Project Spotlight: the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)
Black Bear Enclosure. Design by Riddell Kurczaba
Did you know that Alberta is home to over 587 unique wildlife species – one of the most diverse areas in the world? Every year, thousands of injured and orphaned animals – from bears to eagles and even brown bats – are brought into the care of the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). One such animal, a young moose calf, was brought into AIWC in the spring after losing his mother. With the help of AIWC staff and volunteers, he gained enough weight throughout the summer to be successfully rehabilitated and released back to the wild in the fall.
AIWC is a Canadian-registered charity and accredited veterinary hospital that has been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife since 1993. With seven full-time staff, part-time staff and a team of over 125 volunteers and over 250 active members, AIWC works within the community to educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation and stewardship.
Their current wildlife hospital, located north of Calgary, includes a surgical suite, laboratory, x-ray room and various care units. Over 20 outdoor enclosures support the rehabilitation of the animals, including flight-conditioning spaces for raptors, songbird enclosures, and pastures and corrals for moose and deer, among others.
With demand for their services increasing every year, Riddell Kurczaba (RK) is honored to be working with AIWC on additional outdoor enclosures including an industry leading black bear enclosure – which is currently in construction, as well as a raptor enclosure which is currently in the design phase. Finally, RK is beginning work on a Master Plan for the overall facility to address future needs and requirements to support AIWC’s mission to be a leader in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife.
AIWC is currently running their annual May Fundraiser – the Wildlife Baby Shower – which raises funds to help animals in their care. With the cost of rehabilitating an individual animal falling in at anywhere from $100 to well over $1,000, every donation is important. Please visit aiwc.ca/wildlife-baby-shower/ to donate today.
If you’d like to learn more about this important organization and the impactful work that they do in our community, please visit them at aiwc.ca.
Orphaned black bear cubs get a new lease on life
Black Bear Enclosure. Design by Riddell Kurczaba
