About Island Wildlife
Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre (sealrescue.org), founded in 1997, is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. We have earned permits from the Ministry of the Environment, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Island Wildlife responds to calls regarding all indigenous species from the Gulf Islands of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. A volunteer is always available to pick up and safely transport wildlife.
In addition to conventional veterinary protocols we utilize alternative, non-toxic treatments such as herbal tinctures, homeopathy and physical therapies. We have found that this comprehensive approach affords our wild patients the best chance for survival. We believe that the quality of life is everything. In keeping with that philosophy we maintain no display animals or permanent captives. Island Wildlife is a wildlife hospital.
We are often told that many of the species we treat are not threatened populations. While this may be true, the work we do means everything to a fawn who has just been made an orphan by an automobile, to a harbour seal dying slowly on the beach because its mother drowned in a fishing net, or to a bald eagle flightless and dying from lead poisoning.
We see animals as independent lives, not as populations. If today we can prevent the needless suffering of a single animal, then we have done important work.
" Island Wildlife, one of the leading wildlife centres in North America, passionately care for the orphaned, sick and injured wildlife that come to them every season." - Martha Stewart
"I feel very connected to Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre, to Jeff Lederman and his entire staff. We are working together for the same end."
- Sam Graci
"Whether it's saving an endangered species or rehabilitating Harbour Seals for release back into the Strait of Georgia, I am forever moved by the dedication of so many people working to preserve the world of nature. Island Wildlife, it's a great place for wild animals."
- Jack Hanna
For well over 20 years the Brigitte Bardot Foundation has supported the goals of Island Wildlife. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation is the world-wide protector of animal welfare. Internationally, The Foundation's activities range from creating a bear sanctuary in Bulgaria to fighting the seal slaughter in Canada.
STAFF: Marielle Bonnet - Veterinarian / Director of Animal Care Wayne Langley - Facilities / Rehabilitation Jeff Lederman - Founder
BOARD of DIRECTORS:
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Dr. Jane Armstrong, President, Professor Emeritus (University of Minnesota) and Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College and has studied at the University of Illinois and Michigan State University. She has taught at North Carolina State University and the University of Minnesota. She has worked as External Relations Director for the Purina Institute. She currently serves as Chair of the Continuing Education Committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
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Peter Southam, Vice-President, came to Salt Spring in 2015 after an adventurous 33 year career as a naval officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. He served many years at sea navigating our ships through high seas and zero visibility on both coasts. Peter is an avid birder / photographer.
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Dr. Mary Richardson, Secretary, graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1986. After practicing in Ontario for many years, she retired to Salt Spring Island. She has worked as an Animal Welfare Consultant for 3 decades dealing with issues such as the seal hunt, humane slaughter and industrial agriculture. This often involves writing reports on undercover video footage collected by PETA, IFAW and Mercy for Animals. Other volunteer positions include Restorative Justice, working towards a community composter and managing liquid waste here on Island.
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Ann Pennant, Treasurer, is an accountant with over 30 years experience in the not-for-profit sector and has always been fascinated by the diverse wildlife of Western Canada.
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Eleanor Dawson, Director-at-large, while a lawyer in private practice, served as a director and officer of a number of animal welfare organizations, including the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the Canadian Council on Animal Care. Currently, she chairs the board of directors of a charitable foundation that supports animal welfare programs that teach the values of compassion, empathy, generosity and responsibility.
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Earl Rook, Director-at-large, retired to Salt Spring in 2015 after a managerial career in both the public and private sectors. He holds a BA in Music Theory & Composition and a Master’s in International Management. While on Salt Spring Island, Earl has served on the boards of the Bandemonium Music Society and the Salt Spring Island Garden Club. He is currently Chair of the Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission.