WILDLIFE IN ACTION: Coordinating Rescue from Call to Release

WILDNorth is a charitable organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife across northern Alberta. Our Wildlife Helpline is the public’s first point of contact and education—providing immediate guidance, wildlife awareness, and humane solutions. In 2025 alone, we’ve already responded to nearly 13,000 calls, reflecting both the growing need and trust in our services.

To meet this rising demand and improve operational efficiency, we are seeking funding to support a new full-time position: Manager of WILDRescue. This role will oversee the entire rescue continuum—from the moment a call is received, through field response, triage, transport, and ultimately, release.

The WILDRescue Manager will:

• Coordinate and train staff and volunteers in safe, humane wildlife handling.
• Streamline communication between Helpline, rescue responders, and rehabilitation teams.
• Develop protocols to improve response times and animal outcomes.
• Expand outreach to underserved rural and Indigenous communities.
• Lead data collection and reporting to inform conservation and education efforts.

With over 3,500 wildlife emergencies responded to in 2024 and nearly 13,000 Helpline calls already in 2025, this position is essential to scaling our impact and strengthening Alberta’s wildlife rescue infrastructure.

Your support will help us professionalize and enhance our rescue operations, giving wild animals a second chance—and empowering communities to become stewards of the natural world.

Funding a full-time Manager of WILDRescue will directly benefit Alberta’s wildlife, the public, and the broader ecosystem. With nearly 13,000 Helpline calls already in 2025, the demand for wildlife support is growing—and so is the need for coordinated, professional response.

Wildlife: Injured, orphaned, and displaced animals will receive faster, more humane care. From urban songbirds to rural fox kits, each rescue will be managed with expert oversight, improving survival rates and reducing suffering.

The Public: Citizens who encounter wildlife in distress will receive timely education and support through our Helpline and rescue teams. The Manager will ensure callers get accurate, compassionate guidance—turning moments of crisis into opportunities for learning and stewardship.

Volunteers & Staff: Our team of responders, rehabilitators, and Helpline operators will benefit from streamlined communication, better training, and stronger leadership. This role will reduce burnout, improve morale, and create a more resilient rescue network.

Communities: Rural and Indigenous communities often face barriers to wildlife support. The Manager will help expand outreach, build relationships, and ensure equitable access to rescue services.

Conservation Efforts: With improved data collection and reporting, we’ll contribute valuable insights to wildlife trends, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat pressures—informing policy and public awareness.

This role strengthens every link in the rescue chain—from first call to final release—ensuring Alberta’s wild creatures and communities thrive together.