The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) is giving people the opportunity to get up close and personal with local wild animals.
Residents can call and reserve an hour to visit the centre on Sept. 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will learn about the centre, the animals and how to safely interact with wildlife.
“It is pretty amazing for people to see these animals up close,” said Diane Wittner, wildlife biologist and founder of AIWC.
“These animals are not habituated, they are not tame and that isn’t something people get to see everyday. It is a pretty unique opportunity.”
The tour includes a video camera in a remote area of the centre so viewers can see secluded animals such as coyote pups or baby badgers.
The theme of the open house is Hawks Galore, as the centre is currently housing between 20 to 30 of the raptors.
“Our juvenile hawks are starting to experiment with the real world,” said Wittner.
“We will teach people all about the birds and their migration.”
The AIWC has been in operation for 17 years and is the only centre in Alberta accredited by the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. The centre performs surgery and rehabilitates local animals, taking in everything from hummingbirds to moose.
Wittner said the most unique animals the centre has cared for include a turkey vulture, a whippoorwil bird and bears.
“People are always blown away when they get to see what goes on here,” said Wittner.
“As a whole, people are interested in wildlife.”
The centre is currently housing about 60 animals, but can hold as many as 200. About 120 volunteers work at the centre.
To book a spot at the open house, call 403-946-2361. Visitors are required to pay a $10/person or $25/family refundable deposit.
