A wildlife sanctuary in Severn Township is seeking community support to replace a critical vehicle that has been essential to its work.
Speaking of Wildlife, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife education and animal rescue, is struggling after their van — used for travel, rescues, and hauling supplies — recently reached the end of its life after logging over 400,000 kilometres.
With the van now out of commission, the organization is relying on its director and manager of operations, Krystal Hewitt, and her personal Jeep, a vehicle far from ideal for transporting animals, supplies, and rescue equipment, she explained.
For years, Speaking of Wildlife has been educating Ontarians about the animals we share an environment with. The organization’s mobile education program travels across the province, bringing "ambassador animals" to schools, events, and communities to teach people about local wildlife, what to do if they find an animal in distress, and how to coexist with nature.
“This van helps us to get to those programs,” said Hewitt. “But it also hauls food, materials, mulch, and wood chips for the animals, and it serves as our rescue vehicle. Just this morning, we were out to a call for an opossum. A couple of days ago, it was an owl. It really does a lot of things.”
Now, without their vehicle, Speaking of Wildlife is struggling to continue its operations at full capacity.
“Right now, we are using my personal Jeep, which is a two-door — not really meant for the same sort of purposes,” Hewitt explained. “It functions, but it doesn’t give us a whole lot of space. We can’t even fit a long net in there, which really limits what we’re able to do.”
The organization’s wildlife education programs are not only crucial in spreading awareness about Ontario’s native species, but they also help fund the care of the animals that call Speaking of Wildlife home, she explained.
“We are a non-profit organization, and all of the funding we raise goes directly back to the care of the animals here,” Hewitt said. “Delivering these programs allows us to provide them with proper diets, veterinary care, and everything they need to thrive.”
Through their programs, Speaking of Wildlife works to dispel common myths and fears about local wildlife, helping people understand how to respect and appreciate the animals around them.
“We tend to learn a lot about exotic species, but the animals in our backyard are just as interesting and important,” Hewitt said. “You don’t necessarily have to run and hide when you see a skunk — just respect their boundaries and space. Snakes aren’t necessarily something to be feared either.”
But without a proper vehicle, delivering these programs and responding to wildlife calls will become nearly impossible, she fears.
“If we don’t find a replacement for our van, we won’t be able to deliver as many programs — or at some point, any programs at all,” Hewitt explained. “Without the space to transport animals and equipment, and without a reliable vehicle for rescues, we just won’t be able to continue at the level we need to.”
Speaking of Wildlife is open to any potential solutions that could help them secure a new van — whether that be sponsorship, a donated vehicle, a discounted sale, or other creative ideas.
“We aren’t 100 per cent sold on any one type of contribution,” Hewitt said. “If someone has a lead on a vehicle — whether it’s a lease, a donation, or a sponsorship — we’re happy to chat. We know other organizations have been in this position before, so we’re open to any ideas that will help us continue our work.”
While Hewitt acknowledges that a new van would ultimately benefit the animals, she hopes to minimize costs to ensure the majority of their funds continue to go directly toward animal care.
Anyone with leads on a vehicle, sponsorship opportunities, or other ways to assist can reach out to Speaking of Wildlife by email at [email protected] or by phone at 705-327-9450.
As a non-profit dedicated to the rescue, education, and care of Ontario’s wildlife, Speaking of Wildlife is hoping the community can come together to help them keep their mission moving.
“A new van would be put to use right here in our own community,” Hewitt said. “Every bit of support helps.”