Spotlight: OWL Rehabilitation Society". British Columbia Magazine. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  4. ^ Holmes, Tracy (April 9, 2023). "Raptor meet-and-greet returns with OWL open house". Peace Arch News. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  5. ^ "O.W.L.(Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society v. Beverly Day". Supreme Court of British Columbia. 2018 BCSC 1724. October 9, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  6. ^ Pedersen, Rick (2019). "Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (O.W.L.)". Goes To 11 Media. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  7. ^ a b Penaloza, Dani (July 6, 2021). "Heat wave leads to record numbers for Delta's OWL Society". Vancouver Is Awesome. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  8. ^ a b Booth, Mark (March 1, 2021). "More respect for wildlife would mean less work for OWL". Delta Optimist. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  9. ^ Pawson, Chad (April 23, 2016). "Delta rehabilitation centre sees dramatic rise in bird rescues". CBC News. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  10. ^ Kennedy, Grace (May 4, 2017). "Delta raptor rehabilitation society opens for its annual open house". North Delta Reporter. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  11. ^ "Community Involvement, OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehab". Huff Animal Hospital. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  12. ^ a b Peebles, Frank (April 20, 2024). "Free as an eagle in Quesnel skies". Williams Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  13. ^ "Love has Wings: O.W.L." Pacific Coastal Airlines. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  14. ^ a b Staley, Roberta (Spring 2024). "A Wing and a Prayer, Wildlife hospitals near Vancouver are seeing a huge influx of patients due to climate change, but staff and volunteers remain determined to work miracles". BBC Wildlife Magazine. 42 (4): 56–63.
  15. ^ a b "OWL Rehabilitation Centre not just for owls". FortisBC. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  16. ^ Diakow, Thor (July 7, 2021). "Hot weather brings record numbers to Metro Vancouver wildlife rehab centre (VIDEO)". Delta Optimist. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  17. ^ Munteanu, Nina (27 August 2023). "Learning About Raptors with OWL". The Meaning of Water. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  18. ^ Jonca, Lukasz (July 7, 2014). "OWL gets by with a little help from its friends". Delta Optimist. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  19. ^ Holmes, Tracy (April 18, 2024). "Get up close with birds of prey at OWL open house in Delta". Surrey Now-Leader. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  20. ^ Kinnear, Jim (May 8, 2024). "Gallery: PHOTOS: OWL Open House". Delta Optimist. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  21. ^ Holmes, Tracy (November 20, 2023). "Winter fundraiser returns to raptor-rehabilitation centre". North Delta Reporter. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  22. ^ Smith, James (November 28, 2019). "Video: Delta raptor rehab group rescues bald eagle from sewage treatment pond". North Delta Reporter. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  23. ^ "PROWLS and Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society treat northern saw-whet owl". PROWLS. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  24. ^ Holmes, Tracy (July 8, 2021). "PHOTOS: Barn-owl rescue in South Surrey ends with hospital visit for OWL volunteer". North Delta Reporter. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  25. ^ Dickson, Courtney (March 26, 2023). "After getting hit by a truck, this great horned owl has been rehabilitated and released back into the wild". CBC News. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  26. ^ Johnson, Paul (April 4, 2024). "Eagles and death metal: Trio of raptors found on Sunshine Coast with lead poisoning". Global News. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  27. ^ Paul, Binny (May 3, 2024). "Fort St. James community celebrates as rehabilitated bald eagle soars back to freedom". Vanderhoof Omineca Express. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
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